It's been such a nice surprise to discover that I have friends I haven't even met (yet), because of this blog. That's been the best part all along but right now and for this lonesome post-breakup time when I'm going to be bumping into sadness and self-doubt it's really a great comfort and an unexpected, special boost. So thanks, friends, for being out there.
My real life friends of course are reaching out and making me laugh and hugging me and thank goodness for it. But the idea that people without any investment in me except the continued choice to come back and read my words feel a tie to me makes me feel good about myself in a whole new way. I didn't know I could make friends this way and I guess it makes me feel safe, like I'll be okay, like I can fumble along in my life making it up as I go along and I don't need to be perfect just honest and folks who aren't required to will root for me. It's kind of an undiscovered little gift, and it's one that can't be taken away, and that can't be given except by strangers who decide to do it willingly. Hope you'll come visit me in Maine someday, and let me make you a cup of hot chocolate or something, because I am really thankful.
Weblogging is changing what we mean by "met" and "friend". Change is good. However, hot cocoa pro se in Maine is probably better than ex parte.
Posted by: David Giacalone | January 07, 2004 at 11:00 PM
Oh cool, an open invite. But I visit Maine in August so HOT chocolate might not be appropriate. I'll bring some regional Pittsburgh favorites with me like a case of Heinz ketchup (yep, made right here!) and/or some Isaly's chip-chopped ham (we invented the Mr. Yuk stickers too ... true story).
Posted by: Richard Ames | January 08, 2004 at 07:42 PM