When a tragedy strikes, we often take an inventory of our life. After the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, I am willing to bet you’ve paused and wondered “what if”.
My heart goes out to each and every family member affected by this tragedy, including the family of the shooter. I ache for the survivors, knowing their minds will never forget the images or sounds from that night.
We do not know when our time will end. We can only hope our life will end peacefully.
As I watch the news and read the papers, I notice backstories of the victims are being told through their Twitter and Facebook accounts. For victims like, Jessica Ghawi, attention turns to their blogs.
So it is in the age of social media; when we are faced with a loss, especially when the tragedy is played out through the news media, we try to capture a snapshot of the person through his/her own words.
What do your accounts say about you? If you left this earth tomorrow, what would be your social networking legacy?
Do you want to be remembered by the posts you published? Do you want to be remembered by the 140 characters you sent through the Twitterverse? Do you want to be remembered by the recent picture you posted on your Facebook page?
As I said earlier, we do not know when our time will end. If my life were taken away from me tomorrow, what would my loved ones find? If they turn to my Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress account, what would be my social networking legacy?
While keeping the victims in your heart and on your mind, while hugging your loved ones a little more tightly, while noticing the sunsets with greater appreciation, take a few minutes to think about what you’ve put out there for others to see. You may not have the chance to explain what you meant.
.:.
Lenore's Thoughts Exactly 
Food for thought. I’d like to be remembered as someone who still laughs and is fascinated and/or amused by the absurdity of life, someone who still skips at the age of (over 25), but the rest of me is unpublished. The true memories of who I was will reside with those who really knew me. I hope they keep the good ones and go easy on me with the rest.
I agree with you. I believe the true memories of me reside with my loved ones. Still, I think there are some out there who don’t thing before they click ‘send’. I continue to be amazed when the media immediately takes to the social networking accounts of victims. It just makes me think …
I don’t Twitter, and barely have a Facebook presence. The social media me is blogging and much of what I put out there is trivial meanderings. I think it’s ok to do nothing more than try to make people laugh here. If only bitty pieces of my real heart ever show through, well, that’s ok too. Like Hippie said, those who really know me know the totality of me. At least I hope so.
As I said to Hippie, I agree. I wouldn’t expect a different response from any of you guys in my blogging circle. But, as I said to Hippie, I think there are those that click ‘send’ with really thinking things through. And, I am amazed how quickly the reporters take to the social networking accounts for a snapshot of the person.
This is SUCH a cliche. but having a baby on the way has really thrown me, in terms of prioritizing – suddenly I’m thinking a lot about what I want this girl to be able to say about her dad, what kind of person I want to be for her.
Yep, Byronic. It happens. I think I’ve said this to you before… Johnson & Johnson has a television commercial that ends with the thought, “A baby changes everything.” Resistance is futile. 🙂
It’s a beautiful cliche.
Having kids and knowing that one day they’ll stumble on my blog, it does give me pause as to what I want them to know about me. I try to make sure I am always respectful of others. And of course, positive with my humor.
I think the biggest risk is within Twitterverse and on Facebook. Plus, I think it is the youngins’ that need to be a bit more deliberate with their posts. We’re old – I mean – we’re wise, Darla.
As you know, I’m churning out the stories so my family will read what I know so that they don’t have to ask some day “Did you ever ask her about…?” btw Eureka! SIL left me a comment last week! He has been subscribed for over a year. Now if I can just get the rest of the clan to understand what all the fuss is about.
That is exciting that you’re SIL paid a visit AND commented. Your children are lucky you are documenting so many wonderful stories.
Great post, Lenore. I post with my grandchildren in mind. I don’t want to let them down, they think I’m wonderful. 🙂
Thank you, Patti. P.S. You are wonderful. 🙂
Thoughtful post. I never thought about my son reading my blog one day. Yikes.
I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Sue. Your posts are honest, thoughful, and full of perspective.
Words of wisdom, Lenore. I’m with Patti … what will my granddaughter think?
Blessings – Maxi
She will think you are wonderful, like Patti. 🙂
Great question, LD. I think just like in “real” life (a phrase I’ve come to dislike), I think we should strive to have respect for our online selves and our online communities. I try not to say or post anything online that I wouldn’t say to someone in person.
There’s also another correlated aspect to this idea — in this world where we can have friends that we’ve only known online — what about when they are gone? http://stevebetz.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/paolo/
That is a great way to be, Steve. Try not to say or post anything online that you would not say to someone in person. That’s my hope, too. I wouldn’t put it out there, if I wouldn’t talk about it with those who know me best. Your post/tribute to Paolo was nice. The friends in the blogosphere are special, but you only understand how special if you are actively in the blogosphere.