I became a Facebook fan almost immediately when the site was
made available to the masses. Just by the nature of the site, I was aware that
logic and good reasoning had to apply when using this technological wonder. Don’t
post intimate details about your kids. Don’t post your address. Don’t reply to
friend requests that seem questionable, etc. etc. But I used Facebook
faithfully as a means to let friends, family, and even the occasional fan know
what I was doing, when a new book was coming out (this month!!). I went through
a phase of posting quotes from famous people, and recipes from friends with
flour thumbs. I always enjoyed sharing photos of my trips, but only after I
returned. Again, use common sense. Don’t let the world know you’ve vacated your
home.
But I have never appreciated Facebook and the hundreds of
contacts I have made over the years more than I have the last few days. On
Sunday I experienced the heartbreak many of us have felt. I had to let go of my
16-yr-old rescue love of my life, Sparky. My precious pup had slowly gone
completely blind and deaf, but still we persevered because he could still do
many of the things he enjoyed, like eating, sleeping, walking. But on Sunday,
dear Sparky let me know, as so many dogs will, that he was ready. The signs
were obvious and I had to heed them. He went quietly with an injection to calm
him and a second shot to stop his heart. My goodbyes to this long-time companion
were heart wrenching.
I posted my sadness on Facebook the very same day, and I
have received hundreds of comments from people who completely understand what I
went through or others who, while they may never have had a dog, they have had
to let go of something meaningful in their lives. Every comment helped me
through the awful first hours and days. I read each one and became aware that
people do care. In these days of almost constant turmoil, it’s good to know
that a simple, heartfelt announcement of one person’s personal pain can illicit
such tender response.
Maybe you are one of the folks who sent me a message. I
thank you from the bottom of my heart. Yes, Facebook is a time suck. Yes, it
can lead to addictive behavior. Yes, people have and will continue to abuse the
freedom Facebook affords, but for now, for me, it has been my warm, comfy
blanket when I needed it most.
What do you think of Facebook? Have you ever found it to be
a support in the trials of your life?
Cynthia
Please check out my February Heartwarming release, RESCUED
BY MR WRONG and all the wonderful Heartwarming books this month and every
month.
Cynthia, I was greatly saddened to learn of Sparky's passing. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with you.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best with RESCUED BY MR. WRONG!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cynthia. I'm so sorry to hear about Sparky. No doubt, he had a wonderful life with you.
ReplyDeleteI love FB for the very reasons you listed. I'm so sorry for your loss, but glad for that deep pocket of memories Sparky left with you. Good luck with your new release!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, Cynthia. Pets give us so much, so unconditionally. I hope the excitement and pleasure of your release brightens your days. All the best!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Cynthia. Sparky was a beautiful boy. It is so hard to let our pets go. May you find comfort in your memories of him.
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies, all of you. The memories are tender and sweet and some day the pain will lessen.
DeleteCynthia
I love Facebook because it lets me connect with people I wouldn't otherwise get the chance to hear from--and on a regular basis! Yes, it can make us socially lazy, but it can also keep us in contact. I'm sorry for your loss, and I'm glad for your FB buddies who were there for you.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Patricia. I have renewed acquaintances with people I haven't seen in years. The "search" function is great.
DeleteCynthia
OH Cynthia! How heartbreaking! Losing a pet is so much more devastating than you ever think it'll be. When I had to say good-bye to my little chihuahua, I couldn't write for almost a month. He was my writing buddy and as soon as I would sit down at my desk, I kept waiting for him to jump in my lap. My sincerest condolences.
ReplyDeleteI understand LeAnne. I had a bed for Sparky in every room of my house, except the kitchen. His "office bed" was right next to my computer. If I was in this room, he was too. Such a comfort these little guys can be.
DeleteCynthia
Hi, Cynthia. So sorry about Sparky. If anyone understands your grief, it's this group of dog-loving women. It does seem to help the writing to have that buddy on the chair or sofa beside you, cheering you on by just being so happy to be with you. I like Facebook, though I don't get on it that much because I forget to. But on a couple of occasions, when I needed prayer, or help with a fundraiser, that immediate connection is like a miracle! And, you're right. For all the abuses perpetrated against it, it's counterbalanced by so much good! Hugs from me and Claire. (An opinionated Westie mix.)
ReplyDeleteWe are a group of dog lovers, aren't we? And so many of our books have dogs as main characters - don't laugh, they are! I think that immediate connection you talked about is what helped me the most.
DeleteCynthia
So glad your Facebook connections were able to help you get through the heartbreak. I'm sorry about you lost your sweet friend. It's so hard to let them go. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteCindy, so, so sad for you. Loss is so hard to navigate. I don't use Facebook the way I should, but I'm so glad it helped you when you needed picking up. Looking forward to your book and many more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Roz!
DeleteOh, Cynthia, I'm so sorry about your loss. It really leaves a hole in your heart, doesn't it? Hugs to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteGiving up a pet is so hard and I'm sorry about Sparky. Will be keeping you in my thoughts. And keeping in touch with people is about the only reason I like Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Losing a canine family member is no different than losing a human one. Thank goodness for Facebook so you can get a virtual hug from everyone!
ReplyDeleteCynthia, I am so sorry about Sparky. How lucky you were to have had him in your life for so many years. So glad you were able to get some comfort from your friends on Facebook. It really can be nice for not feeling like you're alone in tough situations.
ReplyDelete*big hugs* So sorry to hear about Sparky ... always the most difficult choice to go through. :( I always say we have to remember that we enjoyed such a long life with them, and they will be in our hearts forever. My hubby and I still talk about animals we've lost over the years to this day ... there's always a special memory that will bring a smile to your face.
ReplyDeleteYou made me cry
ReplyDelete