This is not the post I had in mind for today. However here it is. I could never have imagined how this crazy world of blogging would impact me and the relationships that would develop. I remember stressing for months trying to get the nerve to start a blog. Pushing the publish button on that very first post was terrifying. What would I say? Who will read it? How much will I share? What if no one reads it? And probably a hundred other concerns.
However, the last thing I considered was the multitude of positive things that would be introduced into my life. I follow a variety of different types of blogs, including a few related to caregiving for Alzheimers. Sometimes you just make a connection you cannot explain. One blog in particular sparked with me. A daughter as primary caregiver to her Mom. Her Mom reminded me of mine. We shared experiences occasionally. Maybe 3 or 4 emails a year but we seemed to be able to relate to each other's experiences.
Today I received an email letting me know her Mom passed away this weekend and she attached the obituary to the message. As I was reading it I noticed my face was wet - a few tears rolling down my face. Dorothy's fiesty nature reminded me of Mom, I realized I had developed a bit of an attachment to her. And more than that, I was so taken back that in her daughter's fresh grief, she thought of me, a virtual stranger, thousands of miles away.
I guess the point of this post is that you just never know how you will impact other people. Which post or line or comment will make a difference to someone. Who will you make a connection with and why?
Dorothy's daughter and I shared a common experience and we occasionally shared our thoughts and opinions. We understood each other's issues. We asked each other the same questions.
Please say a little prayer for Dorothy's family tonight.
Oh Kim, I most certainly will say a prayer for Dorothy and all she is going to endure in the next year or so...and I thank you for a beautiful post; NO, we don't know the why's or the how's but the connections are powerful!
ReplyDeleteSometimes we tell ourselves we have all we need close to us, but I think blogging shows us that some of the connections we really need aren't physically close, but are truly right at our fingertips.
ReplyDeleteAW I am so sorry. I am glad that she thought to send you a notice. It is true, we do have wonderful friendship that we never expected when we hit that publish blog for that first time. I think though, just because of your warm and happy spirit and your giving of yourself all of the time it just speaks volumes to so many.
ReplyDeleteI know that you never fail to encourage, or bless or just plain ole make me laugh.
You are a blessing and I am so glad you chose to hit publish. :)
I will say a prayer tonight for sure. Blesings come from every where. So Glad you pushed publish.
ReplyDeleteCathy
I will certainly pray. My Granny suffered from the disease and we know first hand how hard it is.
ReplyDeleteYes, blogging connects us. I believe it's for a reason.
Kim, you are a very caring person and you always appreciate the smallest gesture of kindness that people show toward you or your mom and it's something that I've noticed from the very beginning when I started following your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you've connected with someone with whom you can relate and get support and affirmation. I'm sorry that your blogger friend has lost her mother to this terrible disease. I'll certainly will keep Dorothy and her family in my prayers.
Hugs. JB
Yes, I will say a prayer tonight. God Bless them both.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest surprise I've had blogging are the wonderful people and that anyone reads my posts. I'm so sorry for your friend's loss. I'm glad you have each other for support and I will say a prayer for their family tonight.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing to have such a strong connection, Kim. I have found that too especially in my recent illness. The caring of "strangers" (and yet they aren't...) has touched my heart and given me so much support. I guess you gravitate toward those who are like you and with whom you have something in common.
ReplyDeleteBlessing and comfort to you and your friends family.
Yes Kim I will say a prayer for sure.
ReplyDeleteKim: You're so right, sometimes you just click with someone and know it's real. This is a very touching story, and I'm glad you could be there for Dorothy's daughter...I'm sure it must mean a lot to her, as well. Blessings on all of you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully stated post, Kim - so spot-on. It is so true what you say about the "unexpected blessings" - I, for one, never had a clue what this world would open up for me - and I have found more kindred spirits - and more loving hearts - in one year than in my lifetime I swear. Saying prayers for Dorothy's family....hope they can take comfort in her memory and spirit. Hugs ~ Robin
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you've given her some great moments of comfort along the way - there's nothing like sharing a problem with a supportive friend. I've found some amazing friends through blogging as well - sometimes bonding over the most random things. It's a great world out there in the blogosphere filled with wonderful people. Thanks for sharing this - I'll be sure to remember Dorothy's family in prayer. Hopefully they'll be comforted.
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