Last week I had a family emergency, and I tweeted it. To my recollection, I don’t remember having ever tweeted anything so. . . heavy like that. I think it’s safe to say that most people, as much as they preach about transparency in social media, probably would not have done that.
I did hesitate — briefly. But I chose to do it for a few reasons:
- Some of my close “real life” friends are on Twitter, including my BFF Kelly (please tell her to change her username so she doesn’t look like a bot), whose parents are good friends with my parents, and the message would be relayed to the appropriate people.
- For my own records.
- I’m a social media transparency purist.
- I’m also a Twitter addict. (I know, the first part is admitting it.)
Little did I expect to be flooded with 60+ @replies on Twitter when I signed back in that evening. I received multiple direct messages on my phone during the day from many people whom I had never met, and of course, text messages on my phone from those “real life” friends who have my number and knew it’d be OK.
All of these messages were supportive, and many people were praying/sending good vibes, hugs, etc. What I found most interesting, from an observer’s standpoint, is that many people insisted that I keep updating about the situation.
I want to thank everybody who @replied, texted, or direct messaged me throughout all this. Your thoughts, prayers, hugs, well wishes, etc. are much appreciated.
Mom came home on Friday, and the only thing the doctors can figure out is that the extreme dizziness must’ve been dehydration combined with the wrong dosage of blood pressure medication. Luckily that’s all they can figure out — it could’ve been much worse.
In retrospect, I learned something from this experience, and that is this:
With all of its recent commercialization and mainstream exploitation, the merit of Twitter is still not lost.
In little blurts of 140 characters or less, people all over the world are relating to one another, showing their humanity and sending their support — in other words, people give a damn. Perhaps 140 characters isn’t a limit at all . . . maybe it’s a blessing.
Have you been surprised/overwhelmed at the outcome of support you’ve received on Twitter for anything? Have you tweeted about a personal/family situation that others might not have? What was it like?
Photo by Guanatos Gwyn.
No related posts.
This is really nice, Stacy… I’m glad so many people could be there to care and (maybe?) help you stay sane in an insane situation (as hospitals and doctors and health issues can often be).
I had a kidney transplant on May 16th 2008 and for my one year anniversary I am taking part in the National Kidney Foundation’s walk in Royal Oak on the 17th. I tweeted it briefly one night and got about 12 RT’s immediately… and a few people that I barely know from Twitter and a couple of meetups, were donating money for my cause! (thank you again Andrew Brown, Jenni and Dave Murray).
Glad that your mom is okay, tell her to get a water bottle and start downing that H2O!
@Matt – That’s awesome! I’ve done the NKF walk before; the NKF is the official national philanthropy of my college sorority. I’d be interested in participating again this year . . . is it at the zoo again?
I am so glad your mom is okay! It’s funny people predicted that social media would hinder our ability to forge relationships and I have found the opposite to be true. Technology allows us to stay connected, to share in the good, bad and ugly real time. I can remain present and relevant in the lives of my family and friends. I can show I care even when I’m not physically there. Twitter has proven to me that “yes, people do care.” Our humanity has triumphed over the tools. We are not an island darn it.
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Let’s Connect – Maybe
@thatdamnreadhead Yep! Saturday May 17th… find the details at my page
http://walk.kidney.org/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1330501&pg=personal&fr_id=1790
Whoops! SUNDAY May 17th
I haven’t blogged about anything personal but when ever I ask a question it seems like most people are always there willing to help. I love how social media brings people together.
I am glad your mom is ok. I am not sure if I would have had the guts to tweet about something that personal.
@Karen – Isn’t it awesome? I love technology more and more because it brings people together.
@Matt – I’ll look into it … it may be a little late for me to raise much cash, but I’d definitely walk just to walk it if I’m free.
@Jamie – You know, it’s funny . . . I only hesitated for a second about that. There are probably things that I wouldn’t tweet if they occurred, but I guess I’ll only know if/when they happen. In a situation like that you have a very small window of time to make a judgment call, it’s funny the decisions we make.