tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419096181188639326.post6341004077914769554..comments2023-07-06T11:02:54.674-04:00Comments on Journal of Strong Living: Our "Community"SMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12881076104335257906noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419096181188639326.post-18011404297029579222009-04-26T14:22:00.000-04:002009-04-26T14:22:00.000-04:00for those of us who live far from blood "family," ...for those of us who live far from blood "family," your post really strikes a chord.<br /><br />All I can say, again, is how sorry I am you are going through this. <br /><br />Sending hugs, prayers, and (hopefully) funny blogs.<br /><br />Kierankierannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419096181188639326.post-88449036230301572782009-04-23T14:28:00.000-04:002009-04-23T14:28:00.000-04:00wow Steve, i didn't know you like to bowl. go fig...wow Steve, i didn't know you like to bowl. go figure, MarkMark Alston-Follansbeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12405658712905821325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419096181188639326.post-65704830729662541362009-04-23T07:09:00.000-04:002009-04-23T07:09:00.000-04:00Great piece, Steve. I've been observing my own tr...Great piece, Steve. I've been observing my own transformation from a Luddite who thought it impossible to have anything like "community" without face-to-face contact, to someone who values ANY way of connecting to others. During this cancer thing, John and I have been greatly cheered by many faraway friends--little, regular contacts that would have been impossible by phone, or even in person, by busy people, even if they lived next door! It will be interesting to see how this new way of making community evolves--it's obviously meaningful to many, many people. All we want to do is be in touch! <br /><br />As usual, you're in my thoughts and prayers.<br /><br />MaryMary F. C. Pratthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18208459186091082616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419096181188639326.post-27849729793738140722009-04-23T07:01:00.000-04:002009-04-23T07:01:00.000-04:00Thanks so much for making your own "connection" an...Thanks so much for making your own "connection" and revealing yourself, which of course reinforces the idea that I was exploring here. <br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />SteveSMPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12881076104335257906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419096181188639326.post-48409184029032993532009-04-22T23:02:00.000-04:002009-04-22T23:02:00.000-04:00Hi,
Your post touches on something I've been think...Hi,<br />Your post touches on something I've been thinking about alot today. <br /><br />I remember going to my first cancer support group after completing my initial chemo in 1991and being struck by the authenticity of the communication and caring. I felt like I was touching the best of humanity. <br /><br />We were people from diverse backgrounds, education and so on who probably would never have become intimate had it not been for the shared cancer experience. <br /><br />That group dissolved years ago, when the demand for it cratered with the rise of virtual support groups. <br /><br />You ask, "to what purpose?" I think it is up to each of us. The impact can be long-lasting:<br /><br />In 1990, a colleague whom I knew only very casually made a meal for my family and brought it to my home. I was surprised, grateful and touched that he took time and effort to make the meal and bring it to my home.<br /><br />Today I saw him at a medical meeting for the first time in ages. And I told him how much his effort meant to me and my family 18 years ago. <br /><br />That single act still shapes how I think of him and his family. And it reminds me that every day we are surrounded by people doing good things without any fanfare. My hope is we use the connectedness to highlight all the good.<br /><br />Wishing you a smooth and complete recovery. With hope, WendyWendy S. Harpham, MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09167276216970598762noreply@blogger.com