When did I Become my Mom?

What is it that we do here every day, or week, or whatever frequency you want to use to measure. We sit at our laptops and pound out some words on a keyboard, and sit back and read.

Seems simple enough.

Kinda boring though. Why'd you want to do that every day?

I'm not sure I can answer that even for myself. But I do know I laugh my butt off at some of my more blessed-in-the-comedy-department peers. And am inspired by some. And some teach me stuff I should probably know as a mom - like easy crafts to do with the kids, and impressive-looking recipes to make when company's coming. I guess it's like having a group of girl friends, who are willing to jot down their thoughts in summary form so you can read them through, instead of missing bits and pieces while screaming through the chatter and belly laughs and forgetting the point of story, like it happens IRL (in real life).

It's not something my IRL non-blogger friends and family can really understand. But they know it makes me happy, and they like to read my stuff, so they humour me. :-)

But what kinds of opinions are formed by those outside my circle? What are the pundits pronouncing, sitting back in their chairs looking over the rims of their glasses as they study my words and what it says about me. Ignoring their own assumptions and prejudices, and getting the copy out and educating the masses?

I saw this CNN iReport and felt compelled to leave the following comment.

I doubt there would be this visceral reaction if Ross had been reaching out via telephone. Numerous calls via cell may have been seen as a desperate mother grasping at support lines, rather than playing with technology in a crisis.

The social media platform via twitter and blogging is experiencing massive growth. As millions come aboard and begin to explore this new outlet, others are simultaneously becoming increasingly sophisticated in its use. It's defining itself even as it grows. The borders aren't set and the norms aren't yet established.

Is twitter frivolous? Primarily for personal use? What is acceptable in terms of a business presence? Is it ok for the 2 (bus/personal) to mix and under what circumstances?

These are all questions to which there are not yet clearly and widely accepted answers. Unfortunately for the Ross family, their personal tragedy is now tied up in the intense social scrutiny that is part of society forming  its norms.

My thoughts and prayers go out to a family who has had to say goodbye too soon.

I wanted to say more. I wanted to share how you have supported me through some dark moments when my son was first diagnosed with Aspergers. You shared stories, provided resources, and offered a shoulder to cry on. You saw the raw emotion that the public me never shared with anyone outside immediate family.

I wanted to show that there is community here, just as valid as the community we are surrounded with IRL. But I didn't. This story is attracting people, on both sides, with very emotional reactions. And I didn't want anyone thinking this was about me. I wanted the focus to remain on the bigger picture as I see it.

But here. In the privacy of my own blog. Here I can express my heartfelt compassion for a mother tortured over the loss of her son. It touches a nerve and brings back memories of another hospital, another mother grieving the sudden loss of her son. I will always remember that sound.


I never got to say goodbye to my brother. We were not close. But I made a lot of calls that night. I wasn't obviously grieving. I don't recall who I called and what I said. You can't lean on a telephone, but it certainly did find me some people to lean on that night when I needed distraction to make it through each passing minute.

Maybe because of that, I'm slower to judge another woman. Sending one message. To a group of people many of whom she felt close to (and who obviously felt close to her given their unwavering loyalty and support). Asking them to pray.