"You haven't been writing. Are you okay? Is there anything I can do?"
I shared the situation with a couple, thanked them for thinking of me and then, buried myself back under my covers.
The next morning, I awoke to an inbox of messages:
"I don't know what's going on, but here's a guest post for your blog. Let me know if you need anything or want to talk."
"Jessica let me know you needed guest posts. She didn't say why, but if you want to talk, let me know. We all love you."
"I'm sending you hugs. I don't know what's going on, but I want you to know that when you're ready, we'll be here to support you."
"If you need some time to yourself, bring the kids to my place. Or we can meet in the City for a girls night."
"Please let me know what I can do or you'll start to receive strange care packages full of plants and candy."
One after another, I read these messages of love and support from women around the globe. Even though I've never spoken to most of them outside of twitter and blogs, they surrounded me with love. They helped me in a way only bloggers would understand. They sent me virtual "hot dishes" in the form of posts. They helped me keep Mandyland active.
I've often heard of the incredible support bloggers have for one another after one of their own shares a difficult story.
I never realized that the same support holds true - even when the story is unheard.
Thank you, my friends. From the bottom of my heart.
31 comments:
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So glad you had support.
So slow to the party. I've recognized that you haven't been writing, and missed you. Now I'm ready to do anything you need. XOXO
So wonderful. We belong to a wonderful group of women. Hope you are starting to feel better.
*HUG* I hope that whatever you're going through you feel comforted.
I'm so glad you received such an outpouring. You are loved!
Well if you weren't so damn lovable.... Nah, we're just like that! And yes, bloggers are the most amazing people.
I'm honored to call you my friend Mandy as I know many of us are. We're here!
Mwah - you're fantastic. Hope you feel better soon.
I was wondering too. So glad that this community showed you so much love, care and concern. One of the best things about being here in blogland is that our arms extend to each other in good times and bad times and uncertain times. I'm so glad you felt those arms around you last week. xo
Well now I feel like a heel! I didn't know what was going on and I didn't say anything!!! But I was wondering. Which doesn't count! GAH!
Me too. :)
You're so sweet. I'm doing much better and am finally able to write again. Phew! It's scary when I can't write!!
We really do.
And I'm getting there. :)
I do. Comforted and, in a weird way, cushioned. Hard to explain, but...cushioned.
I think we sometimes forget that there are people there if you just reach out.
I think "I" sometimes forget that.
Thank you, sweet friend.
And tell the truth. It's not me that's lovable...you just want more Henry. ;)
Thanks, lady. Very, very much.
I was in such a state of freefall. It was nice to realize there are strong arms to catch me.
Oh shut up! You are awesome. You do realize that I don't consider a post posted until you comment, right?
Mandy, that's so wonderful. I hope you're back to your old self soon.
This post has me all choked up. We just love you and I'm so glad you feel it. I knew everyone would come through for you. I will be emailing over my "lasagna" very soon. xo
Sweetness. I love that you have such a great support system.
You're a big part of that, lady. HUGE.
I can't tell you how much it meant to me that you went through all that trouble. I was literally in tears reading the DM and the emails. xoxox
You're never alone. XO
It's going to take a while...see Monday's post for why (that's what I call a hook)...but I think I will be. Someday.
And that is more comfort that I can explain. Because at first? I felt very alone. And then? I felt the warm virtual arms of hugs.
Look at me get all sappy. xoxox
This post is so sweet, so powerful. Jessica? Amazing! My hot dish? Coming soon! And you? So, so very clearly loved! XO
Galit is right, this is woderful! I'm so glad you 'knew' some well enough to share and get the support you need. I am constantly amazed by how supportive bloggers are to one another. You & your blog rock and we'll still be here to read as you get through it. :>
Mandy, I'm so sorry that I wasn't one of those that was right there by your side. I should have been. I have no excuses, only that I wasn't paying enough attention. I vow to do better. Let me know if you need ANYTHING!
Oh Mandy. I love you sweetie. Please know that I am sending you a virtual hot lasagna, a glass of wine and a big hug right now. I'm here for you if you want to talk. Anytime.
This makes my heart smile! This is exactly why I love the blogging community so much.
Jessica sent me an SOS e-mail too and if you still need guest posts, I would happy to send you something.
Hugs to you!
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