They don’t know.
May 30, 2006When you talk to people about making friends on the internets through mommie boards or blogs or what-have-you, they sometimes look at you like you are crazy.
But they just don’t know.
I have “met” some of the most amazing, beautiful people in the last few years I’ve spent trolling the web. My life has been so enriched by hearing their stories, catching glimpses into their lives, sharing advice and concerns, chatting about politics or the latest celebrity blunder.
A husband deployed in Iraq. An angel taken by cancer at 9 months old. A recently divorced woman, writing with grace, humor through some of her darkest moments. A couple, newly pregnant, expecting again after the loss of their first-born who danced on this earth for only seven hours. Maybe I’m feeling especially vulnerable or raw or something right now, but I find myself being so touched every day by somebody’s story, the words they type into their computer and send out into the ether.
It’s not all about pain and grief and loss. It’s about potty-training and knitting and morning sickness and sibling rivalry and going back to work and the latest episode of Lost and differing faiths. It’s about hearing what it’s like to live in California or Florida or Washington or Ohio or Montreal or Massachusetts or Arizona or Maryland or Oregon or Virginia or Utah . . .
Everyone has a story. And because of the internets, we get to hear some of the best ones out there. I can’t quit you, internets. (an attempt to lighten an otherwise sort of maudlin rambling. . . ) . 
Exactly. Wonderfully said, Suze!
Comment by Sarah — May 30, 2006 @ 7:04 am
I am often amazed at how much people are willing to share about their personal lives online, but I am more amazed at how their stories give other people the strength to get through similar situations.
Comment by Kate — May 31, 2006 @ 1:01 pm
I know the feeling of people looking at you like you’re strange to have “friends” from blogs or boards. But you know, the truth is, they ARE my friends. My life would not be the same without all of them.
Comment by Cynthia — May 31, 2006 @ 2:10 pm
Well said Suze! I have met a few woman online that I only wish lived close by!
Comment by Tamara — June 2, 2006 @ 1:44 am
My life has been incredibly enriched by this whole experience.
Comment by Jana — June 2, 2006 @ 5:25 am
Group hug!
Seriously, you’ve said it so well. It’s been an amazing experience.
Comment by kimberlee — June 3, 2006 @ 4:03 am
Aw, I’m all warm and fuzzy (kinda like that kook on Ebay!). It’s so true, though, Suze!
Comment by Christine — June 5, 2006 @ 12:22 am
right on, Suze!
Comment by mel — June 8, 2006 @ 12:22 am
That was beautiful, Suze! Right on target, and true to the point.
Comment by Vivian — June 9, 2006 @ 5:39 am