And then you were gone.
Yesterday was a strange day in Facebook world. I’m still not quite sure what caused all the trouble, but for most of the day it was difficult to get Facebook to load properly, and more than once I tried to comment on something, and found that I couldn’t upload what I had typed.
Late in the afternoon, I was struck by the realization that I might not be able to schedule a post to go out for the next day (now this morning).
And I felt really lost for a moment.
To be honest, I kind of panicked for a second or two. What if this work was lost, what if the problem disconnected all the people who have liked this page, what if I never got to interact with some of you on messenger or over a video chat again?
There’s an old song from the 80’s titled “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”, and that’s kind of how it felt.
Because suddenly I was faced with the understanding that I could ‘lose’ all of you, and that thought made me incredibly sad.
When I started this work, I had no idea how it would change me. Not only have I been able to examine my thoughts, and formulate the concepts that have been a silent part of my life for so many years, but I have been so touched my the comments and kindness of the people who take the time to like and comment on the posts.
Some of you have become very important people in my life, even if you don’t know it.
Because I cherish the time, energy and wisdom that you share in contributing to the ongoing evolution of this process, whatever it may be, or wherever it may be going.
The more I come to learn about you through your comments and messages, the more I realize I am not alone on this journey of uncovering who I am, and where my place is in the universe. Some of you astound me with your ability to fight through trials that would have left me broken and weeping on the roadside of life.
Some of you inspire me with your words, helping me to see through your eyes and gain a perspective that might never have occurred to me. Some of you have progressed along the journey further than I feel I have, and you reach back out of your generosity and share just the right words, at the right time.
Many a time I have felt lifted up by your simple, heartfelt comments of gratitude, giving me a sense that there is a purpose far beyond my own in this work.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I am so very, deeply and profoundly grateful to have the opportunity to connect with you within this work, and outside of it.
Seeing Facebook’s problems today have made me realize just how important you all are to me, and how this work has evolved into a purpose I could hardly have imagined. I’m going to take some time to think about where this is going, and put in place options so that we can connect in different ways, and possibly through different mediums.
I think Facebook will always be the home platform of this work, but I need to look beyond that, and see how I can serve you better, and connect with you more deeply and profoundly.
For today, in this moment, please know that I am so very grateful for your presence in my life. However you choose to express yourself through this work, by reading, liking, commenting or sharing, please know that you are so very important to me. Your examples lift me, and your kindness comforts me.
May we continue together through this journey, and find joy together.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You mean the world to me.
— Dr. Alan Barnes
@maddrbmusings