Thursday, January 29, 2015

Musings

Been thinking about major family trials like this, and what it means in today's social media world compared to 25 years ago.

Back then, far fewer people would be informed about this event so quickly and in so much detail. The passing of information back then was slowed and muddied one phone call at a time.

Back then, the family at the hospital was not expected to concern themselves too much with making sure all the family got the news in a perfectly timely manner; that was delegated to Aunt Edna, the top of the phone tree.

I say this because we have found it impossible to control the flow of information unless we simply stop sharing info altogether. We update here when we can, we talk and text with friends and family if time permits, and many of them also use social media. Sometimes info leaks out in funny places, and sometimes people are a little hurt or surprised when they get info from a source or at a time unexpected.

We are not going to concern ourselves with this very much, and I trust you all generally are OK with that. Our #1 priority is Mark, #2 is our other children. After that, honestly, we do not have the time or energy to worry about much.

Don't get me wrong, this post is not because there was a problem, everything has been fine. It is just a bit of rambling observations on family crises in the digital age, and the sometimes imbalanced expectations of timely info that we have grown accustomed to since the dawn of the Internet.

Job #1 right now for us is Mark. That is all. Thanks for reading.

6 comments:

  1. You and Wendi are very caring parents and you are right where you are supposed to be. We really appreciate the updates and how you ask us to pray for the other families. It's a given. We will continue with prayers for healing, comfort and peace. John and Judy.

    By Judy Straub — Jan 31, 2015 12:03pm

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  2. Right on.

    By Marliss Bombardier — Jan 30, 2015 2:01pm

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  3. Frank, Thank you for all you wrote. Mark and your family are out concern, nothing else. We are with you.

    By Joe Russo — Jan 30, 2015 10:15am

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  4. Frank, you and Wendi's priority right now is being there for Mark and the other 5 +. We appreciate that you and Wendi take the time to share what is going on with all the rest of us, however and whenever you find the time and way. We fell in love with your family when we met doing Joseph. Your whole family is very special to us. We pray for Mark's recovery and for the rest of you to be strong. We also know that you would do the same for others if the need was there. Those that don't appreciate the method should not worry you too much. Love to all of you.

    By Cooki — Jan 30, 2015 9:23am

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  5. Frank from your world you and Wendi have far more to worry about than the updates in a digital world. Your family has shown so much love and compassion to others that it is your turn to receive that same caring in return. Lets us as your friends and family worry about whatever updates you both feel are necessary. This fight is a marathon for your family and especially for Mark. We do totally understand that info may come slowly or not at all but it will come when you are ready and we will be here when you are able to share with us. Until then please know that you all have my prayers, love and hugs.
    Always-

    By Deb — Jan 30, 2015 6:57am

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  6. Thank you Jamie

    By nancy — Jan 30, 2015 1:01am

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