Facebook helps us re-discover writing and keeping in touch

November 21, 2009
I was rummaging through some boxes in the basement a few months ago, when I came across a sizable draw-stringed bag of old letters from my high school years.  I unfolded one of them, labeled with the letters S.W.A.K., I began to recall countless Study Hall hours spent writing 4 - 5 and sometimes even 8 - 10 page letters to my latest boyfriend.  Then folding the pages just right and tucking that last little corner into the fold.  The bell would ring and I'd stroll down the hall, letter in hand, searching for my "One and Only." 

Of course, my sweetheart had spent his Study Hall period penning his undying love for me and a swap was made as we passed each other in the hallway.  Sometimes the daily love letter had to be forfeited because of some juicy
gossip that had to be passed along the ranks or because some boyfriend stealing tramp needed a brief note to put her in her place.  [Now, I was never part of the latter.]

As I laid the bag aside and dug further down in the box, I began to come across other letters.  The ones I had gotten after moving away from home.  Letters from Mom and Dad saying they missed me and to drop by for a visit.  I find letters from a favorite cousin telling of her great adventures and cards saying "Happy Birthday" "Merry Christmas" or just a simple "Hello." 

I got to the bottom of the box and leaned back on my heels.  I thought to myself it had been a long time since I had gotten a letter.in the mail from anyone.  I don't send many out anymore either.  An occasional card will make its way to my mailbox and every now and then I send one out.  I am fortunate enough to be able to work out of the house, so after stumbling upon that box of letters and cards in my basement, I began wondering what had happened to all those people I crossed paths with while growing up.  I started to feel isolated, cut off from rediscovering old friendships.  How could I revive that part of my life?

I have a computer, so I tried to Google some of the names I remembered.  That didn't bring satisfying results, but it did bring to my attention a website called FACEBOOK.  I set up my membership and began building my page with information about myself and my family.  That done, I went onto the next thing, I needed "Friends."

A few of my current friends had said they were on Facebook, so I looked them up and connected to them.  Well, that was easy enough!  I began to expand my list, 'hey, I wonder what ever happened to that girl I used to have such a great time with, laughing and acting crazy.'  What was her name . . . . . . That's it!  I typed it in and up pops a slightly aged form of her, but I can tell it's her.  I click on the 'Request Friendship' button and VIOLA!  We are connected and catching up on each other's lives. 

Now who was that guy in Biology that made the dead frog we were dissecting dance across the lab table singing "Frog Went A Courtin'?"   That's him!  "Request Friendship, Request Friendship" and Viola!  We are re-connected.  It goes on and on.  Before I know it, my "Friends" list grows long than I expected and it doesn't stop there. 

At any time I can log in and share my thoughts or let everyone know what I'm up to.  And in turn they share with me.  If I'm feeling down and out or struggling with life, I can share it on Facebook and somebody will be there with a kind word or encouragement.  If something great has happened to me, I can share it on Facebook and my friends celebrate with me.  If I hear a great quot or come across a hilarious video, I can share it with my Friends on Facebook and we "LOL" together.  And if I feel like venting my frustrations, someone is always there to shout an "Amen!" or let me know it could be worse.

I've discovered a whole new world I thought was impossible to tap into.  Friends I thought I had lost forever are now a click away as opposed to the time it takes to write a letter, put a stamp on it, mail it, and then wait for a reply.  Instead, I can send that friend a 'Personal Message' on Facebook.  It goes to their 'In Box' with one click of the mouse.

I am in contact, now, with more people through Facebook than I have been in the entire 20 plus years since I graduated high school.  Add to that the potential to add new contacts everyday and I have endless possibilities.  I have a network of support and encouragement at my fingertips.  One that can be drawn upon daily and one I can contribute to.

Facebook has bulldozed down the walls that kept me isolated from the world around me.  I still know how to write a heartfelt letter and I haven't stopped caring enough to send the best, but I've added to that now a whole new world that is reachable by the click of my mouse.  
0215 / / Nov. 21, 2009 / / rights reserved.