Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Connection...

When I started blogging, there wasn't even a name for it.  This blog is the most recent incarnation and I am six and half years into it.  People used to think that I was crazy for putting myself out there and for sharing my personal thoughts.  I used to get sideways glances when I told people of my "web journal", as if I had some kind of exhibitionism fetish.  Nowadays it is the most common of things to have a blog.  There is a blog for almost every topic under the sun.  Type in the most obscure thing and there is a surely a blog about it.  The platform is conducive to connecting people and perhaps that's why I've done it so long.

While I was talking with my brother, for the first time in over twenty years, one of the things he mentioned was our blogs.  He said that he would check in on us from time to time and that it was one of the things that encouraged him to get back in contact with us.  He read our blogs and felt connected to us.

I felt my throat hitch.

When you write a blog, it's sometimes kind of like shouting into the wind.  You're surrounded by thousands of other voices and you don't know who will hear your message... if at all.  Sometimes it's discouraging to put so much time and effort into a post and only see a handful of responses or none at all.  Sometimes it's discouraging when you DO receive comments, but they are negative and nasty in nature.  Sometimes it's discouraging when people take advantage of your willingness to share and use that information against you.  But still... I've continued to type out my life, even when it seemed like the last thing I wanted to do.  Part of the "secret agenda" of this blog was to reach out, across the miles and many years, and hopefully connect with my brother.  It was my hope that my small voice in the sea of voices would find its mark.  It is good to know that it did.

19 comments:

Erin S said...

Remember, just because no one comments, doesn't mean no one is reading. I love that you are brave enough to put yourself out there, and am so happy for you that this vehicle has reunited you with someone you thought lost.

Spirited Earth said...

Ditto all what Erin said..
I must confess to being a Lurker..every morning I visit my favorite blogs but too often don't have the time to leave comments..
isn't it amazing your brother was able to connect with you thru blogging..

Anonymous said...

It is so awesome that your blog brought you and your brother together.

Andrew Thornton said...

Oh, I know that just because no one comments doesn't mean that no one reads it. I just think that sometimes it "feels" as if no one is reading it. Sometimes that feeling, whether true or false, is a powerful deterrent.

I'm a lurker too on many blogs. My time is so limited these days that it's hard to comment all the time, even though I think about it often.

Lori Bowring Michaud said...

Bravo Andrew! Keep speaking, we're listening (and I'm oh, so very happy for your family that your brother reached out to you).

CreatingCures said...

Congratulations on reconnecting!! That is success. ~~T

Anonymous said...

I think that if your brother read your blog and felt connected to you, it was worth EVERYTHING to you and your family. What a blessing!
But for me, reading your blog and learning about you and your artistic process is everything to me as I don't feel so alone. And I bet I'm not alone in thinking that.

Andrew Thornton said...

I agree. I blog because I am able to connect with people. The fact that I was able to connect with my brother strengthens my resolve to continue blogging. It is kind of like a pat on the back. It really is a blessing to be able to reach out and find someone. I thought that I'd have to go on Oprah or something to find my brother. All I had to do was keep sharing and doing what I do.

Unknown said...

Sooo happy for you. And to think he was reading it! What joy! oxx

Margot Potter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Margot Potter said...

Take two...need more coffee!

My mother once mentioned that my first blog reminded her of a movie she saw where a woman moved alone to the plains during the pioneer days. She tied messages to trees and someone found them and followed them to find her. In a way, our blogs are like these messages tied to trees or carefully rolled into a bottle and sealed and sent off into the ocean. We have stories to tell and you never know who will find them, and you. And the thing is, we just have to tell them regardless of who finds them or what they think about them. By telling them we are setting them free.

So happy for you, Andrew. May this reunion bring you peace and joy.

Love
Margot

Margot Potter said...

Take two...need more coffee!

My mother once mentioned that my first blog reminded her of a movie she saw where a woman moved alone to the plains during the pioneer days. She tied messages to trees and someone found them and followed them to find her. In a way, our blogs are like these messages tied to trees or carefully rolled into a bottle and sealed and sent off into the ocean. We have stories to tell and you never know who will find them, and you. And the thing is, we just have to tell them regardless of who finds them or what they think about them. By telling them we are setting them free.

So happy for you, Andrew. May this reunion bring you peace and joy.

Love
Margot

Courtney Breul said...

Yeah for secret agendas! What a great story. Makes me smile!

Kathy Van Kleeck said...

setting intentions, being authentic and transparent, showing up and engaging with the unknown ... done ... and accomplished with grace and eloquence. Bravo, Andrew!

Alice said...

I read this earlier but didn't have time to comment. But I did get goosebumps while reading it. I'm so happy your blog helped connect you and your brother together!

Anonymous said...

I've always appreciated your courage in writing, and all you share (and how interesting your artistic eyes are!) What a powerful event is happening in your life now. Congrats on a successful 'secret agenda'.

Unknown said...

This is such a beautiful post. I love your blog. :)

Gaea said...

<3.

Higgins Design Studio said...

Thank you for sharing your life and all it entails... and grateful that it touched your brother.