Thursday, April 12, 2012

Cyber Support


Over the past three years I have felt and seen the power of bloggers united in their support for one another.  I have seen tremendous acts of courage and kindness.  I have read joyful and heartbreaking moments that so many people from around the world have shared.  And I have witnessed an outpouring of hope and support to so many... All through blogs.

It continues to surprise me how much the Internet has changed our lives in really a very short amount of time.  I can still remember, not all that long ago, when clients debated adding their email address to business cards because they thought it would never take the place of voicemail.  Now, I marvel at receiving text messages and photos via cellphone from my niece during the delivery of her baby girl nearly two years ago.

And Facebook-- I've been on it, and off it, and on it again with only my immediate family having access.  It still feels like it's "too much information" for me, and mostly a waste of time.  My main reason for turning it back on was to reach the younger generation in my family and to share photos.

My brother is a big Internet and Facebook fan-- His numerous friends and loved ones check in from time to time to commiserate over professional Cleveland sports teams.  But it was his post today that took my breath away and shined a light on the tremendous power of the Internet.  He wrote...

Friday morning I will be having surgery to take care of what's been controlling my life the last 15 months. This will cure me and hopefully in 3 months I will have another surgery to make this all a distant memory. We are very lucky to have The Cleveland Clinic 45 minutes away. They are #1 in the world for what's been ailing me. Thank you all in advance for the prayers. I will heal faster because of them.

His list of comments was a mile long!  I cried reading them... and smiled at all the old familiar childhood friends that had reached out to him.   It's changed my mind about Facebook too.

So now, dear blog friends, I'm reaching out to you.  Please say a prayer for my brother, Jim.  He's a really good guy and although I'm confident the surgery will go well, I know, as he said, that he will feel your prayers and support.

Thank you.
xo Joanna

Photo credit: © Leonid Tit - Fotolia.com

26 comments:

  1. I'm amazed by the support that can be found online, from both old friends and those we've never met in person!
    Will be praying!

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  2. I'm in awe of being surrounded by bloggers who are not just bloggers but also my friends. There is an outpouring of support that comes from praying and encouraging one another, no matter how far apart we are. I'm praying for your brother, Jim that God's got him wrapped tightly in his arms and that he will heal quickly from the surgery. Please keep us updated on how he's doing.

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  3. done and will say another in the morning jj...

    i dont know where i would be without the love and support of many people i have never met but talk with every day through comments...

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  4. I have experienced the power of cyber support as well, jj. I will be thinking of Jim and sending him all good wishes for the best outcome tomorrow morning!

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  5. Oh, I am such a true believer in the power of many hearts lifted in prayer---evidenced by the love showed to us when our son was ill.

    Sending all my warmest wishes and prayers for success and quick healing!

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  6. I´m so glad you shared this with us! Have prayed for your brother and hope that all will be well.

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  7. Sending Jim all good thoughts from this part of the country, knowing he will be in good hands. I also am amazed at the community of bloggers who are just as important to me as family. They are my cyber family, as you say, and I am glad to count you as one. Blessings to Jim and to the rest of our family. :-)

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  8. On my knees now. I pray that Jim will heal quickly and completely. Where two or more are gathered, baby!!!

    We serve a mighty God and with technology our outreach is endless!

    God bless ya sweetie and have yourself a marvelous weekend!!!

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  9. The blog world has opend many doors for me- I never knew were even there. It is because of my blog friends I keep my blog going even when I think from time to time maybe I should stop blogging, due the busy days of work and not having enough time. For me to close the door on my blog would be like closing a door on a friend.

    I am a big believer in prayer and one can never have too many. Your brother will feel one more prayer coming his way! :)
    xo

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  10. My prayer is joining the many being said for your brother. I hope to hear soon that his surgery had the best possible outcome.

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  11. Jim has my prayers for sure. And my deepest sympathy over the Cleveland sport teams...for I too am one of those...sniff!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  12. Will pray for expert hands doing the work on your brother!

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  13. of course, of course.
    And I so agree.

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  14. Absolutely!

    My sister was in a serious motorcycle accident a few weeks ago. I posted something on my FB page, and I couldn't believe the outpouring of love and prayers from complete strangers, who didn't know her.

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  15. All my best to your brother. I'll be sure to say a prayer for him.

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  16. all the best to your brother, via the power of the internet!

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  17. You are an amazing sister! Bless you and your brother!

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  18. thoughts and prayers for you family!

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  19. You know your Jim goes to the top of my Reiki list. Please let me know how things are going and know that I am absolutely with you as you wait and hope. Last night, I Facetimed with a dear friend in Baltimore. It was my first time. His iPad and mine made it possible for us to sit and visit with each other in real time. And, it was amazing to me. he remarked how, when we were kids, we were told by future observers how we would, "one day be able to see each other during a phone call..." and it sound like science fiction. It is now fact...and hopefully all of us, including Jim, will be around to see what else the future miracles life holds for us.
    Hugs,
    Snarky Sister

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  20. I have said several prayers today and hope that your brother is doing well. I myself have realized the power of social media and have been blessed with many prayers. Big hugs JJ

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  21. the internet connects us and allows us to share. Today we will share well wishes and prayers for you and your brother.

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  22. I have a brother named Jim as well.

    I am sending good thoughts to you and to your brother. I will hope that everything goes well and that he heals quickly.

    ((hugs))

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  23. Prayers are going out to your brother as I type this. It's good to know your brother is finding healing through his connections and I hope all turns out well for him. Will check back to see your updates.

    And thank you for reminding me of what is truly positive about Facebook. I have been "off" for three months, and have to say I've truly missed it -- although I've been much more productive during my time away from social media. I might return to FB after I finish an article deadline.

    Not sure if you read my BlogHer post on why I quit FB, but here's the link: http://www.blogher.com/facebook-party-pooper-or-why-i-quit-facebook?page=full

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  24. The online community, no matter how it's accessed can certainly be a tremendous support. I hope your brother's surgery goes well. You can be sure I'll be sending my best thoughts.

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  25. Will be sending love and good health toward your brother tomorrow all day, dear Joanna. I look forward to a good report on your blog soon.

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