Real people...

Blogging is something which I love to do. It allows me to write and hopefully entertain/help/engage other people. I write for me first and foremost and then hope others appreciate the words I have put together. I fully appreciate fellow bloggers and the world they create in their little web space.

Throughout my short time, compared to some, in blog world I have found a few great friends. Some I chat to daily, another I have regular contact with regarding our life and happenings, one I swap sweets with and others I follow and read their blogs daily - whether I have time to comment or not I always read. 

The past weekend however, I was lucky to meet a fellow blogger. Mrs OK blogs over at OK in UK and is not too far from my real life destination. She is heading back to USA in the next week and I received a message asking I wanted to meet for a drink before we lost our chance. I, of course, jumped at the chance and I know anyone who has read her blog would do exactly the same!

For me it was more than just a 'meet-up'. Given what is going on in my life at the moment, Miss OK invited me out with some friends to help me feel normal I guess for a night. I have to say, it was just what I needed. It was lovely to be around a new group of people who were all so fun and welcoming. Miss OK were lots of fun even though she was suffering from cold. I hope to stay in contact with the girls near me and of course add Mrs OK to my Christmas list!

What I am trying to say I think, is that us bloggers are real, we exist in our web home but also in the 'real' world. Having the opportunity to form such good friendships is something which non-bloggers are missing out on in my opinion. Having others there to support in person or in message form is keeping me going at the moment. 

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere."

Tim McGraw

Make a wish...

My past week and a bit has turned into one long, traumatic moment in time. It is amazing, in this world, surrounded by technology that a life can begin to fall apart so quickly. In a week my brother has continued to deteriorate. He had an operation last week which by passed the enlarged nodes as well as the new tumour which has appeared on his stomach. His body is so weak since he was in a such a deteriorated state before the operation.

The new tumour has been described by the doctor as 'nasty'. Now if the doctor is saying that you know things aren't looking good. All around me I can feel the hope which was once there slowly evaporating. I look at my brother and see in his eyes the sadness inside and the pain on his face. My family around me are keeping their 'brave' faces on but I know it is a mask, partly because I have one on myself. I am trying to be positive and hopeful for all and for my brother. I am becoming quite adept at holding back my tears when in other people's company.

I am determined to stay strong and try to be the hope and strength for the both of us. I know this will be difficult but right now I don't know what else to do.

A good friend of mine and fellow blogger, Miss LA, sent me these words and I am trying to keep them in my heart:

I am hoping OTH can give me a bit of hope...

My wish is that my brother will be sitting next to me at Christmas, smiling and being surrounded by everyone who loves him. That's the only thing in my heart right now.