Question:

Hello there!  I am a student at the University of St Andrews, Scotland and I am currently doing a research project on the role of online blogs for individuals impacted by cancer. I was wondering whether I could talk to you about your opinions, I am especially interested in how bloggers can creatively express themselves(symbolically) in virtual environments and how important the blog design is in this process and why. But most importantly, how blogs can assist the individual in the healing process.

I hope that my research will promote online blogging as a critical resource and increase its awareness.

Thanks in advance,
Laura

Answer:

Hi Laura!  The fact that your question comes all the way from St. Andrews, Scotland says much about online blogging and its power on the 21st century information highway.  How else could a Scottish scholar find a native of Omaha, Nebraska?  As you read my work from half way around the world your question reminds me that I must be a responsible blogger.  I’m not just an old mom writing at nightfall in my pink fuzzy robe wondering “Is anybody out there listening?”  We live worlds apart, yet you were reading.  You were listening.

My blog is not a grieving platform to vent every frustration with chronic illness, though at moments it’s tempting.  Instead, I am obligated to use my life experience to share accurate and helpful information to the next caregiver that finds me by google search.

In Stephen King’s book On Writing he states that the first time you pen a story is for yourself and the second time it is for the reader.  Truly, the blog could be an avenue to vent the unfairness of my twenty-seven year old daughter dying of cancer.  Thank God, because of the help and writing direction of Erin Reel, it’s not.  My journey into the world of cancer began seven years ago when I was the mom that googled questions in the night hours, desperately searching for answers in areas ranging from adrenal cortical carcinoma to cancer and casseroles.  As I pass the three and a half-year mark since my girl’s death, my goal in writing is to help the next caregiver.

Healing comes in knowing that Megan’s death was not in vain;  a google search could lead a nameless reader to valeriebosselman.com and give them hope and direction.  Maybe they need to hear me say, ‘there is life after the death of a loved one.’  Maybe they need to hear me talk honestly about how tired I was as a caregiver.  But maybe they need to click on “Valerie’s Favorite Sites for Caregivers” and move over to a functional website that helps them in the task of coordinating all the friends who say “What can I do to help?”

C. S. Lewis says it best.  ”We read to know we are not alone.”  My highest goal as a human being is to know that in the rawness of my writing I can help one human being.

Regarding your question on format – Yes, it is important.  My literary coach, Erin Reel, has suggested I change the visual format of “Put Up Your Umbrella.”  She said it was time for a Q&A (and in rolls your question.)  My blogging has been sparse as I creatively work toward re-programming its external appearance.  I want the home page chock full of information.  The weekly blog will expand to stories of other caregivers.  Finding Shelter In the Storm will still include cancer, but also other chronic illnesses.  Most of all, it will include permanent links to other blogs and website that are an array of emotional, financial and practical information that help every reader find the shelter they need.

From a (part) Irish girl to a Scottish scholar, May the road rise to meet you (in your research), and may the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.

Behold the power of blogging!

Valerie

P.S.  To all my favorite bloggers, please post an answer to Laura’s question!  Got questions?  Feel free to ask.