Why We Blog

The wise and gentle Ann of Holy Experience has a post up this morning about some blog-related questions I, too, have grappled with, am always grappling with—this summer more than ever, as I've wrestled with the question of how much to say about a new diagnosis my son received, one that was not exactly a surprise and yet was certainly a lot to take in, and which I very much want to write about (can't imagine NOT writing about) for a number of reasons, but I have made myself tread slowly while I ponder the question of where the line is between frankness and invasion of privacy.

(Boy, how's that for a run-on sentence?)

Ann explains why she shares secrets. Her reasons are very much akin to my reasons. Examining our lives helps us see them more clearly, live them more joyfully. Recording our stories is how I know I'll remember them: the small moments that are so important because they, like the tiny pieces of a mosaic, are what come together to form the big picture of our lives.

And sharing the struggles, the successes, this is how we mothers help each other. Seeing the ways other women handle the broken tiles, the sharp corners, the dropped pieces, helps me to better discern how to sort through the jumble of tiles in my own hands and scattered at my feet.

Thanks for articulating it, Ann, and thank you for welcoming us into your kitchen, your fields, your good times and bad, so that we may be inspired by the mosaic you are piecing together with such tenderness and love.

Comments

[Hannah]

I hope you do get the place where you can share more about Wonderboy, Melissa. I struggle with the very same questions. About a year ago, my son was diagnosed with ADHD and I wrote about the process on my blog, even though it was hard to do (especially knowing that there will always be people who think that's a made-up diagnosis that's a mask for bad parenting!). Recently we've had to make more decisions on his behalf, and I haven't brought myself to share publicly. I'm not sure if I'm afraid of the "stigma" or if I'm more concerned with his privacy.

"And sharing the struggles, the successes, this is how we mothers help each other. Seeing the ways other women handle the broken tiles, the sharp corners, the dropped pieces, helps me to better discern how to sort through the jumble of tiles in my own hands and scattered at my feet."
- I love that; you put it so beautifully. The mama-blog community in general seems to be a wonderfully supportive one.

[Ann Voskamp (Holy Experience)]

Melissa...

You bless.

I wrestle these questions with you.

And Melissa? Thanks for not minding the messiness of my little mosaic and just loving anways. (I'm not very good at any of this.)

Grace is a beautiful thing.

God's peace as you and Scott love and care and raise up precious Wonderboy; he's in good hands and you are all in His. I look forward to reading and learning from your story, as Father leads...

As always, you mentor...

Every blessing, kind friend,
Ann

[monica]

just wanted to say that your blog has been such a source of encouragement to me. my son too has special needs and as we are facing upcoming surgery (ies) i love to hear from moms who have been there and know the pain, the fear, and the hope. i hope you decide what is best for your family concerning blogging about them, but i am thankful for what you have shared thus far. i am planning on making one of those doctor chart things to keep track of the 5 or 6 drs we will soon be meeting with. thank you and i will be praying for you all

[monica]

just wanted to say that your blog has been such a source of encouragement to me. my son too has special needs and as we are facing upcoming surgery (ies) i love to hear from moms who have been there and know the pain, the fear, and the hope. i hope you decide what is best for your family concerning blogging about them, but i am thankful for what you have shared thus far. i am planning on making one of those doctor chart things to keep track of the 5 or 6 drs we will soon be meeting with. thank you and i will be praying for you all