The Greatest Gift Project

 

Today’s letter comes from Heather of At the Picket Fence

Heather is sweet, talented and full of life.  I can say that because I read her blog and her words reach through.  And I can also say that because I got to meet her in person at Haven.  She may not remember the interaction because she was just being “Heather”.  But I remember it so clearly.  We were in a break out session and I was feeling rather overwhelmed with all of the information I was hearing.  I asked a question, you know one of those ones that no one “really” answers.  As I gathered up my belongings, Heather sought me out, came up to me and told me exactly what I needed to hear, specific information and said it with so much confidence -  it was contagious.

I also share this with you now because it is so fitting with her letter today.  So, Heather, we bloggers thank you too!

An open letter to my Fellow Bloggers,

When I started this little “hobby” called Blogging in 2010 I had aspirations of sharing some recipes and projects. Keeping my family updated on our lives, maybe I’d get a little recognition along the way.

What I never anticipated is the lovely, life changing, supportive and sweet friendships I would make.

There is still this stigma attached to having “on line” friendships and relationships. Often we feel we have to differentiate between our “virtual” friends and our “in real life” friends. We might call them our “blogging friends” or our “online friends”, then we get that kind of weird blank stare from our family as we try to explain the relationship we have with these people we’ve never really “met.”

I’m not sure if I can remember the exact moment when it dawned on me that you all weren’t just my “online friends” or “blogging friends” but….my friends. My real true friends. Friends who encouraged me, supported me, patted me on the back for a job well done! The friends I turn to when I feel down, lonely, insecure or excited, proud and accomplished. No matter which side of the emotional spectrum I might fall on any given day, you all have been there for me.

Maybe that moment came when I met some of you face to face at my first Bloggers Conference.

And we laughed and talked and stayed up late in our pj’s and sweats like we were old sorority sisters or long lost friends reuniting.

Or maybe it was over countless live Google Hangouts with the most fabulous group of gals I have had the privilege to work with.

Maybe it was when you all were SO happy and excited for me when I finally saw my magazine feature. I mean REALLY excited…and you understood. You KNEW like no one else could what it meant to me.

Maybe it came after the hours and hours and hours I have spent talking photography, blogging, projects, husbands, children, hurts, joys and faith… with the most precious new friend in my life. The friend you can say “I love ya” to when you hang up and truly mean it from the bottom of your heart.

It was most certainly when I realized that even if I was moving to a new state and a new home, I already had a built in group of friends that lived in the area and were excited that I would be living close by!

So to you my dear, sweet fellow bloggers I want to say thank you! Thank you for the gift of your friendship, your support, your encouragement, your understanding. Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life. I have my first cup of coffee in the morning with you, and I close out my day reading through your own personal journeys, joys and disappointments, fears and triumphs!

Don’t let anyone tell you that the love and friendship we feel for other isn’t real. It is very, very real. You are a true GIFT to me! You inspire me every day with your creativity, your words, your passion and your strength! I am so thankful for the blessings you are in my life!

Much love to you my sweet fellow bloggers from my blogging home to yours,