Friends and Social Media

Friend (frnd)
n.
1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.
3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.
5. Friend A member of the Society of Friends; a Quaker.
tr.v. friend·ed, friend·ing, friends
1. To add (someone) as a friend on a social networking website.
2. Archaic To befriend. ( source: thefreedictionary.com)

My daughter, Michaela, had friends over this weekend. She met these mature, young women 5 years ago through a Jewish youth group network. They have remained great friends even though they live in different towns, states, and attend different colleges.

It was nice to see them interact with one another this past weekend. They are very supportive of each another.

Michaela left to begin her freshman year at The George Washington University in August, 2013. I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in September, 2013.

I had to give her the news over the phone. It was not easy. These friends, and many of her high school friends provided love and support to Michaela during this difficult time.

This weekend reminded me how fortunate I am to have so many caring friends in my life.

I started posting my health issues on Facebook while I was undergoing tests, before my original diagnosis in 2010. Almost everyone I know is on Facebook, with the exception of a few friends, one of my sisters and my husband. It was easier to do one post than to do emails and phone calls to keep family and friends updated.

It was the best thing I did!

Facebook has allowed me to keep in touch with many friends that I grew up with, taught school with, and allows me to reconnect with high school and college friends.

When I am feeling a little down, which thankfully is not often, I read the posts my friends write. Their love, support, and encouragement is just what I need to get through the tough times.

After my second diagnosis I noticed my friends did not know what to say to me. I posted a status to let them know it was okay to tell me how they were feeling. I told them to tell me you’re mad, tell me you’re sad…..I am! And then, it happened. The outpouring of private messages and posts came in. Friends told me exactly how they felt…..pissed off!

I love social media because it helps keep you in touch with your friends. I enjoy hearing and seeing what friends are up to, their jobs, families, etc.

Instagram is great for viewing photos. More and more of my friends are joining Instagram. For example, I always look forward to seeing the beautiful photos that my friend who lives in Alaska posts. And then, there is twitter.

I like Twitter for getting news updates. Not many of my friends are on Twitter, and if they are, they do not tweet much. I know my daughter, and son, Max enjoy twitter. My husband, Mark, enjoys it as well.

I know there are other social media sites, but three is all I can handle!

My friends are awesome whether they are on Facebook or not. It would have been very difficult to get through some treatments without them.

Friends made meals for my family and I when I couldn’t. Friends sent me cards. Friends made arrangement to take the kids to school and bring them home. Friends brought the kids to after school lessons. Friends brought me to appointments. Friends took me out to lunch. Friends came to visit. Friends continue to support me in many ways.

Thank you for being a friend!

Here is a photo of a gift given by some thoughtful friends. Thank you, Amy and Alia.