If you have been blogging for a long time, you have made friends who mean as much to you as people you know in "real life". And the long time of blogging means that we have all gotten older, with the sad facts that may go along with it. Sickness. Death.
Some of my beloved blogging friends have lost their husbands And today I read that a woman I have been in touch with for a long time died. Her daughter posted on her blog.
I cried as if I had known her in my everyday life, because of course I did. It is made even harder because I have been away so much in the past year. If she was sick, I didn't even know. I've emailed her daughter.
I know a lot of you have been through this, too. The blogging world is slower, quieter than what came after it. That is why I love it and continue on. It lifts me up, teaches me, offers friendships, and sometimes brings sadness.
I am sorry to hear a blogging friend died. There have been two deaths in my blogging world over the years and it's very hard as we do develop good friendships. Thanks to blogging I have learned things, made friends, look forward to interactions and worry when I don't hear or see a post from some.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Nan.
Tina
xo
What you said at the end is why the daughter decided to post on her blog. So many just leave, and we never hear why.
DeleteNan, this is a lovely thought-provoking post. I'm so sorry about the passing of your blogging friend. Yes, I guess we are at that time of life. I agree that the friends I've made through blogging are indeed 'real' friends (including you...) and blogs still have a place in my life to share life and books. Take care, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Kay.
DeleteOh, this is heartbreaking, Nan. I'm so sorry. I have felt this way when some of my blogging friends have stopped blogging due to their own personal problems and heartbreaks. I'm thankful that I keep in touch via email to those who are especially dear to me, as you and Kay are. Remember when we used to try to explain these friendships when blogging was new? Love and hugs to you, my friend. xo
ReplyDeleteIt was the most amazing thing to come upon people who thought as I did, especially about reading and books and life. It felt like a little miracle. It was like, whew, someone understands.
DeleteNan, I do know what you mean. I had a blogging friend who died two years ago. He sent me books from his library, often just ones he thought I would like, and recommended books. His wife sent me some books of his after he died. He was such a good, generous friend. I still miss him and think of him (and cry) when I read books that we both enjoyed. The good thing is that we are lucky to have such meaningful friendships in blogging.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is so very sad. What a kind thing he did for you, and for his wife to do the same after he died.
DeleteI've experienced the same, Nan, and after almost 18 years of blogging, it seems to be happening more and more often. I'm always thankful when a family member of the person who's disappeared manages to post something to let the rest of us get our own sense of closure about what's happened to our missing friend. It kind of makes me think we should maybe all designate someone close to us to do exactly that because, as you say, we've all been at this a long time now and we've all made some dear friends in the process. And I, for one, was no spring chicken when I started...
ReplyDelete18 years for me come November. I was 58.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea.
I've often thought about this. I'm sure my kids wouldn't ever care about my blog, and so I've thought I would delete it or have them delete it. Not something that is fun to think about.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your blogging friend, Nan. These losses are hard. Each one. Your post was both poignant and thought provoking, and I appreciate you for sharing your thoughts about blogging friends, and questions on how to handle our own blogs eventually. I really love Sam’s idea of helping each other out with that. Big hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear friend. And I haven't meant to take so long answering your kind email.
DeleteI ask myself why I now blog so infrequently--perhaps there is a suspicion that my elderly thoughts and doings are no longer of much interest to others. And yet--I retain my interest in what long-time blogger friends have to say and regret the disappearance of so many lively people who have given us glimpses of their lives. I hope that Tom's health issues can be resolved--retirement is supposed to be a time to relax and do the things we've not had time for in the past.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that is true at all. I love rural life blogs, and I am sure others do as well. You are a marvel to me with all you do!!
DeleteA woman just recently expressed your words - saying that retirement was supposed to be more fun and relaxing but the couple spend much of their time dealing with parents in their nineties. I have read articles about this, that people live so much longer that their children in their seventies can't do what they had planned.