Blogging During a Personal or Family Crisis
What do you do during a family or personal crisis?
Do you keep blogging, business as usual, because the "show must go on"?
Or, do you write about it on your blog, risking that is is off-topic, too personal, and nobody wants to hear about it?
These are questions I have been wrestling with.
You see, one of my older sisters had major surgery last week for lung cancer.
Her name is Patti and she is not doing very well and it is a rough time for my family, especially my parents, who are elderly.
Naturally, I have found it difficult to post on this blog during this time.
I decided to share these thoughts, after all writing is good therapy.
So what do you do in these situations?
Your perspective tends to change at times like these.
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February 26th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Mark,
Everyone deals with personal crisis differently.
How we deal with these life issues is the measure of our life.
My thoughts and prayers are with your sister Patti, your parents, you, and your family.
Walt
February 26th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Mark,
My own sister passed away two weeks ago, unexpectedly at age 45. At the same time, my dad has been in treatment for prostrate cancer. My parents are 77 and 82 and I've needed to help hold things together, driving dad to appointments and things.
It's stressful, of course, but blogging has helped provide some distraction. Since my blog projects are so new, they have also provided hope and the feeling everything isn't really falling apart.
February 26th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Mark,
I don't know. I did not have such situations while online.
I will just pray for Patti to get better…
February 26th, 2008 at 10:14 am
@ Walt – thank you for your prayers
@ Terry – sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing, I found your words inspiring. It is important to have distractions so that you don't get paralyzed by dwelling on things. Having hope is so wonderful!
@ Misha – thank you for your prayers as well.
February 26th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Hi Mark,
This is a thought-provoking question. My belief is that as bloggers, our responsibility is to build a relationship with our audience, so including the occasional personal story – both the good times and the tough times – is great. It's great for your audience, to help them know you're "real" (hey, we all go through tough times) and great for you as the blogger because the community of bloggers is so extremely supportive.
I say – post about it! Will keep Patti and your family in my prayers.
Caroline
February 26th, 2008 at 10:55 am
@ Caroline – blogging IS about developing a personal relationship with your readers. Good point. And I definitely enjoy the sense of community among bloggers. Thanks so much for sharing!
February 26th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Mark
I fully agree with Caroline. If you feel you have a good enough relationship with your audience, let your feelings out, if that is what you wish.
I will pray for you and your family, especially Patti.
Hawksdomain
February 26th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
@ Hawksdomain – thank you. That is very kind.
February 28th, 2008 at 2:13 am
I think it all depends on the type of crisis and the blogger
Questions, questions….
Does the crisis take away your time?
Does blogging make you feel guilty at a time of crisis?
Does blogging keep you occupied and not let you think of the crisis?
Does blogging help you get through the crisis?
I had a friend who's father passed away. She kept on blogging daily. When I asked her about it she said that writing about it helps her deal with reality.
February 28th, 2008 at 9:20 am
@ Shamelle – those are good questions to consider. For some bloggers, depending upon the situation, maintaining your work habits can be good "therapy."