The Reason I Blog
February 28, 2010 by Kailani
Filed under daily life, random thoughts
When I talk to my real-life friends about my online friendships, they look at me like I’m crazy. I don’t blame them because until you’ve actually experienced it for yourself, you’ll never be able to fully understand the impact it can have on your life.
As most of you know, yesterday Hawaii experienced a Tsunami warning during the wee hours of the morning. I was asleep at the time and awoke to sirens blaring across the island. At first I thought it was the Civil Defense monthly test until I realized that it wasn’t the first of the month yet. So I turned on the television and also checked Twitter for updates.
However, it seemed like I was the last to know about the pending disaster because when I logged-on to the computer, I found my inbox filled with emails, tons of mentions on Twitter, and messages from my Facebook friends all expressing concern for me and my family. I was so touched and surprised by this outpour of caring and friendship.
Blogging is such a strange dynamic because it allows you to form friendships with people you’ve never met. You stop by their sites, read about their daily triumphs & struggles, and watch their children grow up right before your eyes. Eventually you find that they’ve become a real part of your life. You worry about their hardships and cheer their successes.
People ask my why I blog and although the extra income and free products are nice, I would still continue to blog without it. It’s the genuine friendships that keep me coming back day after day.
Thank you again to everyone who worried for us and especially those who checked on me and my family throughout the day and didn’t rest until they knew we were safe and out of harm’s way. It’s something I will never forget.
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Owner of An Island Life and Family Review Network. Wife, mother, and flight attendant . . . living a blessed life in Hawaii. |
When I knew you all were safe, I sat here crying. My husband asked what was up and I told him about you and the girls and my worry for you. He hugged me, as he has started to understand how important my blog-friends have become to me.
Hugs to you and the girls!!!
.-= Maribeth´s last blog ..Rainy Days =-.
I am so glad to hear that you and your family are safe.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Cabinets =-.
I thought it was the monthly test too then I realized it’s too early in the morning!
thank goodness it was nothing serious. especially since DH was 1 street above an evacuation zone and they wouldn’t release them.
the first tweet i saw was from ohMariana to the both of us 2 hours before I even logged on.
technology is just amazing!
.-= sagemom´s last blog ..What a Morning! =-.
This is such a beautifully written post and SO true, I couldn’t have put it any better myself!!
The first thing I thought of when I heart about the tsunami warning in Hawaii was ‘OMG, I hope Kailani and family are okay!’ Like you said, ‘outside’ people don’t understand the strong bond you feel to other people you haven’t even met! I can honestly say some of my best friends and people I love very strongly are people I’ve never even met or physically seen before.
I still hope everything is going well for you and everyone around you-Stay safe!
I was out Friday night and when I came home I turned on the TV and I didn’t go to bed and fall asleep again until Saturday night. I was glued to the TV. It is so amazing what blogs do for us. I’ve developed some real wonderful friends, that to me are real friends. And then when I posted about the Tsunami by blog just went off with wonderful comments. I was very thankful as well
I too, am glad that you guys were all spared what could have been such a major disaster. The sad thing is that I didn’t even know about it. Haven’t been on my computer nor have I watched any tv. But I truly understand what you mean about blogging.
.-= Sues2u2´s last blog ..A walk w/ my son… =-.
So glad to hear you and your family are safe
Very thankful you guys are ok, we only had advisory here.
When I heard about the warnings, I thought of you (my internet friend) and my IRL friend Lauren – you both live very close to each other on the same island. To me, you are both equally important. I’ve never met you IRL, and I may never have that happy chance. But you are a real part of my life and you and your precious little ones are a real part of my prayers. Thank God you are all safe and THANK YOU for keeping us updated.
.-= Angela´s last blog ..The First Easter Rabbit: Deluxe Edition and Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies =-.
I’m so glad you and your family are safe! I was anxious all weekend when I found out the news – I was out of town and away from a computer. It’s amazing to me how close people can get through technology – and how fast news spreads! I’m so happy that everything turned out okay and that you are safe.
.-= Jessica H´s last blog ..Aloha Friday – #6 – Baby’s gender?? =-.
Amen. I’ve learned over the years that you don’t have to meet someone in person to establish a fantastic relationship! I’m so happy for all my blogging, facebook, etc. buddies!! So glad to know you’re well.
Hugs,
Holly
.-= Holly Schwendiman´s last blog ..Every Good Thing =-.
When I heard about the tsunami warning, I immediately thought of you and your family and was relieved to learn you were ok. This blogging community is pretty amazing, isn’t it?
I was out on the road early Saturday morning (ET) and did not know anything about the earthquake and tsunami warning until I read your Tweet. My heart immediately sunk as I thought of you and other friends in the path of the wave. My family sat there watching the news and waiting for Tweets to come from you and others. So glad that you and your family are safe and sound.
.-= TheAngelForever´s last blog ..Rainbow Brite is back =-.
I’m so glad that tsunami didn’t turn into what it could have….it would have been a terrible tragedy, and I’m glad you and your family are safe.
I think in the evolution of a blogger, when one reaches the point where you are at – having built so many great friendships online, you come full circle and realize that the core of what it is about is connecting with other people and establishing meaningful relationship. In the end, that is what is most satisfying to me.
have a great day!
.-= Kim @ What’s That Smell?´s last blog ..She’s no baby =-.
I was happy to hear that the Tsunami wasn’t that bad. Also glad to know that you and your family are alright.
I know exactly how you feel about blogging and online relationships. The friendships I have made through my blog are worth more than any free product or paypal payment.
Thanks for stopping by Healthy Moms and leaving us a comment!
Have a terrific Tuesday!
.-= Cascia @ Healthy Moms´s last blog ..How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet =-.
You’re the only person I “know” in Hawaii and therefore I thought of you as soon as I heard about the tsunami possibility. I’m so glad the result of the quake wasn’t life threatening.
.-= Summer´s last blog .. =-.
This is so true! I get the same kind of support whenever there’s trouble where I live (Israel). I’ve made some wonderful friendships online, some of which have materialized in the “real world” as well. I am very grateful for that.
So glad you and your family are ok. :hugs:
.-= Anne Moss´s last blog ..Purrfect Cat Gift Basket =-.