I guess I’m an easy target. I easily fall into the “Quid pro quo” persona and invariably find myself reading something about the blogger and their latest blog. Through electronic media, I’ve both read some interesting biographical information and I’ve found the blogs I’ve read well written and thought provoking. Of course, the temptation is a desire on my part to reach out electronically and attempt to forge some kind of friendship with the writer. Don’t we all need affirmation and encouragement? Sometimes “kudos” for a job well done seem like an appropriate response.
One writer by the name of Kathy writes the most amazing stories about family, life, tragedy, hope and a determination to find serenity in the midst of uncertainty and heartache. From my limited exposure of Kathy, I have nothing but praise, admiration and respect. She has paid her dues. She chronicled the story of her oldest son Ryan. There were so many positive dimensions to his life; no one suspected the presence of an Achilles heel.
There is no mistaking the depth of both Kathy’s love or the pain associated with the reality of a life cut short. The corner’s report classified Ryan’s death as “cocaine intoxication”. Was it an intentional suicide? I guess from a mother’s perspective, the question is predictable and seemingly important. Either way, does the answer really matter? Whatever the answer, it doesn’t alter the outcome. The loss is debilitating and yet Kathy rises above that which could immobilize and destroy, to offer hope and a lifeline to others.
Kathy and her family are folks I’d like to know in real life. I would even have liked to know Ryan. Kathy simply shares stories; real stories without sugar coating any of it, but in the midst of reality she carves out the time for self-care and manages a level of resilience. My life has been enriched by her example. What she chronicles has value and importance for others.
For awhile now, I’ve been reading the writings of a stay-at-home dad who by his own admission has “a very smart, very beautiful wife and three crazy kids”. He says he is working really hard to “have an un-miserable life.” One of the things I like about the guy is his sense of humor. He describes his kids as “crazy”, but I’ve read enough of his blogs to think that could be projection on his part. Did I mention the guy is also a preacher? Enough said, that qualifies him as at least a borderline mental health case. (Just joking!)
The most touching and thoughtful blog I’ve read that he’s written is a blog entitled “60 Years Was Not Enough”. The blog was a tribute to his paternal grandfather and grandmother. In the midst of the illness that subsequently took his grandmother’s life, he learned much from watching his grandparents grow old together then say goodbye.
I really like the way “realmarklandry” expresses it. In writing of his grandmother’s illness he says: “This had a strange affect on my Grandfather. All of a sudden he began to care for her, to attend to her, to pay attention in a way that I had never seen. He was now her caretaker, her caregiver, her best friend. We all took notice – it was a different dance for him, something we weren’t expecting. But, like watching a movie where things finally start falling into place, we were all moved, and excited…Shortly after his wife slipped into a coma the doctor told us this was it. Grandpa walked into her room, stood at the foot of her bed, grabbed her feet and said, “60 years was not enough.”
My most recent “exceptional find” on Wordpress is the writings from a pathologist who walked away from his medical practice. Of himself he writes: “I didn’t quit pathology so I could write full-time. I’m not that brave. I quit because I couldn’t go on. But I love to write…”
I love to write as well. In fact, I find myself wanting to write to the doctor and affirm his decision to follow his dreams. He obviously has a natural ability. He writes well. I like people and I like their stories. In many respects my life is fuller because Wordpress has broadened my perspective. It is all good.
All My Best!
Don