Today's post has a slightly different tone than those in the past but I feel that the story is important and frankly, it will explain why I have been away for the past week with the exception of a few Facebook and Twitter updates.
Last week, my family experienced a tragic loss. On March 4th, my 21 year-old cousin died as the result of a car accident. Unfortunately this was not the first time my family has had to say goodbye to someone so young. But this time was different. Within hours of my cousin being admitted into the hospital, family and friends were posting prayer wi
shes and hope for a recovery on Facebook.
The communication grew by the minute and within
hours, there were hundreds of people holding a vigil for my cousin at the hospital and throughout Colorado through a site that was once used primarily by college students to network and share party details. Relatives and friends alike were joining the site in order to participate in the discussion and to view a page dedicated to my cousin. After my cousin passed, old feelings of extreme grief came rushing back from when my brother passed followed by another cousin approximately 15 years ago. My biggest fear was not being there for my family, not having the courage to share the words that I needed to get through. But Facebook allowed me to reach out to a large number of people who cared so deeply for this amazing young person.
Within about 24 hours, the dedication page that his friends set up, had over 200+ members and 180+ pictures. We were able to collect the photos and in no time, generate a video of his life. The sharing continues and this time, it somehow seems easier to let people know what you are thinking, know how others are getting through the day and that you can have a place out in the cyber world where you can share your feelings, thoughts and memories of a person who is no longer around.
In addition to having this virtual support group, I reached out on Twitter with a desperate plea for help with converting a digital file to DVD. I needed to drop off the video we created to the Church by a specific time. The deadline was minutes away and I had nothing to lose by posting a request for help. Within minutes, I received a number of responses, and direct messages with people willing to help. Coincidentally, my business partner, @denverprblog, was checking Twitter at that moment and called to walk me through to process. I was able to meet the deadline due to a combination of strangers and friends who were in the right place at the right time, online!
While some say that these online networks are creating walls between people, I would argue that the walls are finally coming down and now there is a safe place to say what you wish you could say in person at that very moment or reach out to a group that you wouldn't otherwise have access to.
Today I thank the creaters of Facebook and Twitter for these important tools that helped me personally connect with people during one of the hardest experiences of my life.
