Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Caring Bridge vs. Blogspot

Just thinking tonight how much I wished I had started a Caring Bridge site for Oliver at the beginning of this journey. I just was already familiar with Blogger as I had a blogspot for several years already. I read so many Caring Bridge sites and am uplifted when I read so many of the kind words posted. Then I come to Oliver's page and day after day I see 'no new comments'. Now I can't speak for every parent that is going through something like this, but I can say that it takes some of the sting away when someone lets you know that they care. It's like hearing them say, "I see you. I'm thinking of you. I'm praying for you." I don't know if people just don't know how to use Blogger and leave comments or what it is. On facebook, or other websites I just leave hearts to let other people know that I don't have words, but I feel their pain in my heart and want to let them know that I recognize and validate their feelings. Maybe I'm just looking for validation. Who knows. Just something that's been bugging me for a while. It's a lonely place to be.

15 comments:

Britta said...

I'm here and praying for you and your family.

The Kempf Family said...

I am here now too. There are many times I felt the same way, but just know you are loved, and you have our hearts. Praying for you from Kansas.

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, but I think about your family often.

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers from Nebraska!! You don't know me, I just stumbled across your blog one day and have been following ever since. I have a boy around your Ollie's age, and my heart breaks for you. You are a great mom!!!!

Kassie said...

You don't know me but I know anna through CTMH. Just letting you know I have read your blog and my heart goes out to you and your family. My mom has just fought a battle with brain tumors so you have my complete sympathy. ((HUGS))

Laura said...

I have been following Oliver's Journey. I thank you for sharing his life, your thoughts. It makes me open my eyes to be grateful for all the things I take for granted. I have no wise words for you, that's why I've been quiet. You are in my thoughts. I wish you love and strength on this Journey.

Lowri, Finland/Costa Rica

meghan said...

<3 I'm here!

shandaatwood@gmail.com said...

I read your blog and think about your family and little Ollie often. I don't think I've ever commented though! I am not very good about it I suppose. Although I live in Utah I would love to help out in anyway :)

Sara said...

Sending prayers to Ollie and your entire family. My son was just diagnosed with stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma and know it's different from what Ollie has, but I know we relate to what is happening to our sons. You are not alone if though this journey seems lonely at times. I pray for peace, comfort and healing for Ollie. Take Care and God Bless, Sara and Genesis

Anonymous said...

Caringbridge is well known for kid's going through the pressing times with their health, and it is easier to navigate. You can make a caring bridge and post a link to this on there too, and continue from caringbridge if you would like? Or make a facebook group? I just found out about Ollie today from someone posting on Ethan Jostad's facebook, I hope he is feeling well today. I am praying for him and your family <3.

- Emmy, 15, NY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lVhG2Y__Mo

Tiffany Bennett said...

I just found your blog and will continue to follow Olivers journey. My heart goes out to you all. What an amazing mother you are, and what a blessing Oliver is! My son Brandon is turning 8 next week and my whole heart aches for what you are going through. Keep your faith and our thoughts and prayers will be with you both! <3

Emmy said...

Would you mind if I made a facebook group/page for him? I can make you an administrator for it as well. I can help as much as I can for you to maintain it from here to there if you would like. You don't know me, but I thought it would be a kind gesture. I don't know how to really use this site but, I guess you can make another comment or include in another post saying what you think.

Emmy said...

Not sure if I have permission to make the page :P

I noticed that you have to OK the comments before they go up, if it is ok to make a facebook page and use some of the info from here on there you can just approve the comment. If not, then just delete this comment/don't publish it. If you want the page I will most definitely make you an administrator so you can make posts and edits!

Hope Ollie is doing great <3

Edie Cochetti said...

Hi, i just heard about Oliver's journey thru Jessie Rees' page and thru your fb page, i found your blog. you are going thru what all parents don't want to go thru, and i am so sorry. i will pray for Oliver and ask God to give him the strength he needs to go thru this, and that, at some point, Oliver be cancer free. it is so hard to see our children sick in any way, and i know it has to be lonely for you. please know i will say prayers for you also and will think about you. i have been leaving comments on your fb page and will continue to do so, but will also come here too. God Bless You! hope Oliver is at a good place today and is feeling well. Edie

Susan said...

So very sorry for what you are going through. God Bless your family, I will pray for you that you all remain strong and that little Oliver keeps fighting this horrible illness.