Celebration on Many Levels

I was looking forward to celebrating the summer solstice by having dinner with a friend at an ocean side restaurant.  Just before leaving home, I thought I'd quickly check Facebook. While scrolling down, I suddenly came upon what looked to be my son's high school graduation photo posted alongside another young man's. I froze. I couldn't process what I was seeing. The thought flashed through my mind that maybe this wasn't really my son, just someone who looked a lot like him. Then, as I read the corresponding paragraph, I learned that these two had graduated together in 2004 and were now both deceased.  Their class was celebrating their 10th High School Reunion tonight and the reunion committee had posted these two grad pictures to show that the boys were not forgotten by their classmates.  How sweet.  How very thoughtful.  After composing myself, I drove off to meet my friend. We had a great time catching up over a delicious meal with weather that was summer perfect. A few hours later, I returned home to the sound of live jazz coming from a nearby house party.  A beautiful night of celebration, on many levels.       

Friend to Friend

Other than going out for an invigorating run through the canyon this morning, I spent most of the day working on my book, a rewarding, yet emotionally challenging project.  Again today, I thought about how grateful I am that my best friend is dedicating hours upon hours of her free time to edit this book.  Even though there is still much to do before it gets published, thanks to her, I can see light at the end of the tunnel.  Then late this afternoon, I received a surprise message from a young woman I have never met.  This friend of Kelly's, now living in the Okanagan, had communicated with me only once before, via Facebook last year.  She was now contacting me to share her delight in recently finding out that one of her new co-workers happened to be a good friend of Mike's.  These two discovered their astonishing connection after the young man explained where he lived - across the street from our family's cabin.  My heart soared as I read about this crazy, wonderful association, and I can well imagine the comfort and stories they will share.  Support can come from those we have known for years, as well as from those we hardly know, and all of it is greatly appreciated.   

Grateful for Social Media

For our family it has been a huge benefit to be so connected via social media.  Coincidentally, this is the field Michael was studying through online BCIT courses and implementing at work.  Staying in touch through Facebook pages, "In Loving Memory of Mike Gibson" and "Love and Prayers for Kelly", helped all of us immensely.  To witness the online connection and support for our family and friends was overwhelming.  People sharing their love, memories, prayers and photos on those sites continues to give us strength.  Of course, this was in addition to all the cards, flowers, food, calls and visits we received.  It's not as if social media replaced the more traditional gestures of support but rather, it added a whole other dimension that we would not have had available to us if this had happened ten years ago, and for that I am grateful.
( Further to this, see Greg Hoekstra's article Thursday, March 31st in the North Shore Outlook newspaper) http://www.bclocalnews.com/greater_vancouver/northshoreoutlook/news/119008559.html