Wednesday, March 16, 2011

On Lurking and Witnessing, 3

Henry, 2011
In keeping with a terrific idea over at mother words, mothers who write, I am going to ask all the readers who come here daily (thank you!) to perhaps leave a comment this time. For every comment left from someone who hasn't before or who does so rarely, I will donate $1.00 to the Red Cross relief efforts in Japan. I know that there is little I can do here to help those in Japan, but I am filled with gratitude by the community I have here and hope to meld the two. And, yes, if the hundreds of you who visit decide not to leave a comment, I'll definitely go to my statcounter and send a donation anyway --

81 comments:

  1. not a newbie on the commenting front, but very supportive of your ideas and very grateful for you, too

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  2. You've got a comment! My husband and I actually made a donation to a Japanese site that was one recommended in the Chicago Tribune. The Red Cross will certainly be there and making good use of donations. NPR had a segment a few days ago in which they announced that, per capita, the Japanese are ahead of the U.S. in how much they give to areas affected by disasters. The US is second. I'm amazed by the dignity of the Japanese as they face terrible hardships. I had lunch today with a dear friend whose daughter-in-law and 4 year old granddaughter are in Japan at the moment. They are hoping to get to the U.S. within the next few days.

    Thanks!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  3. I'm with you, Elizabeth. I can't always visit, daily that is, but when I do I pretty well always leave a comment. Good luck with your efforts. It's such a worthy cause.

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  4. Not sure whether I count as a rare commenter, but... hi.

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  5. Hi Elizabeth!
    This post just popped up in my Google reader and I felt obliged to drop you a line. I never/rarely comment the blogs I'm following. Yours is one of the daily reads!
    Everyone's thoughts are with the people of Japan these days. Let's hope the worse is over and the healing will start soon.
    Greetings to your lovely sunny family!
    Maria (from sunny Cyprus)

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  6. you know you have me....everyday.

    love your call out to lurkdom.
    such a remarkably over populated silent kingdom who can now speak out a great cause.

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  7. I am keeping them all in my prayers. In typical form Amma is sending a team to provide relief efforts. There is also an ashram in Japan, I am still trying to find out how they are doing there. (Momura)
    http://amma.org/humanitarian-activities/disaster-relief/japan-relief.html

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  8. Not a lurker either ..... But I love the picture of your boy as one. He looks very black ops to me :)

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  9. You have such a kind and caring heart Elizabeth. Your a generous soul indeed.

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  10. You are such a star, Elizabeth. Thank you for linking and donating!! I'm so happy that you are in my life!

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  11. Regular reader, first time commenter. I read regularly, from the confines of my feed reader, and always appreciate the quality of the writing and the courage and resilience shown in the text. I couldn't not comment today, I too have been moved beyond words by the images from Japan.

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  12. Oh my. I think you are going to be sending the Red Cross many dollars. I love you, Elizabeth. I have been thinking about you all day as I have been trying to integrate what is going on in Japan. I wish we could talk-talk.

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  13. I swear I typed "your" son. I even proof read it, I think it's because of auntiperspirant deodorant.

    The doctors told me not to use the stuff with aluminum in it. I am sorry, I should have listened (I just thought it would speed up the Buddha path thing).

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  14. A lovely idea in an unlovely time, Elizabeth. Thank you.

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  15. OK, ok. I've been a devoted reader for a while now but haven't had a chance to read thru your (extensive!) archives so I haven't really felt OK commenting. Is that odd?

    But generous offer so I will delurk.

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  16. Your blog is one of my very favorites. I don't have a disabled child, and I don't read your blog to learn about Sophie (although I like to hear about her).

    I just love your observations on the world, and your eloquent, thoughtful way of writing. You always give me something to think about.

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  17. Read you all the time, but I don't think I've ever commented.
    I support your efforts, but I am not very good at expressing myself with a keyboard.

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  18. Such a generous idea. Thank you.

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  19. Best of wishes to the Japanese people in this time of great trial. Their dignity as they suffer as no one should have to is a marvel to us all.
    It is hard to believe that anyone can survive this 3 part whammy. Thanks for your donations, what a great idea.

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  20. I love your blog! What a lovely idea, too. Xx

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  21. this is so great, loving the new names with the big hearts!

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  22. Alright, this is a match. For each dollar you donate to the Red Cross I will donate a dollar to Mercy Corps. When you are ready just let me know and I will copy you the receipt.

    We have donated twice since Friday to Mercy Corps. They are already delivering through their partner in Japan ( Peace Winds Japan)
    right now they are in desperate need for fuel to rush supplies to Kesennuma's homeless.

    Great idea and thank you. Many blessings to the people of Japan now and in the near future. There is nothing more tangible in this world to give hope to people in crisis than to realize that someone across the world cares.

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  23. Such a thoughtful idea, indeed. Although I also have to give a shout out to Nigel's idea - to build a time machine to go back and warn them before it hits. He told me two days ago that he wishes he could do that. I had to turn my head when the tears came.

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  24. Hi, I'm a friend of Zoey's mom -grew up in her home town and and found your blog thru her.... and love it... you have a beautiful family and your written expression of the tragedy in Japan has captured my feelings. As a typical non-commenter (simply because i hate passwords and online accounts!!!) I am happy to post today. thank you.
    Colleen

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  25. Caught up here now .
    You are the always an inspiration.

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  26. oh, and I would love to see your photos.

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  27. Hello E,

    I read your stuff often as I am able (I have no internet connection) , as it is evident that I have been dis-guarded as well. as your wise daughter.

    I don't know if the word "lur king" applies, I am simply into survival at this point.

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  28. I never lurk here, but I am often absent. So I don't know if I count. You are a good soul Elizabeth.

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  29. I discovered your blog through my best friend's blog Sheila. I am happy to leave a comment and yes like you so distressed at the tragedy unfolding. I try not to watch too much because my 4 year old is glued to my side but I am compelled to look at those images. I agree with you it does connect us. make a donation Lady and so will I.
    Take care Elisabeth.

    Meredith Driscoll

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  30. the offer to de-lurk compelled me to comment. i have read your blog for some time & you give me much food for thought. i have never commented because i am usually at a loss for words.

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  31. Hi Elizabeth, I'm a lurker--came to yours through my friend Laura (piece of cake) and read your blog all the time. I think you are such a beautiful writer with meaningful posts, so I keep coming back. I also have a son with special needs and I love your strength and determination as a mama--you are inspiring. In light of the events in Japan and you wanting to donate, I felt it time to write. Good "meeting" you for the first time. Thanks!

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  32. yes, maybe we all should show and share, our various collections of photos. Images that we have preserved, frozen moments in time forever, that never morph into what we may wish.

    Our minds can be so gentle with memories whereas the shutter, under the lens, over the sensitive skin, over the mirror tends to be one with the character of that brutal honesty. That truth I often claim I to be the motivator of my endeavors.

    I am under the impression several of us have numerous unique photographs we've snapped throughout our lives, a genuine strange varietal of color, arrested in a stop motion.

    I see some images (the poker see, a sortish of call) and raise to two more stacks of shutters snapped that I am confident remain under stones left unturned. Stones that have not been turned, since I had rolled them over one of my many private collections.

    You'd be amazed at the many various unrelated happenings and goings on phenomena I trapped visuals of, with things other than, my mind.(as I am fanning prints repeatedly through, like a deck of cards, they way a poker player plays with chips)

    *why is there scene music playing? the cameras should not be rolling at this point*

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  33. Good on ya Elizabeth:)

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  34. I'm not a regular, but I do lurk now and then. What a wonderful idea to use this as a vehicle to help the people of Japan. We gave a rather large sum to a relief society when the Haiti earthquake struck, but sadly because of that we were unable to afford to do the same when it happened in Chile soon after. It is so important for all of us to step beyond our own self-involved lives and find ways to help those struck with tragedy.

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  35. Let's hope I can remember my google account sign-in specifications so that my presence is recorded to support your charitable efforts.

    Am mostly a lurker, but always an admirer.

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  36. Friendly lurker here. I am a special ed grad student learning nearly as much from reading parent blogs as my textbooks, but just of a different variety. I skim, or read carefully, depending on the procrastination level for the evening!

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  37. I visit you often but think this is the right time to start leaving my comments here.

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  38. Frequent reader, infrequent commenter :)

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  39. I wandered over from Ms. Moon and wanted to say thank you for caring.
    Mel

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  40. I'm not good with commenting anywhere but love your blog.

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  41. Hi Elizabeth. I am a lurker, and intend to be a better commenter from now on. I love this photograph. I also wanted to say that I was looking at your profile and thought that I would share with you that I too have a seizure disorder. It is not severe. I have had bouts with it but it is very much under control. It started when I was 23. I was hospitalized one year, however, so I do empathize deeply with your daughter, and wanted to extend that to you. I love that you are doing this.
    xo,
    Noelle

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  42. I read your blog at least 3 times a week. I have never left a comment so I guess I'm in the lurker category....eek. My name is Lenei and I have a 3 year old daughter named Miracle with special needs. Nice to meet you Elizabeth.

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  43. I'm hardly a rare commenter, but just chiming in to thank you for doing this!! xoxox

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  44. How can I stay quiet on this post? I can't! A lovely idea and proof of a great community, too. A win-win in the face of trying times....

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  45. Count me in; I'm not a lurker though E, I am always too inspired to not comment. Wonderful and selfless idea. x

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  46. What an awesome idea! I just love your heart.

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  47. My prayers are going out for the people of Japan. Very heartbreaking.

    Carrie T. - mom to 4 from Korea. I have been through Japan on the way to Korea! Makes it seem to hit closer to home.

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  48. I'm mostly a lurker but I love your blog and your take on life.

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  49. Oooh, look at all your comments. Well done, Elizabeth. xo

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  50. You are a tremendous writer. I check in several times a day. I know that sounds creepy! I appreciate your contributions to the world through your writing.

    Pam

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  51. I love reading your blog and getting to know your beautiful Sophie,though I have never commented.
    What a great way to help those in Japan, to reach out to them in a time when we feel so helpless...

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  52. I read your blog pretty much daily, but don't always comment but I think about Sophie every day!

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  53. Hi, Elizabeth. Thank you for visiting my site. I will be having a look around yours.

    Best,

    SB

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  54. I lurk here a lot. I've already donated to the Japanese Red Cross, so you can skip counting me if you like, :)

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  55. Hi Elizabeth,

    I am a regular reader (have a daughter who had IS) but I do not comment usually. I love reading what you write and I was tempted to comment today.

    Anita

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  56. You have a kind heart. The news from Japan just keeps filling me with despair. Thanks for doing something to make a difference. I'm making my own donation today, but am afraid there are some problems going on that money won't fix.

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  57. I think it's a wonderful idea that you have, I donated to Mercy Corp-an organization that I think is great--but the Red Cross is another really good one! Thank you.

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  58. Wonderful idea.
    My comment:I am doing it too.

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  59. I am here. and you are completely generous.

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  60. Dropping in to comment. I think it's wonderful to see the love.

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  61. How can I not de-lurk for such a generous and thoughtful gesture? Love your blog ... thanks for the continued insight ...

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  62. Like the geeky dude said in Robocop.

    'I'll buy THAT for a dollar!'

    And don't forget...I want an answer to my response to you today, I wasn't being snarky, I really meant what I said in a good way. If it is rudimentary, I want to know how to learn how to wade through that and find better stuff. I felt like a jerk after reading what you wrote, not because you wrote it, because I hate struggling to know what is 'real' out there and what isn't...it's like wading through a mine field sometimes to find nuggets of useful information and I just assumed that a site like that was useful information.

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  63. Elizabeth,

    I stop by now and then, and am always glad when I do. Sophie is beautiful. I found you through Karen G. My daughter, Erin, passed away a little over a year ago from cancer, and I write about her too. Thank you for your generosity on behalf of those who've suffered this heartbreaking tragedy.

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  64. and thank you Elizabeth, for having such a talent with words and taking the time to post the things you do. I don't think people understand that I do appreciate the words I read here from you.

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  65. dig it, Mama. Might copy it too.

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  66. Elizabeth, you are a lovely person as well as an intriguing writer. I read your blog regularly and share your thoughts with my daughter, mother of 6,ages 11, 10, 8, 6-1/2, 5 and 3.

    She homeschools all the children which makes for very busy days. Her 8-year-old son, Bede, was diagnosed at age 3 with classic autism, moderate to severe. I give my remarkable daughter, her equally remarkable husband and other children much credit that Bede is a happy child, quite affectionate, and increasingly verbal despite his autism.

    We celebrated his 8th birthday at my house last week, and I gave him a "fuzzy" throw. He immediately wrapped himself in it and said, "It is my birthday quilt. I love it." From a little boy who we thought might never talk, these words overwhelmed us all.

    The words you write on your blog frequently overwhelm me in the same way.

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  67. My first visit and definitely not my last. Hug sweet Sophie for me.

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  68. I am new to your blog; I cam via Rebecca's. What you are doing is wonderful. The people of Japan need help and prayers; such a devastating chain of horrific events.

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  69. Wonderful what you are doing Elizabeth. Sending love.

    My word verification is allin. All in? Yes we are. Thank you.

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  70. I comment very rarely, but I am here, thinking as hard as I can.

    Bless you,
    Pamela

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  71. I normally don't comment, if just because I am usually on my cell phone, which makes it a tad bit more difficult. But, as luck would have it, I am on my laptop. This is such a good thing you're doing, Elizabeth.

    By the way, I found that segment on you & your husband & how he sort of "made you fall in love with him." So sweet. After your first marriage, were you jaded...or simply not looking? Or both? I ask, just because I've recently broken up with somebody I cared very much about & alas... I'm so very jaded. But perhaps I always am & perhaps some more jade-ness would do me good. My eyes are opening to new opportunities that I never considered before, so it's freeing.

    Hope Sophie, you, and yours are all doing well today.

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  72. Beautiful, inside and out. Thank you :O)

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  73. Yet another frequent lurker, in awe of you and your kindness.

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  74. wow, you've got a lot of readers!
    I don't know if I count.
    Great idea.
    I finally made myself sit down the other night and witness some of it.
    Thanks to you.

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  75. It's wonderful to see so many people commenting, thus contributing to those in such dire need. Thank you for your generosity!

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  76. Elizabeth,

    I'm a lurker, because I didn't think my comments would be worth much. But I like reading about your lovely Sophie and your boys. My sadness too runs deep for the people in Japan. Thank you for your words and inspiration!

    Sheree

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  77. I love this idea and am pleased I read about it on Rebecca's blog. Thank you :)

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  78. Here I am leaving a comment. We are one. Thank you for helping.

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  79. I confess to having been a lurker and your wonderful offer has brought me out.

    I have been so impressed with the composure and dignity of the Japanese people through this horrific tragedy.

    Thank you for what you are doing, and best wishes to your family.

    And congratulations on your success in having Sophie stay in her class!

    -- Joan in PA

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  80. I'm a first time reader of this blog :)You are so wonderful to support all the victims of the horrible disaster across the world!

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