Today, I’m sharing a story about comments and connections. But if you don’t make it to the end of the story, PLEASE leave me a comment today anyway. It’s worth $20 to someone who needs it. Read on…
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I recently read a book called “The Blue Sweater.” I wasn’t really sure it was my kind of book until the author told the story of the blue sweater. Quick summary: uncle gives her a blue sweater with images of Mt. Kiliminjaro, she loves the sweater, kids make fun of the sweater, she donates the sweater. And then 10 years later she’s walking through Africa and sees a small boy wearing that blue sweater. Her blue sweater with her name still on the tag.
That’s the moment when it hits her. And it hit me too. We are all connected. We all share some commonality and universality that we can never really understand. And as lofty as it sounds, that’s one of the reasons I’ve loved blogging for three years now. Because I start to understand some of those connections, usually through comments and reactions to my posts.
In the blogging world, I often tell people that comments are the equivalent of applause. A job well done. A post well written. But really, it goes beyond that. It comes down to how well you’ve connected with someone whether you meant to or not.
It’s the comments on every post that keep me going. That let me know that someone read enough to feel compelled to comment in some way.
But it’s the comments you never see that have a special place in my heart.
I keep my contact information plastered all over my blog. I like to hear from people. I love getting emails. It’s like the grown-up version of running to the mailbox to see if your penpal wrote you. In fact, if you really tried, you could probably find my address somewhere. And I’m okay with that. I’d probably invite you in for a lovely cup of tea.
My inbox does get a bit overwhelmed with too many newsletters and useless press releases and bad pitches (and the occasional good one!). But every once in a while, something sneaks in there unexpectedly. An email from someone I don’t know that comes in out of the blue.
I had one show up on June 7th, 2011 from a woman named Kim. From what I could tell, she wasn’t a blogger and clearly had never been to my blog before. And yet, this is what she wrote:
“I just googled “Will being a mom make me lose my identity?” and I found your blog. I have only read your bio and started crying! I am pregnant with my first and find that my scenario is the exact as yours was. My husband and I are getting “older”, I’ve always liked children but really didn’t know if I would like motherhood but knew if I didn’t do it I would regret it for the rest of my life so HERE WE GO!
Now I’m scared sh*tless but find it so reassuring to hear you say that it’s not what you thought it would be but better! I really can’t wait to dive in and hopefully find some reassurance as I read that what I feel is normal and that I’m not the only one out there that feels this way. I’m afraid that because I will soon be a mom I will have to give up EVERYTHING I love and will never be able to pursue any of my passions any more. Obviously I am aware that some things will definitely have to be put on hold but I’m afraid that they will just all disappear and that I won’t have anything left in life but to be a mommy. Please say that this isn’t so.
Well, before I even begin reading your blog I want to say thank you for writing it!”
I wrote her back and she wrote me back and I think we were both in tears by the end of it.
And there are more people who never comment and never share a personal note with me. But I know they’re there. I see it in my analytics. I look at the search terms. They’re looking for answers, from me:
how to make my house apocalypse ready
should you cut nails if child screaming
reasons why batman is not a superhero
how to pronounce gewurztraminer
(and yes, they find these answers on my blog)
We’re connected, all of us. For some, the internet creates a barrier to others. For people like me, the internet only enhances those connections and lets us know we’re never alone.
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Now, it’s time for you to reach out. Don’t be silent. LEAVE A COMMENT TODAY. Even if you’ve only ever lurked, today’s the day to come out of the shadows. Here’s why.
This post is inspired by Shot@Life, an initiative of the United Nations Foundation that educates, connects and empowers the championing of vaccines as one of the most cost-effective ways to save the lives of children in developing countries.
During Shot@Life’s Blogust: Bl
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In this amazing relay of even more amazing bloggers, I’m taking the baton from the beautiful Katherine Stone of Postpartum Progress who wrote her Shot@Life post yesterday. And I get to pass it along tomorrow to the very mighty Maggie Mason of Mighty Girl. You can visit Katherine’s post or Maggie’s post or any of the 30 other bloggers that are participating in Blogust and leave a comment on their Shot@Life post from now until August 31st.
Changing the world, one comment at a time.
It’s true. We are all connected. So well said. Love you. Love that you wrote this. xoxo
Here’s my comment! How can I not leave one when it’s so easy to help out kids in need? it’s amazing how life is so interconnected. =)
I love this post in so many ways. The blue sweater analogy, the definition of private emails as comments – it’s so true. I’ve saved a whole file of my favorite reader emails and you’re right, sometimes a private comment can mean the world. But I love THIS effort which encourages even the lurkers to come out and do something good. Because while we have power as individuals, we have even more when we’re united around a cause.
Thanks for participating in this great effort Fadra. I always like reading you and I’m glad to have had another excuse to do so this morning.
Ok out I come…how could I not?
Woohoo! Here’s to saving lives!
Fadra, You are so on-the-money! One of the amazing results of this relay on my blog is that so many readers who have never said a peep, have come out and let themselves be known. Blogust inspired them to go on record. This is now my favorite phrase–“I’ve been following you for some time and I’ve never left a comment, but…” It has just been a joy to respond to these “new” old friends !
“We are all connected” I love that and it is so very true. In the blogging world and in real life, we see the 6 degrees of separation popping up and it is often more like 1 or 2 degrees. Great post and so happy to be involved in this campaign with you.
We ARE truly all connected and every day the world feels like it gets a little smaller.
Thanks for being part of this and for helping kids. LOVED the story of the blue sweater!
I love that people find wine AND superhero tips here 🙂
Amazing how we are all connected. I am reminded so often about the ties that connect different people to my life that I never even knew existed.
Fadra, here is my comment and a video you must see, will also be tweeting this t you. Blessings! http://youtu.be/XGK84Poeynk
Thanks for sharing. You must have known I’m a Carl Sagan fan. Have you ever read this? My favorite, especially considering the theme today. https://allthingsfadra.com/2010/04/your-moment-of-zen/
more sunshine rainbows and smiles ..
Go go go go Fadra! I love the list of search terms people use to find your blog. Superheroes, wine and the apocalypse – you’re a jack of all trades!!
Love you Fadra and am also thankful for the Blue Swetaer and connecting with you! As Albert Schweitzer said “at times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has a cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have ignited the flame within us” thanks for rekindling my spark! Xoxo!
Until this effort I had closed comments. Even so, when you write something that resonates with people, they will find a way to let you know.
So glad to be working with you on this fantastic effort!
It always amazes me how connected we really are. Love your post and that this comment will actually help people. Yay!
I agree – we are all connected. And blogging has only made that more clear to me. I wish I had time to comment more on a regular basis, to let people know how much I enjoyed their writing, their perspective. One day when I’m swimming in small children. For now, commenting to save a life.
Not swimming in small children, that is. Oy.
Your typo only made your point even further 🙂
Fadra, I love how you thoughts about this! It is so true, these spaces serve a purpose and are all connected. Some will never comment to let us know something we wrote helped them, others will reach out like in fabulous ways like the email you shared. Thank you for adding your voice and perspective to Blogust!
Hey there Fadra. You’re one of my favorite people I have met in the past year and I’m glad blogging gave me the chance to do that. I’m also glad for this post, so I have another chance to save a child’s life. Pretty cool.
I love this campaign so much…it doesn’t surprise me one bit you’re involved in it somehow!
AWESOME POST! Great job, Fadra.
Hi, Fadra, yes, we are all connected, just like that blue sweater. I also love reading emails from readers and as you say, every comment is like a round of applause (even if ut can also be a boo from your audience). So great to be a part of Blogust with you! I hope you survive your son’s first day of kindergarten 🙂
The internet giveth and the internet taketh away. But for me, it’s mostly given, and I am so grateful. Have loved getting to know you this year. You have a beautiful voice and heart. Thank you for sharing it with me.
This is a very nice post — thanks for helping us all to learn more about Shot@Life.
Great campaign. How amazing to be able to do such a small thing that, in turn, does so much good!
Another thoughtful and entertaining post from Team #blogust. Keep up the fantastic work, Fadra.
I like the imagery that somewhere in Africa there is a village of women and kids dressed in my family’s clothes. Makes me want to do another round of spring cleaning. Hopefully my posts over the last month will help vaccinate them, too!
Great post & I’m delighted to be able to help by leaving a comment. I don’t get a lot of comments on my personal blog, but I must say that the private emails mean the most to me too. When people reach out to tell me that something I wrote about my life helped them through a particularly difficult time in theirs…well, that makes all the commentless posts totally worth it.
Great post and what a great cause – I’m a “lurker,” but today I will comment! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for such a great post!
I’m adding The Blue Sweater to my list. And thinking of you on E’s first day of kindergarten today. I was a weeping mess and still get teary when I send my boys off to school (4th and 2nd grade!).
I think you’ll enjoy that book. I actually listened to the audiobook because I like hearing it in the author’s own voice. No tears today (so far) but definitely a little lonely. Here’s to many more healthy first days of school!
Great Cause. I’m glad to comment to help.
I will have to read The Blue Sweater. Sounds awesome. And… I love the concept of everyone being connected. I have thought about that a lot over the years.
Thanks for this post and causing me to reflect on these issues again to start my week!
xoxxo
Thank you!
Wonderful post, love the thought of the blue sweater and how we are all connected! Thank you for sharing your talents and life with us so you can make a difference in the lives of others and together we can make a difference in the live of thousands of children and families around the world!!!
That line about the internet (For some the internet creates a barrier to others, but for people like me…) It is so true.
And I am glad that I can be of help with a comment.
Great post, great cause. Thank you.
Poor people like Batman and That Archer dude – no superpowers, just skills and technology. Glad to see you have your turn!
beautifully said. I may have to take a peek at that book.
I was almost in tears just reading Kim’s email to you. Comments are so important and heartfelt ones like that make my heart burst with joy!
Yes, yes. Comments are how blogs spread their most powerful message: you are not alone.
I feel the same way about comments!!
Love the reason, Love your rhyme. Ya got yourself a new fan.
I also love reading Google queries that bring people to a blog and wondering about the quiet visitors who pass through. I hope they found something of value.
Thanks for being a host of Blogust. What a great endeavor.
I wish I got more comments on my blog. It makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong, especially when I write a heart-felt post. When I do get meaningful ones, I am so grateful. Kudos to you for inspiring so many to comment on your blog. You are amazing.
Holly – there IS no right or wrong in blogging but I know you know that. I almost chose to write about the comments that come months or years after I’ve written a post. I write something that means something to me. Maybe it had a good reception or maybe not. And then suddenly, after I’ve long since forgotten about the post, someone somehow finds it and leaves me a comment. And it makes my heart sing to know that my words aren’t fleeting. The right eyes find your words at just the right times.
Hi Fadra! I love comments, and I love that we are all able to do our part through #blogust — commenters and bloggers alike!
I am constantly amazed by how interconnected we all are – sometimes makes the world seem like such a small place! Will have to add The Blue Sweater to my reading list 🙂 Thank you for blogging during Blogust to support this very worthy cause!
When we got married in 1977, my husband and I agreed that we didn’t want any children but that, if we had one, it would have to be a girl. Ten years later, God vetoed our decision and sent us a son. That was when I learned that God knows us better than we know ourselves. Although I was furious with my husband at first for letting this happen, before Blaise was even halfway ready to make his appearance outside of my body I had fallen in love with him (when I saw his kicking in there at about ten weeks of gestation, when he was only about three cm long). He immediately became not only the focus but the delight and pride of my life. I can’t imagine my life without him; it would have been so impoverished!
Now he is 24, a successful attorney, and living in a luxury apartment a half hour’s drive from our home. What seemed like the shape of my life forever (being a mommy to him) somehow came to an end! I think of him daily, of course, and call and email him often, but my task in raising him–the most important job that anyone can ever have–is over. As I wrote in a haiku I entitled “Hand-off” on the day he turned eighteen,
Now you are a man.
My life’s masterpiece
still damp,
Your hand grasps the
brush.
He has taken over what used to be my job in making him the person he would be.
Oh Melanie – your work will never be done. Even as an adult, we have so much to learn. Your role is now in the background as opposed to the foreground but you’re still there! This I say as I sent my baby off to kindergarten today…
Connections, you wrote about connections and now I am connected to you thanks to CC Chapman tweeting about our post.
I love how open you are to connecting with people. That means a lot to your readers. And what a great thing to say to the reader who was afraid to have children – that it would be better. I went through the same experience, pure terror, and now I wonder what the heck I was so worried about. Sometimes my husband and I find ourselves looking at our daughter and saying to ourselves, “Can you believe we almost didn’t do this?” Thanks!
I love both of the main stories in this post. We are all connected, and that is why I get disheartened when I hear people justifying nastiness with “but it’s MY opinion, MY life, MY experience.” Well, yes, but you’re putting it out into the world, and that means it’s affecting other people too. Not all of our emotions deserve to be aired in other people’s faces just to make ourselves feel better.
And it’s the wonderful comments (and posts), that show some thought and more than knee-jerk reaction that make up for the thoughtless halitosis of the comment-box that we all sometimes experience. Thank you.
Yes, yes, and yes. And I might have to borrow that “thoughtless halitosis” phrase.
Thank you Fadra for helping with such a worthy goal . Connecting whether it’s a blue sweater or an immunization to keep a child healthy all a noble goal.
Yay for Blogust!
Great post Fadra. I am so thrilled to be helping with this AMAZING cause! 🙂
Yes! Thank you for all of this, Fadra.
What a great story about the sweater! I think I would cry if I saw that!
I am too curious about gewurztraminer 🙂
I have a video where I did a wine tasting of “that wine” but I’ll save you some trouble:
ga-VURZ-tra-meen-er
(and use your best German accent)
🙂
Love! Love! Love this! I need to go make sure I’ve commented on each and every blog (once, twice, three times!). Comments are applause and feeling connected makes me feel validation. I am writing to connect with people and I am connecting. Good stuff. PS: I love you!
Just started reading The Blue Sweater last night! Thanks for your post
Wishing everyone a great week ! Keep the Comments coming !
I loved this post! I like reading about the connections, too. And now I must read more, because I’m sure my house is not apocalypse ready. Thanks for supporting Shot@life
I have to admit that post must have been in reference to a playlist I made called “Songs for the Apocalypse.” I figure if we’re going to go out, we should have some good tunes to listen to 😉
Thanks for connecting us to families across the world and to each other.
*applause* Both for being part of Blogust, as well as this post. Connections is all it’s about for me. And the comments (seen and not seen) are truly amazing.
awesome! thank you for using your powers for good. (:
Beautiful post Fadra! The comments and the connections are why I started blogging and what I love most about it. You are such an amazing and caring person, and I am so lucky to know you. 🙂
I love the sweater story.
A beautifully written post Fadra!
Connections and comments – sometimes they take a while to come together and actually form a friendship.
I attended my first blogging conference (Bloggy Boot Camp) October 2011. I picked it because it was deliberately small, and they had everyone rotate tables (including lunch) to enable interaction.
Let’s face it, it is so easy to cling to those you already know and ignore someone new. I was so grateful to the process. Over the last 10 months I have slowly fostered an online friendship with four of the women I met last October.
While I try to comment on all of their blogs, they rarely do on mine. While this smarts a bit (does my writing suck? can you not relate? What about a LOL here?) I do hear from them via FB, Twitter & IM so I know we have connected that way.
So to all those lurkers out there – please leave a comment every once in a while. It can brighten someone’s day. A lot.
I have a confession: I’m a terrible blog reader. And some of my very favorite bloggers that I consider good friends? I rarely read their blogs. It doesn’t make me a bad friend (or does it?). It just makes me a busy and scattered friend. Your connections online are still important even if you aren’t showered with comments!
That makes sense since it is nearly impossible to be “present” on FB, Twitter, private FB groups, AND write a fricking blog post. Oh yeah, AND live your life. You definitely have to pick and choose.
Amazing effort, and amazing stories. You are an inspiration. I certainly hope that our feedback and comments help you to achieve this worthy goal!
The friendships are truly the best thing about blogging. The best thing about the human experience, really. Finding that connection to someone you likely would never have known, fostering it though shared experiences and strengthening it over time. What better way to navigate the path we’re on, than with others by our side?
One of my favorite comments ever led to me re-connecting with a friend I hadn’t seen/heard from in almost 20 yrs. Connecting in this space is such a treat- makes this big world just a little smaller. Lucky to have met you through blogging and happy to be able to contribute via comments to this great cause!
Awesome story!!
I totally teared up reading this post! I have been blogging now for over five years and went from never thinking anyone would ever read it to having beautiful friendships develop because of it. I do not know where I would be without my blogging community!
I love your post about connectedness through the story of the blue sweater. It’s true, we all connected.
“We are all connected.” Beautiful, beautiful post. Thank you Fadra for be the amazing YOU!
Beautifully written, Fadra. And yes. We are all connected, indeed.
You are such an amazing lady, Fadra. Thank you for participating in this worthy cause! And, what a beautiful story. You had me just about in tears. I love hearing about special connections in life that keep our faith in each other strong.
An excellent post, and now I must read more about the blue sweater. Thank you for supporting Shot@Life!
you’re so right about the connectedness of all of us… thanks for joining the shot@life effort!
Great Post- Great Project!
Well done Fadra!
What a beautiful post, Fadra! It’s definitely true and I’m so happy you’re here to answer the questions so many people are looking for. <3
Thanks for recommending “The Blue Sweater”… I already added it to my amazon wish list. Plus Shot@Life is awesome!
First of all, omg about that book. That is crazy and I think I need to read it now. Second, you changed your pic in your header! I noticed it as soon as I linked over and had to say something! I like the new shot – but will probably miss the other one and be confused for a bit. And I love the way you worded this whole post, so thank you. I’ll be sharing now. 😉 Miss you!
I love the letter! We never know who is watching, or reading, what we write on our blogs, our twitter stream, or Facebook page. I’m a firm believer in that. I think we’re here to not only help ourselves by writing what’s in our hearts, but to help others by being genuine and providing answers when they google them. Your story is a prime example of that. Wonderful post, Fadra!
I totally agree that we’re all connected, and I am determined to do my best to make sure that I grow those connections within my family, for my whole life. Great post, yay shot@life!
Does it count if we leave a comment on everyone’s posts? (That was a lovely post, by the way. I have had the same kind of thing happen to me, too.)
Yes! They all count!
Fadra
I have never been connected to you but fully appreciate what you share in the “blue” sweater and most of all through holly pavlika, truly admire SHOT@LIFE effort ….and how can one not take this moment for a comment contribution
But really, we’re connected now 🙂
I love this project, thank you!
I know exactly what you mean about the comments you never see. Those are the once that can mean the most. I have a few that I have saved over the years as well.
It’s so true that in our information overload age, it’s hard to pay attention to the real connections between people. Thanks for the reminder, and the beautiful story.
Beautifully said. Great cause.
What a great program. I was out of town when I saw some of these posts come across my mobile, but it was so hard to comment, but I’m here today commenting. Great program.
Yes we are all connected, and sometimes we need to be reminded of that. It’s important to find good sources of stories of connection and shot@life has today connected me with your blog site. We are now connected and a child somewhere will benefit from the $20. What a great outcome.
shot@life is changing my life by introducing me to new bloggers AND making a difference in someone else’s life with that $20. thrilling!
Glad to leave a comment for a great cause!
You complete me, Fadra. I’m glad to be a part of Blogust with you.
Just in case anyone wants to leave an extra comment and get an extra $20 for a child
http://freeanissa.com/2012/08/every-child-deserves-a-shot-life-with-the-un-foundations-blog-relay/
Fadra, that moment in the Blue Sweater gave me chills, it is truly an amazing story and what you say is true, just imagine all of the connections and impacts we have on people all over the world without ever knowing. Like you and this Blogust campaign. At least one whole life will for sure be save because of you.
That story about the blue story gave me goosebumps!
Glad to be a part of this with you, Fadra.
The blue *sweater* story.
Is this the first time a typo has saved a life? I think so.
it’s so true! we are all connected. it’s one of the things that I truly love about life. and the Internets makes us all that much closer. so glad that our paths crossed!
Fadra, I love your blog and really count myself blessed to be your friend. Thank you for blogging for Bloglust! This is such an amazing campaign and I am honored to be donating with this simple comment. I just get chills thinking of all the lives this can save!
This is such a great post. I love how you write about connections and commonality. Great post!
I don’t comment nearly enough on the blogs I read and love. So let me take this opportunity to say that I think you’re brilliant 🙂
I love how these coincidences happen. I really think they happen for a reason and it makes life incredibly interesting. I am having a great time with this Blogust campaign. I haven’t quite made it every day, but I’ve managed to remember most days and I love that sense of putting a little good into the world every day.
Thank you for participating in Blogust, Fadra! I’ll spread the word to my circles and I hope you can get lots of comments for an important cause.
Your blog today makes me realize I should comment more often. I read the blogs I do because of the connection I feel with the author…I should voice that instead of reading and just going on my way and I will start today. Thank you!
Getting even just a simple complement can raise someone higher than they have ever been. I always try to let people know when I am inspired by them, appreciate something they’ve done, or just like what they did with their hair that day. I love that we can make the world better and help others through social media
Love the blue sweater story. Thanks for participating in blogust. It does so much good!
What a great way to help others! <3
Fadra, totally LOVE what you are doing and that I can take part in getting shots for babies in need! Thanks for the opportunity :0)
What a lovely post, and what a great cause! Blogging really does connect us all and creates such a sense of community.
Wow I need to check out that book. I love finding out at the most random times how many of us are all connected in some way or another.
Great post! Thank you for doing this!
Wonderful article and great cause. I would love to read the book you mentioned, sounds very inspiring
Cool story about the blue sweater!
This is my applause for you and Shot@Life!
Great post for a great cause. Forget 6 degrees of separation — it’s more like 2-4 in this world. And I think that’s a beautiful thing.
I’m not really a lurker, just a total fan girl of you from Type-A. 🙂
This is a fantastic initiative, raising awareness, raising funds and making it easy for us mouse-potatoes to get involved and help out.
It should also encourage us to think – and discuss – the necessary education campaigns that should accompany such immunisation drives. There is still a lot of ignorance to be overcome, even in developed countries such as the USA, and unfortunately, we are now also dealing with the backlash of the covert operations in Pakistan that took place under the guise of vaccination campaigns.
Lots of work to do, but, as the famous proverb says, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
Thank you for participating!
Great post. Great campaign. Yay for Blogust!
What a great story! I had a similar experience on my trip to Botswana when I walked in to volunteer collecting books for orphanages and schools from a giant collection of donated books. Here in little Brandon, Manitoba, Canada we collect textbooks and ship them to Africa monthly. When I walked into the warehouse and realised that the books I was going through were books from the organisation I work with in Canada I was awestruck, speechless, and nearly in tears. We are all connected, indeed!
We are all connected. It is amazing! Great blog.
Blue sweaters can be virtual ones, too!
Today I found your blog. Thank you for doing this
great post! I too was scared of loosing my identity when becoming a mother- but like you find it one of the most rewarding things in my life…well, and one of the hardest.
Yes, we ALL all connected! Thanks for the reminder as well as the vivid examples. So glad for this small chance to help someone else.
This relay rules.
Great cause. Thanks!
Lurk!
Thanks for partnering with shot@Life for this great cause!
You just have a way with words, Fadra. Seriously.
Loved this Fadra. And I totally agree about how this world just keeps getting smaller. How amazing that she found HER sweater! Thanks for doing this post and reminding us to take a minute and help someone else.
easiest good i’ve done all year!
Fadra, I love this post. There are so many days when I see a search term in my incoming stats and think “I hope you found it, friend.” <3 (And I was terrified of being relegated to "Delilah's Mom" at 27!)
Wonderful cause….thanks for participating!
OK!
Thank you for participating in this worthy cause.
You inspire me all the time! Thank you for participating in this blogger program.
What a great post my friend! I give you a gold star. Thanks for making a difference.
Great
What a great cause! I would comment 100 times if I could. I love looking at the search terms to see how people found me too, and I also love those personal notes when you KNOW something you wrote resonated with someone else. It’s why we do what we do 😀
My children were adopted from countries where routine vaccination is a rarity. THANK YOU for highlighting this need. Thank you Shot@Life for your good work.
I want to be a connector not a lurker. The Blue Sweater was a powerful chunk of words.
God bless us all.
Thanks for the great post!
it is a super great cause! I love comments on both of my blogs as well, but sadly, often I leave comments on some blogs who sadly don’t always do the same
Thanks for sharing this story! Awesome cause and great way with words.
Thank you Shot@Lile
I also believe that we are all connected, not separate, but united in a way that our human mind cannot possibly fathom. Blogs can be a great resource to maneuver through the maze of life, while giving another opportunity to connect.
Your post was a great “a-ha!” for me… thank you sooo much for sharing and for supporting this incredible cause.
Great story x
what a beautiful way to give back. love you, fadra. you’re a good egg.
Great post! Loved the story about the blue sweater- cant believe it’s true!
greatly appreciated
Great post, running short on time so I just skimmed it for now, BUT I will definitley be back to read the entire thing later.
Fadra, thank you for being a beautiful person. Your post made me tear up (in a good way) – so touching. Wonderful!!!
This is pretty cool!
totally makes all the work worth it!!
Fadra, I see WAY more than 10 comments here! 😉
I always get the search term “Is having twins really hard?” I’m not sure if I make them feel any better.
Loving the whole blogust thing. I think every kid deserves a shot at life, and I’m super excited to participate in making that possible.
Awesome story about the blue sweater. Thanks for posting for a good cause!
Love that story about being connected. LOVE it. I truly believe that we are, which is why I’m always saying that everyone, and especially bloggers since we do have a little soap box to stand on, should be giving more love and service. Couldn’t we start changing the world for the better? We’ve already turned blogging into something great. We can do more. Lovely post. Thanks for writing it.
commenting so a kid gets jabbed!
Remind me to tell you the story some time of my lost luggage from my senior year abroad in college….or the time my mom & I were in some random small town grocery store, on a cross-country trip, speaking Norwegian and it turned out the lady behind us not only understood us, but had a friend who my mom knew when she was a kid in Norway, in some random small village. To me, the BIG world has always been so very small. It’s one of the reasons I not only don’t ignore, but foster long distance relationships, you never know when they’ll go local! I am always inspired by your outreach, especially since I know how busy you are. xoxo L
Okay, I’m doing something nice by making a comment and it makes me feel good to do something nice. Does it still count? Oh wait, just having a Phoebe moment. Carry on.
So going to start following your blog! Thanks for helping the kiddos! 🙂
I love the connections i have made through the Internet too. It’s opened doors to the past and the future. It truly is amazing how interconnected we all are.
We keep getting more and more connected, which I love. Kudos to you for this awesome post. TY to Shot@Life for all they do.
Love this cause!
Reading some great content today. I love being connected to you. The beginning of this post reminds me of my very first blog post a bit of a year ago. If you have the time, go read it, you’ll know why. rajeanblomquist.com
Thanks for supporting Shot@life and for your lovely post! I also read The Blue Sweater and was deeply touched by it along with HALF THE SKY another book that shows we can’t sit back and do nothing. We must give back. I’ve dedicated my life to it and if I can help via my blog, great! Thanks for helping us reach our goals! Fellow Shot@Life Champion, thirdeyemom
I talk about making connections all the time…and you never know which is the one you will make that is exactly what you need at the right time. Great post – thank you!
This is an amazing post. Thank you for sharing.
Great post, just commenting because I want to support!
I found your blog by way of Twitter. I am inspired! thanks for sharing..
-Mannie
Thank you so much for sharing and for participating in Shot@Life’s Blogust! We are all connected 🙂
That is an awesome story about the blue sweater!!
Love it. Thanks for supporting such a great cause!
Fadra, I just wanted to tell you that I knew you´d get more than 10 comments…
Fadra, I love the mix of Google analytic search terms and your nod to the Blue Sweater (a favorite of mine). Kim’s note to you is beautiful and gets right to the heart of why you are so loved.
Do you know if Kim still reads your blog? I’m so interested!! And I wish I could leave 10 comments here for this incredible cause. 🙂
Thanks for supporting such a great cause and sharing thoughts from you heart. I think I need to start reading your blog. Love it!
Fadra, I’m looking up for your address. I guess I’ll take that invitation for the cup of tea. It seems to me that it would be wonderful to talk for hours with you. Although we do have the (almost as good) option to read your blog. And I’ll have the good half of the dialogue 🙂
Commenting 1) because you’re awesome! and 2) because I love what the good fold at Shot @ Life are doing and I want to help!
Great cause Fadra!
Vaccines for all!
Wow. I was drawn into this post because I’d heard the NPR piece on “The Blue Sweater” and hearing the awe in her voice as she spoke about the moment she realized it was her old sweater… I almost forgot where I was driving to. I got lost in the piece. Wonderful, wonderful post and an even better cause. 😀
That was a great post Fadra. I always like to see what will come next from you.
I always like reading what you write! We would have been great friends if you were my next door neighbor.
Carolina
Thanks for writing a great blog and for giving kids a shot@life!
I never read your blog before but I just love what I am reading now and I agree that we all are connected and that comments really matter and some times changes and makes life impacts. Thank you for your wonderful words and for participating in this blog relay and save precious children lives.
I’m one of those lurkers, too 🙂
You have definitely been an inspiration to me on so many levels – as a blogger, mom and just in general. I stumbled across your blog through another bloggers SOCS post and have been hooked ever since.
More than happy to come out of lurking to support a wonderful cause 🙂
You are truly amazing,my friend! Always helping others, and just being you!
Your are truly amazing. Always helping others, and just being you!
The sweater story made my heart jump. Can you imagine that moment and how enormous and tiny the world would seem, in that split second? Like you could hold all humanity in your hand, if you only could care enough to do so.
You make me smile every time I come visit. So happy we met so randomly long ago online, and now live two years in a row. Happy sigh.
So thrilled to know that Blogust exists and to see what it is doing. So thrilled to see all the ways you work to bring the good to social media.
Great post! Thanks for bringing attention to such an awesome cause!
What a great idea and I love the sweater story!
OK, you completely got me with the sweater story. I’ve found so many ways that we’re all connected. This is a great post and a great cause. Thank you for sharing!
You are SO right, we ARE all connected. Amazing story about the sweater. WOW. Excellent post. Excellent cause.
Comments are usually my most favorite part of posts. As bloggers, we get the great gift of starting the conversation, and the real discussion happens in the “community” of the comments.
this is awesome! and yes we are all connected. I am glad you wrote that. i somehow have to write a post for all that is in my head about how one coupon can reach someone in Africa. so thanks for inspiriing me to get the job done. Also, I love your blog and writing style!
What a beautiful thing that you and other bloggers are doing. I think it’s so important for us to use our voices to educate our community about important issues that they may not of heard otherwise.
I love the feeling when it hits us that we are connected! ONE World!!
I’m so glad I’m connected to you and all the great things you are making happen on the Internet. ((hugs)) to you and I’m so glad you were a part of Blogust.
First time visitor! Great post. The blogging world is a wonderful thing.
Leaving a ‘hello’ to save a little life… My baby just got a vaccination and I’m so glad to have a chance (30 chances!) to provide that care to another little one.
Thanks for all you feel, share and do! Love this shot@life blogust stuff! You all rock to be a part of it! The world is getting better by the minute, I can just feel it! 🙂
I’m hoping that additional comments count towards the total. I’m making a second pass through the calendar to catch a few days I missed the first time around.
Beautiful! I am reminded of a talk given by a wonderful, wise woman from my church named Chieko Okazaki. She said, We can never afford to be cruel, ungenerous, or indifferent because we are connected in a pattern that only God sees. She talks about how in this pattern we support each other. I love this and believe it!
I hope the comments still count. It’s awesome that you are participating in this!
Katherine sent me.
Thanks for sharing the story of the sweater.
And thanks for participating in the Shot@Life post. What an amazing opportunity to give back.
You’re doing an amazing thing! Comments make the (blogging) world go round 🙂 Thanks for doing this Fadra
such beautiful words.
and thank you for this chance to participate in this wonderful project.
Thank you. You do good and important work.
I have a folder for those comments no one ever sees and I refer to it often. Thank you for sharing your story, Fadra!
Love this post, and this idea.
Amazing. Thanks for sharing and letting me know about this project!
Thanks for your efforts
Best wishes to all 🙂
Now I’m going to read your bio so I can cry too. I remember being so freaked about about losing myself when I was pregnant with my son. I really think I’ve actually found myself now. 🙂 xo
I love this post, thanks for sharing and participating in such a great campaign.
The nicest thing that
was ever done for me, has actually been done by several people in my
life… they were just “there”… cheering me on, pushing me when I felt I
couldn’t go on, celebrating my successes, and loving me – flaws and all.
Wonderful ‘blue sweater’ story. thank you!
You go girl!
Awesome story, great thing you are doing!
I’m now looking up blue sweater for a read through.
I have GOT to read that book! It’s on my list. 🙂
The sense of community and connection is my favorite thing about blogs, thanks for highlighting it today!!
Yes, we all are connected. Now I am going to read the blog posts you mentioned. You deal with such interesting topics.
Great job, Fadra. Looking up this book for my Kindle.
Thank you!
I love that we are all connected. Maybe if we all realized this, we would treat each other with more respect. Or at least relax and laugh more. 😉
This is great! I love the search terms. Clearly, this is a “well-rounded” blog!!
Thanks for sharing this.
What a great story and a wonderful cause! 🙂
I love this caUse!
Great post! And I do get that same feeling with comments as I still get while running at the mailbox…
How great to get a random email from a reader saying how much they loved your blog. Oh man, if that’s not confirmation for a job well done I don’t know what is.
This is a great post and a great cause. So happy to see so many comments here.
Keep up the good work
We take the time for sooo many random things. But this? One comment = 1 immunized child. What is there not to say about that? Awesome! Each one, reach one.
This was an amazing post, I can honestly say i felt goosebumps.
What a beautiful post!
I don’t think people realize how powerful their words can be. It’s such a little thing to write someone a note of thanks when they touch you, but it can mean quite a lot to the recipient. And now I want to check out that book.
Yay Fadra! Thanks for sharing! Words are so incredibly powerful, especially yours!
For those mamas who do not get out much, the Internet has allowed us to develop connections and build friendships that we wouldn’t have established otherwise. I especially love the micro communities that develop around blog posts and comments. Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Great post and an even better cause Fadra. Your the best!
Love this program!
kind of an old post and i dunno if this is still valid, but just wanted to “comment” and say I read this. I found your blog via The Laughing Cow cheese website of all places… LOL. (i think you won a contest they had awhile back?) Anyway, now that I’m here I figured I might as well look around… 🙂
Connection – almost 30 years ago, I gave someone I barely knew my classical guitar because he loved the sound so much and he was “guitarless” at that time. Fast forward to about 6 years ago, when I decided out of the blue that I wanted to decorate my living room in an African motif. Then rewind about 20 years, when I found out that “my” classical guitar was in Africa! The person I gave the guitar to later sold it to someone who went to Africa as a missionary. I love the idea that my old guitar was, and may still be, in Africa, maybe even healing souls with its beautiful sound! It really did sing like a bird and had a tone of which I havne’t been able to replace.
Anyway, your post reminded me of how we really are all connected even when we don’t realize it. I have a connection with someone and something all the way in Africa, which in turn, is right here in my own living room!
Recently I was really, really low on cash and debts were eating me from all sides! That was UNTIL I decided to make money on the internet. I went to surveymoneymaker dot net, and started filling in surveys for cash, and surely I’ve been far more able to pay my bills! I’m so glad, I did this!!! With all the financial stress these years, I really hope all of you will give it a chance. – 3xue