There are those who simply deny themselves the wonders of Facebook, decidedly certain that social media holds no value whatsoever.
Oh my, if they only knew.
For those of us who embrace Facebook, and jump in daily to catch up on the instantaneous injection of community news, events, activities, photos, videos and snippets of conversations about human life in our midst, it is a charmed platform from which we can “stay in the loop”.
From a new recipe shared, to enjoying photos of friends and their beloved children, to travel photos and humorous videos, Facebook connects us more than if we did not have Facebook to enjoy.
Our community of Facebook friends can share experiences and receive immediate feedback and comments about what is important. Especially during this time of year, holiday dress-up occasions are posted that expose our best side to the world, good times with friends and family that we’ll reminisce about for years to come, holiday goodies that inspire our tastebuds and holiday decorations that enhance our homes. Its all fun and brings smiles to our faces.
The holidays are here, and amid the hustle and bustle of shopping, gift wrapping, decorations throughout the home and community, we simply pick up the pace to keep up with all of the necessary obligations and tasks.
Last Saturday, my home town held its annual Christmas Arts and Crafts events which brings hoards of friends and neighbors out for holiday gift shopping and social encounters of the old fashioned type. A dear girlfriend and I met that morning and enjoyed a festive day together, and a cup of soup for lunch. Nothing can ever replace these treasured times together in each others physical presence, times that bring such joy to our hearts and are really meaningful.
But this week, suddenly, tragedy struck in the heart of our little community. The joyful holiday preparations crash and crumble as news of the most horrendous event rains down on our holiday parade.
Facebook blazes like a Christmas Tree on Fire as the reality of a very sad event in our community hits us like a ton of bricks or a wind torn branch slamming through the roof of our consciousness.
What happened? Why? Sorrow blankets our town as we learn of the sudden loss of a young teen girl in a manner that brings even the hardest of hearts to its knees.
My husband spends a lot of time on Facebook, having amassed a huge number of Facebook Fans from local but also from other career connections and friendships formed over time. He was the first to bring attention to something that happened. The news of our loss of a child in our community, a beautiful teen girl, took my breath away. Why why why? I’m still asking myself.
After dinner, I jump on my iPad to post a Facebook message of compassion and sorrow to members of the family. Oh! My heart hurts as I type the words to convey the depth of sadness I feel for the family who has suffered this inconceivable loss.
News has travelled at lightening speed. The words of compassion and sympathy are pouring in on the Facebook page of the family members. Their loss is real and heart wrenching.
Certainly in the past, pre-Facebook times, emails provided a tool, days or even weeks after an event, to convey messages individually. As phone calls were made by family members, one by one, and news of tragic events might take weeks or months to slowly travel through to friends and distant family members. As word got out through phone calls, cards and letters would arrive via snail mail.
Today our messages of love, compassion and prayers sent are immediate. We share in the loss, we cry and hurt for our friends, but on Facebook, we let them know with comments and LIKES. There will be times, soon, when we’re in physical presence of those friends, when big giant human hugs and face to face encounters are the most lovely ways to express our sorrow. But its like this now. Facebook not only arms us with a communication tool that can bear witness to unfolding events in minutes and hours, but it also provides an instantaneous method that enables us to reach out and embrace our cherished friends with words of compassion and sympathy. We understand that the shock and the horrible grief that has invaded this dear family is unbearable. They deserve time to sort out the pain and unimaginable loss. But in those quiet moments when they tune in to the place where friends are readily available, Facebook gives comfort and support, prayers and tears to let friends know we are with them in spirit.
It’s through our own heartfelt words that we give of ourselves, to show respect, love and sympathy.
Facebook has changed the way we tackle human events around us, globally and in our own little communities. It offers a way to reach out and to offer a compassionate embrace to those we care about until the time when we can provide that love and sorrow in person.
Facebook elevates our humanity to share both the joys and sorrows of this life, and that has made all the difference.
