I have a little story to add to this:
My Mom was part of an online group for the last twelve years of her life. This group formed in the early days of AOL. They stuck together and became friends. The members of the group have rarely met one another in person and their ages and lives are all a variety, but they nevertheless formed bonds with each other.
My Mother had poor eyesight with macular degeneration. She was nearly blind in her right eye. She also had a lot of allergies, and her skin gave her the worst trouble. From spring to the first winter frost she would have cracked, swollen, and bleeding hands. These things didn't keep her from going online. It didn't stop her from writing to her online friends. It may have taken her much longer than most to compose an email but she would write. She would send them encouragement and happy mail. She would sympathize with their struggles and cheer for their triumphs. We, her family, were always glad she had this connection to the outside world. She had companionship when her life could have just become very shut in and lonely.
Upon learning of my Mother's passing this group sent our family some of the sweetest condolences. Even when she was sick I know they were sending us prayers and good thoughts. I haven't met them in person, yet I know that it's been such a comfort to have these "strangers" offer such kind words.
My mother used to wish she'd been born later so she could have done more with computers. Her curiosity lead her to go "online" before any of her kids ventured into the World Wide Web. The connections she made and the positive vibes she sent out there have come back to me and my family.
We are all so fortunate today to have this most amazing way to connect. It is through the Internet that we can care for one another. Like every form of communication there are ways to do it negatively or positively. It is awe inspiring that we have the ability to view lives all over the world and connect not only with other humans but also with our own sense of humanity. What I have been most blessed by recently is the way this "field of humanity" has positively bolstered my own attitude. If you are reading this then I thank your for your contribution, and I continue to say thanks as I find my own way through grieving, joyfully remembering, and picking up the creative threads in my life.
May the blessings of love and encouragement, that I've so generously been given, now radiate out to you and yours......................
