Internet Friends become "REAL" friends. Whether or not you get to meet in person!
I wrote about Warning: Social Networking and a friend of mine, Lani, from Twitter that was rushed to the hospital a while back. I think I was permanently logged into Twitter to hear about an update from her, I was so worried (she's fine). I got to meet Lani at Inman in SFO earlier this month - and she was just like I thought she was! A Hoot of fun! (She even let some of us crash the www.AgentGenius.com after party :)
Kim Wood and Lani Anglin-Rosales
My first live and in person meet up was seeing Teresa Boardman and Bob Carney during Teresa's presentation for Pennsylvania Association of Realtors on Blogging. We only had a short amount of time together - but it was fun-filled!
Bob gets a TBoard bolt of lightning strike!
The North Carolina girls meetup that Desiree Daniels put together was "out of this world" full of fun and laughter!
Part of Diane Aurit, Antoinette S, Sarah Cooper, Missy Caulk, Kim Wood, and Desiree Daniels
Lucky me got to see the beautiful West Virginia !! Seeing my WEBBFF, Sarah was a blast! Meeting her familky and the Jeff Turner clan was amazing! Our families had fun together - and the real life hugs were heartfelt.
Jeff Turner, Kim Wood, Rocky Turner, and Sarah Cooper
I had the pleasure at Inman SFO to meet many other "people who lived inside my computer" - and got the real ((hugs)). (post pending!)
Bill Lublin and Kim Wood
Along with making friends and getting to know people comes some sadness like this week. Pain.
Heavy stuff. I was away in Ocean City, MD when I signed onto twitter. There were tweets like this:
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Here is a peaceful song for BillLublin
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I can't believe what happened.
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I just met them in SFO.
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Pinky379 will be missed.
I couldn't wait to read the stream - I just shouted out: WHAT IS GOING ON WITH PINKY & BILLLUBLIN? I got the news to read Our Friend Bill Lublin loses his wife today, and AG loses a wonderful friend.
Tragic. Just tragic.
Most people can not relate. People that you've known on the computer, and met in person 2 weeks earlier and you are crying tears? Yes. But you don't know them. Yes, I do. My heart ached. Bill & Sheila loved each other - and she will definitely be missed by many people.
Here is a capture from my alone morning on the beach for sunrise and photo time. The picture says so much. My message is.............. Sheila Lublin's Memory will live on forever..............
Kim, isn't it amazing how well you can know somebody without ever meeting them? Or how knowing them so well and then meeting them in person is such a thrill?
Kim, what a beautiful post. I didn't know Bill lost his wife. I have not been visiting twitter much over the last few days. Thanks for the heads up...
Kim, what a beautiful tribute! Benn and I were talking last night about how much time we invest in the people "inside our computers" and how our community is big yet somehow so personal, loving, caring and we always lift each other up. Who could ask for more? When I got sick and when Sheila passed, the community jumped in and held our hands... many people think this is JUST business but it's so much more enriching than that.
I feel very lucky that we got to meet in SF! :) <<hugs>>
Kim, what a great journey. I was so sorry to hear about Shelia, just unbelievable, my prayers have gone up to Bill this week. Hey that was the main point I got out of Inman this year, get out there and meet people ! Glad you had a good vacation, sorry about your phone, enjoyed your photos on flickr.
You know I couldn't agree more. I can't believe the support I have had from my internet friends as I have gone through recent challenges. Big hugs!!!
Brian, ... and when you meet them, you just "pick up" where you left off when online.... there isn't any "small talk" or "get to know you" first - you're like 'ole pals!
Irina, I guess you're welcome :( Sucks!!! (PS I want to meet you one of these days)
Lani, Friend for life! It is comforting to know the community is so close - even with those not met!
Missy, That is true. One of my friends, when I asked her what session at REBarCamp she wanted to go to, she said, "Networking!" and that was value in itself!!!! Phone is slowly coming back to life drying out. Thanks!
Ginger, My Triple B Gal! So glad to have spent so much time with you, Girl! Next time - roomies!!!!
Kim,
It is truly a special thing to be able to meet those that we feel so close to via our computers. I have had the opportunity to meet a few of the folks I follow and have made it my mission to meet as many as possible. Hopefully I will make it to Pennsylvania one day!
My prayers go out to Bill on the loss of his wife. I'm sure she was a lovely woman and will be missed by many.
So where we going next? :)
Jay and I met Bill and Sheila in DC and thought they were such a great couple. How sad she is gone. Long time AR and Twitter member Ann Cummings also lost her fiancee this summer. It's been such a sad time for our cyber friends.
Kim, that is so sad. A good reminder to all of us to enjoy and savor each and every moment. Live today as if it were your last...
It's tough to do but I try to say, "I love you" to my special ones with each goodbye. You take care.
Later in the rain~Deb
I think one of the reasons we connect so strongly and quickly with people online is that we're meeting them in a true, unbiased way. Instead of judging them based on how they look, sound or act, we're just exchanging ideas in a safe and open way. Once that foundation is built, meeting in person is instantly comfortable.
John... I think you're right.
Kim... the hugs will always be heartfelt. :)
Carol - Yes! Pennsylvania - come! She was an amazing woman - with the moments I spent with her - and especially with the raving reviews of her husband (without her around to hear).
Sarah - NYC Girl! Or something first????
Monika - It was a rough time for me hearing/reading about Ann's loss of Bear, although I hadn't connected with either. Now I get to ((hug)) @ACummings through Twitter!
Deb - You are so right on that!!!! You just never know....
John - That has to be the best synopsis ever! Right on!
Jeff - Looking forward to more, more, more !! :)
You have become the Social Network Butterfly. It was great to finally meet you and TBoard in person. That's what it's all about.