Friendships and Chocolate Trifle

Sometimes I'm still surprised about how modern forms of communication can affect relationships so drastically. In particular, I'm thinking about friendships that I have formed over the last few years solely because the internet exists. I think that I have three categories that emphasis this point:

Our Little Universe - When I was planning my wedding, I came across an internet site devoted to brides and wedding planning. It was a message board designed in an interactive fashion where you could talk about your dress, complain that your Maid Of Honor had suddenly gone looney (mine didn't - but I would have known how to handle it if she did after hearing all the stories), compare photographer costs, etc. After the wedding, the site wasn't as useful but we still missed blabbing with each other. Through a series of migrations, a lot of us now reside on the OLU site where we can talk about anything and everything with other women and yes, even a few men. Through that site, I have met some wonderful women that I do in fact consider to be my friends. A few of them I have met in person, some I just talk to daily on the site. Either way, I do give them the label of "friend". These girls have given me comfort when my dad passed away and when I had a miscarriage. They have celebrated with me when I quit my job and started out on my own. They have oohed and aahed over pictures of my puppy and my wedding. We have discussed books and movies and new cars and old boyfriends... A few years ago I would have thought it just very strange to share my life inside and out with someone that I only knew through a small profile picture on a website. But today, I'm blessed that I have done just that. If any of them are reading this blog...love to you Kim, Onna, Shelby, Dana, Lisa, Diana, Michelle...and all the rest of you that have touched my life. They next time I make a chocolate/peanut butter trifle you are all invited to the house. :)

Chevy Avalanche Fan Club - This is more of Scott's baby, but I have reaped the benefits of it as well. Who knew that just by buying a truck and finding a website to read and keep current on warranties, recalls, new body styles, etc. we would meet some of our best friends in life? At least 2 - 3 times a month we have a get together with a few of the club members. We have done everything from just an impromptu dinner, to convoying to Niagara Falls for a weekend event. Even if we ever decide to sell the truck, these people are in our lives to stay. And can I just add that I was never hugged so much in my life until we started hanging out with these men and their families?

Class of 88 Message Board - I loved high school, and was so glad when the message board for our class took off. I have reconnected with so many people. Some I already knew and loved, some were acquaintances, and some I probably never spoke more than 5 words to back then. Somehow, that last group is what makes this board so special. I love that time has erased cliques and we all can talk freely with each other. I honestly think I have made NEW friends that will be just as special as the old ones. Remember that song from Girl Scouts..."Make new friends but keep the old...one is silver and the other gold." That's what I feel now. Blessed with silver and gold.

And that brings me to my sense of awe of these friendships. Years ago, we would have kept in touch by writing letters. Soon that would have dwindled to a card on the friend's birthday and a couple during the holidays. Slowly, that would have ended as well. Now, I can type one post on a message board and talk to dozens of people at one time. I can stay in contact so much easier. Does that diminish the quality of the friendship? Not to me. Of course there are still going to be people that rise to the top of your list, and that's just human nature. But maybe the list is larger now. Hearts don't divide love, they multiply it.