Friday, March 7, 2014

Facebook Friends

I love Facebook!  I got a Facebook account because I wanted to see the pictures my nephew posted of his little girl, Abby. (Now it is Abby and Jackson)
Jackson and Abby
My list of friends consisted of relatives and close friends.  After I retired my friend's list expanded to include former students...and oh how wonderful.

I spend each morning and evening checking to see what everyone is doing.  I love reading the friendly political sparring between Kendra and Joe but try to remain an observer. (But, Joe...you have it right!...and Kendra...you are a great person...love reading about your kids...but we just differ on views.)  And there are the world travelers...Amy who has been in the Peace Corps and Laura who has a job that sends her around the world.  She has been posting pictures of a Flat Sawyer for a friend's child.  What an adventure he has had.  Riley...you followed one of my dreams and now have a PhD and keep busy on research and archaeological digs in Turkey and Italy.  Tommy...you, too, just earned your PhD!  Katie...you are a chef now!  Kyle...you are almost finished with your Masters.

Darla...you just got Member of the Month from the Health and Wellness Center!  Shawnda...you have been so brave in your struggle with Chiari (I had never heard of this until you shared.)  Ben...you have turned into quite a writer...maybe you should join the Slice of Life next year! Check his book on Amazon.
 Nena and Barb...mother and daughter...so full of wisdom.  Kelly, Beth, Preston and Carol...all so tender hearted. Judith, Erin and Hailey (well, all of you with families) your children are beautiful.  Marci...such kind word from you when my mother died.  Allison...we share kitty love!   Chase...your musical talent is a gift to everyone.  Shane and Zac...my Godsons so full of talent and kindness.  Tonia, I hope you get to join Kimberly, Ginger and Stephanie when they visit Carrie later this year.  Ben, you were not a student of mine, but I watch for your posts while you are stationed in Afghanistan.  Mark...your acting talent and sensitivity touch my heart.  Tony...you love your little Miss Molly.

So I am fighting the guilt of leaving out most of my former students....but know this blog would be way too long.  I just so appreciate reading about their lives...what they have accomplished...pictures of their beautiful families...some are going through difficult struggles, but they find help and support from friends on Facebook.  Once in a while someone vents...but not often...and when there is a vent it seems to be needed and no inappropriate language is used.  How proud I am of all of my former students...I wish I could include each one of you in my list of your activities.  Do know that I follow your lives and I feel so blessed that you have allowed me to be a friend on Facebook.

 And please, take a bit of time to listen to this amazing You Tube written and created by Chase...he plays guitars, sax, violin and drums...as well as sings.

8 comments:

  1. As someone who lives halfway around the world, Facebook is invaluable as a tool to connect me to loved ones back home. I know what you mean! :)

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  2. I've come to see how valuable FB is, to stay in touch, to learn new things, to share a laugh. How wonderful that you are in touch with so many students, too!

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  3. I just joined the Facebook community about six months ago. It really is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends who are dear to us but not necessarily near to us.

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  4. I gave up Facebook for a little privacy, but I love your post about it! I actually know some of those people you mentioned - how fun to catch up! Great post - thanks for sharing - and Chase is amazing!!

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  5. Fun post and a reminder that social media is not always the monster it's portrayed as!

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  6. You make a good case for being on FB, but I'm not quite ready to sign up, yet. It is amazing to see what former students have done with their lives.

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  7. I love to keep in touch with people on FB, but sometimes it's tiring. Some people post way too much. I think you've brought up the positive reasons to keep in touch on social media.

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  8. I do love Facebook for the reason of catching up with people I wouldn't normally see. It really is a wonderful tool. I am looking forward to keeping track of my former students one day, although it probably won't be through Facebook it will be something new yet to be discovered. :) thanks for a great post.

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