I guess my favorite thing about Facebook is the way friends and family send birthday wishes when my special day rolls around. I know, they’re being reminded by the machine. And yeah, it’s pretty easy to type a few words on a person’s wall. But it’s also pretty easy not to. I have to admit that all those messages today made me feel appreciated by the people I care about, and it renewed my appreciation for them in return. I like that warm and fuzzy feeling. Facebook might be a poor substitute for real face-to-face contact, but it’s a lot better than nothing.
I have a friend whose mother died awhile back. I didn’t write anything on his wall because to me it felt facile, a trivial way to offer condolence for a terrible personal loss. But he told me later that all the messages he got via Facebook were a great comfort. I felt kind of ashamed. I was too high-minded to use Facebook, but the thing is, I never got around to sending a card either. From that I learned this: Where true friends are concerned, the words matter a lot more than the medium.
Anyway, another trip around the sun. I’m growing older and uglier, but sometimes I think I’m also growing marginally wiser. I have no proof of that. And I might not have jumped at the deal, had it been optional. But youth must fly, and with it vanity. If you get anything in return, you should probably not complain.
Happy birthday, Dave.
Thank you, sir!
Sorry I missed your Birthday Dave! Hope you had a good one! I agree with you on the words being more important than the medium.
I have had some comforting words come my way recently through fb and they really made me feel better.
I disagree with you on you getting uglier, I think you are very handsome!
Peace be with you brother!
Very kind of you to say! Thanks!
Happy birthday, Dave.
Thx, Joan. A man doesn’t need birthday wishes, but they sure don’t hurt.