I am one of those old-timers who was unconvinced about this whole “viral internet thing.”  Then I had one of those ah-ha experiences recently.  I am now a believer as to the reach, and the power, of this incredible tool that we have available to us.  Here is what happened.

Claudia Meydrech of eBook and Book News and Reviews posted a very kind review of my book on her blog in July.  Last week she sent me an email stating that someone had posted a comment on that review, and that the writer seemed to know me.  She asked me to read it to see if it was legitimate.  I went to her site, and was absolutely floored to read the following post from an elementary school friend, who I very much remember, but whom I did not stay in touch with.  Here is what she posted:

“Marion, I could not sleep after reading your book. I remember you telling me that your mom beat you and put you in the cellar with the rats and mice. I was so ashamed that I did not believe you. You were my favorite friend in school and I didn’t believe you. It sickens me to know such a thing can happen under ones nose and I was so blind to it. I too like Bev was brought up in a family with so much love. I’m so sorry! I really didn’t know things like that happened until I was in my 20′s. I miss our friendship. Love Ya! Gloria”

And so I send this message to Gloria, in hopes that the same “internet spider” that led her to my book will now help me locate her, all these years later.

Dear Gloria,

What a surprise and pleasure to hear from you.  I want you to know what a gift it is to me that you took the time to write.

First, please know that there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about.  I fully understand that what I shared was way too much for another child to process, especially if they did not have similar circumstances.  When I was little, I was very careful about what I said to others, for fear of the repercussions.   Therefore, after all these years, I can only surmise that back then you provided a “safe space” for me to tell my secrets.  I didn’t know that you didn’t believe me back then, and that matters not one bit to me.  The fact that you listened meant everything.  And I cannot express in words what it means that you remembered, and that you were willing to share that with me.

I will wait to hear from you, for I know this message will be delivered to you, just as yours was to me, by way of a miracle.

Much love,
Marion