The Inevitable FaceBook Post

Um....I just was really touched by a note someone sent me on Facebook. It made me think, and it almost made me cry. I think a lot about FaceBook, because it has caused me to open up areas of my life that were once locked away tight. When you meet up with friends on here that you haven't seen in almost 30 years, it really does make you think. A lot. I was not a good friend to one of the best people ever in my life while I lived in Maryland. And the thing is, she lived in Maryland too! I let guilt and fear rule me. Instead of breaking the crazy strong bonds of stupid guilt, I kowtowed to them. I could have (and almost did) lost one of the most important relationships in my entire life. But of all things, a social networking site originally designed for college students, has strengthened our friendship. I love seeing her face everyday, even if it's just in a picture. I really do love to hear what she's doing (and she is one of those people who is always doing something amazing). She's not the only one. I now get to hear about my cousins, far flung about the USA. I only saw them once every 4 or 5 years depending on weddings, and funerals. And now I get to talk to them if not every day, at least once a week. I see pictures of their adult children. I know of their accomplishments. Otherwise, I hate to say it, I wouldn't. And my cousin with the new baby....it is just great to get to chart the little one's progress. In a way, FaceBook has brought me closer to my family. Is it silly sometimes? Of course. I mean, who really cares about what Gilligan's Island character I would be (Maryann btw), or what I ate for breakfast. But I now get to see what my friends from college are up too. I see pictures of their children, see videos of plays and commercials and TV shows they've done. And then there are the friends from my much younger life who are on here. Because I have moved around so much, I lost contact with a lot of people. Well....um...wow!! Here they are on FaceBook! My darling best friend from middle school! I always guessed she would become an actress....but no! Let's try more like a Rocket Scientist!! And the amazing thing about her is that though we could not be more different politically, I really do like hearing what she has to say. So...FB is teaching me tolerance!! (Okay, I admit, going a bit overboard here......but c'mon, this is really neat. My best friend from 8th grade!!) I have been totally blessed to be able to keep up with friends made while we were in the military too. When you are thrust into all kinds of situations with the Army, you tend to make friends fast and hard. Now these relationships are much easier to keep going.

I guess people could say that FaceBook is a waste of time. And yes, if your children are screaming for your attention or your husband wants to make love to you, or your house is on fire....then I think your next status update can wait! But I love knowing that a friend has a job interview. Or that someone from my church is dating someone new. These are lovely. They make my day better. They take the focus off of me. I love pictures of new babies, and vacations, and soccer games. And in my totally selfish way...I love people (friends!!) making comments to me. I eat it up! I should also point out that since I got on FB in November, I have already met up with 2 very dear old friends! I would have never gotten to do that, I don't think, if it hadn't been for getting in contact with them on here. So that right there makes it worth it. I am personally glad that all of us middleclass moms hijacked FB from the teenagers! I have been touched, strengthened, and humbled by my friends. I look forward to stronger bonds and more meetings.If that makes me a FaceBook addict, than okay! I'll be the first one to attend that 12 Step meeting! "Hi! My name is Amy, and I'm a Facebook addict.....now give me my chip!"