Thursday, April 22, 2010

Why we blog about this

Since Maelee’s passing I’ve heard a few comments about our unorthodox method of communication—blogging. Yeah, a blog is probably strange for anyone who knows what Medicare is, so I think we need to defend our decision a little. Just so you know, I really don’t like the word “blog.” It sounds like it weighs 453 pounds. And I don’t like the words “tweet” or “twitter” either. They sound like they weigh .000001 pounds. So let’s just call this a “web journal.”

It Helps Us

BECAUSE WE CAN SOMEWHAT CONTROL THE GRIEVING
Back in the day, people would stop by in droves after someone’s death. It’s been tough to have a lot of people around. We have a few stop by here and there, and that’s worked out well. And when we’ve had too much social interaction for one day, we can just stop, without having to kick 25 people out of the house. If you’re a counselor, maybe you know if this is an unhealthy way of doing things. Maybe we’re supposed to always have people around? I don’t know.

BECAUSE IT INCLUDES EVERYONE, EXCLUDES NO ONE
We don’t know where to draw the line with e-mails and phone calls. Do we e-mail this person and not that person? Do we call this person but only e-mail this person? We just decided to put the information out there for everyone … and I mean EVERYONE. That saves us stress and social responsibilities that hinder the grieving process.

So if you know someone who doesn’t read this (and would like to) because they don't know what a mouse or keyboard is, would you please print out the posts for them? If you really want it realistic and traditional, you could copy and paste the text and then change the words to a scripty font. Then forge our signature at the bottom, I don’t care.

BECAUSE IT'S THERAPEUTIC
I kind of have an idea of who’s reading, but not really. That’s probably a good thing. Then I can be more transparent. That’s therapeutic. And I deal with words all day and enjoy writing. So putting together a crisp and clean web journal post makes me think I’ve accomplished something. I can organize the messy grieving process into a nice little box.

It Helps You

BECAUSE YOU'RE HINDERED BY DISTANCE
For those of you far away, I think it’s helped you. You want to be here with us, but distance hinders that. We’re trying to give you a picture of what it’s like inside our house so you feel like you’re here.

BECAUSE YOU LOVE US
I don’t understand why anyone would be drawn to this web journal if it weren’t for them loving us. This is some deep, dark, messy stuff. Who’s drawn to this without some connection to us? Who really wants to be dreary and depressed when there’s so much fun and excitement outside this dark corner? So it’s good that when you’re ready to read, you can read. When you’re not, you just stay away.

-Greg

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you guys Blog (originally it was Web Log, but has shortened over time if you like that word better ;) )
It's such a good way to stay in touch with you and by that I mean be able to feel a sense of sharing a very very small part of your grief. We can be with you in a sense and our prayers for you can be that much more specific. Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

I check your blog each day, I'm not sure why, maybe I am drawn to it, but I think mostly for us it hits close to home - we can "imagine" what you're going through though we really have not a clue. There's not a day that goes by that my heart does not break for you both - we "weep with those who weep"...
We just want you to know we care
Love to you both
Sara & Tyler

Rebekah said...

Thank you for writing - it helps us know how to pray for you better. You three are on our hearts often. We love you - Wes and Rebekah

Linnea said...

I for one am never ready to read but hunger for updates to know that you are thinking, breathing, and processing. It is one of the first things I check when I get online. I feel like I've accomplished a step just by reading it and I know that I would feel farther from you both if I sat in your living room than when I read your blog. I also got to see part of Maelee's life through your updates in the beginning even though I'm so far away. It was a great idea.

I also unequivocally concur with your analysis of the words blog and tweet.

Seth Franke said...

Hi Greg. Your blog has been so helpful in my ongoing grief process. I made your blog my homepage many weeks ago, and it remains so now. I am so thankful that blogging is helpful for your grief process, too.

Lauren said...

It does indeed help us. Your friends definitely love you and are grieving with you daily. My heart just aches for you and with you. We continue to lift you up before the throne of God!
Lauren and Josh

Anonymous said...

I am drawn to your blog and want to share with you that your gift of blogging has shown me strenth and faith. Maelee has touched my heart and has opened my eyes to all the blessings God gives us every day. Most days I don't recognize them or even pay attention to them, but He is right here. Greg and Heather may you feel Him close to you. Laura

Jill K said...

We echo all of this.... how good it is that such a helpful thing for you is so helpful for all of us too. I'm sure that writing here takes a lot of energy.... thinking, processing, composing, strength, but I'm so glad you find it worthwhile. I'm also glad that Maelee's story is fixed into GretherFamily.blogspot in digital stone.... Emails get lost easier... this way we'll always see Maelee's story at the beginning of your story. She is the beginning of parenthood for you guys. Maelee is a crucial part of who you are, what GretherFamily is and what-who you always will be.

praying still- trusting Christ for you guys-
Matt and Jill

Diane Kemp said...

Thank you for blogging or whateveryou want to call it! I think it is much better than not knowing anything at all and it helps with the grieving process. I say whatever helps you then do it! I appreciate knowing how you guys are doing, breathing, sleeping, crying, and loving each other during this time.
Keep it up!
We will continue praying for you!