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10/24/2008

Internet Impotence

I wanted to write a Haiku for this Friday. But I cannot fit my mind into the format. The economy of structure limits what I want to say. I cannot properly express my feelings. Yesterday I learned that my friend, Sandy C., of Momisodes, is facing a LEEP procedure. She had a bad result on her last Pap smear. She is worried. And, I would guess, rightfully so.

I feel so helpless. She is so far away and I can do nothing to help or soothe or comfort her.

I know the LEEP more than likely is going to completely cure the pre-cancerous condition. I have spent much of the day learning as much as I can about this condition and this procedure. And, intellectually, I know she's going to be fine. Emotionally, I'm not so sure and that's making me feel the impotence that the Internet forces on me and my ability to do anything for anybody I've learned to care about.

I can do no more than tell her to 'hang in there' and 'you'll be fine' and 'I'm praying for you'. And offer her *HUGS*. From a thousand miles away.

This is one aspect of blogging that sucks. Not the caring. Not the emotional attachment and involvement. The impotence. The inability to truly 'be there' for someone. That bites. And it robs me of my

Peace.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yup, it's the not being able to do anything part that's hard. Even in person there's only so much you can do sometimes aside from hug. I do think they translate over the internets because if we are touched by words on the screen, others can be touched by ours.

I'm thinking good thoughts for Sandy - lots of us have been through similar with the problems caught early before anything too terrible, though it's so damn scary to be the person experiencing it while it's happening and before the part where it's all better. Hugs to you, hugs to Sandy, hugs to a big ol' group hug. :)

Jientje said...

I had not read it yet yesterday, so I went over to her blog to give her another virtual hug, and try to comfort her a little.You were the first to comment on her post, but there are a huge amount of people there all trying to do the same thing. I know there is nothing else we CAN do for her, but I do think it will help her if she sees how many people are caring for her. Before the internet age there would probably only have been just the close family or best friends shoulder to cry on? I hope even if we are not physically there, that we are still "there" for each other.
Hugs to you too Lou, you're such a caring sensitive man!

Shadow said...

anyone who thinks you are 'not there' for someone after a post like this, is off their heads!!! words and prayers are healing too. i'm sure she knows you're there. but i know what you're saying. it's the physical being there... yeah, that's a bummer...

www.ayewonder.com said...

Lou, you're a good friend and your words are your hugs. I don't know her but I just left Sandy a message because of you.

Unknown said...

You are such a kind and caring man--because of you your friend has more prayers being offered up for her.

Patsy said...

I understand exactly what you are saying. I've felt it with you, with Sandy, and others. I've become a more conscientious of the need to pray for those who are far from me.

witchypoo said...

As someone who has given and received distant healing,I know that it works, as does prayer, and just plain intent. Energy is not diminished by distance. So, you are helping.

Ndinombethe said...

Been through the exact same thing - she'll be okay. Will stop by and give her a hug too...

Anonymous said...

Yepp - that part sucks :(
Especially when you come late for well wishes :(
Hugs to you too!

Joyce-Anne said...

I not sure exactly what to say but I think you are helping when you help spread the word. And, that's what you've done with this post. Part of the reason why I love you is the fact that you care so much for others. We are all lucky to have you in our lives.

Expat No. 3699 said...

Lou, you are a wonderful person. I'm going over to visit Sandy now...

Momisodes said...

Lou, words cannot even express how much I appreciate your friendship, even if it is virtually and from afar. Throughout this year, you have helped in more ways than you know. Though moving, mortgages, writing classes, TTC and now this. I cannot think of anyone in my life, in person or virtually, who is more willing to give their support as readily as you are. Your words and advice have given me strength and direction through so many avenues.

Thank you for that, and for so much more.

hockeychic said...

Hi Lou - Having had a LEEP a little over a year ago and being scared out of my mind, I went over and shared my story over there. So far, so good, nothing but clean check ups. Have to go for another one in November.

Thanks for spreading the care.

Talina said...

You have no idea how much support you really are giving. It would be best to be there in person but you are still being supportive, just in a different way.

Some support is better than no support!

Unknown said...

Crossing fingers all is going to be okay for Sandy.

What you're doing... talking about it...spreading the word....sending goodness to her... all is worth it!

Anonymous said...

That does suck Lou, hope she's feeling better soon.

Anonymous said...

Personally, kind words have made all the difference in my life. It doesn't take more than knowing someone cares to make my day.

Eric S. said...

The thing is Lou, Your true, kind, caring nature shines through in your post. That can mean so much to one who is feeling down, or who has to go through something like that. Your writing this post is just as significant as reaching out a hand to give support, or lending a shoulder to cry on.

Weather virtually or in person, it is obvious to me, and everyone else that you are there, right beside her.

I'll go over, and lend my words of support, but I can just about guarantee, they are nothing compared to the caring you express so openly.

Jennifer said...

You are so sweet. and we are all so blessed to call you our friend. i'm praying for Sandy too. I know things will all work out well for her, I just wish her a speedy recovery and lots of strength. If well wishes, thoughts and prayers could fix everything she would have no worries at all. :)

YOU are one in a million! YOU are some kind of special!!

xoxoxo glad to call you my friend!!

Laski said...

Your genuine love and concern for Sandy . . . makes you all the more valuable to the blogging world.

You are amazing. And, a very rare find.

Julie said...

Sometimes I have my fingers crossed and toes crossed and am hoping so hard for good news when I click on a link and wait for the blog to load. And these are people I have never met, but still it matters that they are having a terrible time.

Knowing that there is this amazing network of virtual friends restores my faith in humanity, and you are a shining bit of that humanity, Lou.

Anonymous said...

Lou, you are so kindhearted. A truly beautiful man.
I think Sandy feels how much you grieve for her, how much you want for her, how much you care. I most certainly feel it with Ivy and for me. Even from so far away.

Hugs Lou.

Unknown said...

This is another one of those days where it's very difficult to respond to each of the comments left here by all of you very kind people. This post was never supposed to be about me, but Sandy, and an expression of my frustration at not being able to do anything for a friend. Y'all turned it around and told me what you think of me. I cannot begin to tell you how very kind I find all of you to be, and how very flattered I am by your remarks. I am not worthy. But thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

Holly said...

I never thought about it before, but you're right.

Crimzen Creative said...

You are too sweet and I know Sandy appreciates it ;-)