Thank you January 20, 2010
Posted by brandy in something I won't forget.trackback
Awhile ago there was a lot of talk about bloggers and cliques and 20somethings. I remember feeling frustrated that I couldn’t clearly express how I felt- how I still feel. Blogging is not a clique. It’s not a club of people who select members based on anything other than the fact that they have a blog. It’s not about living in the same city, liking the same music, swearing to the same faith, having the same job, sharing the same dreams. It’s not any of those things.
It’s about having the courage to sit down and type out your thoughts- to be brave enough to hit publish and be curious enough about the world to search out others and invest your time in learning about their lives. It’s about snail mail saying you are thinking of them, it’s about phone calls and 3 am emails, it’s about hearing a song and smiling thinking of one of your favourite people. It’s about remembering important moments in their lives, about sharing in their joy- and being there during the struggles.
How do I know this? How am I so sure that blogging is more than a members only group with special jackets earned only through shared location or religion or ideals or dreams?
Because I have never met a blogger in person (YET). I’ve never met a single one of the people who worked so hard to make the video that brought me to tears today. I’ve never shared coffee with any of the amazing people who donated today to www.loveharder.org . I’ve never swapped stories and downed margaritas with the ladies who worked so hard to get this project done. I’ve never met any of you in person- and look, look what you did for H.A.D. and I. Just look.
I’m typing this while attempting to do the *pretty cry, but I’m veering towards ugly drunk girl cry (minus the drunk part). So I will end this for now. But to every single person today who participated in this video or donated or tweeted or retweeted or posted this on their blog or emailed or called or texted? Thank you. A million times over. It is one thing to see that the internet has your back, on your hardest day when you feel like you are fighting your toughest battle- it’s a completely different feeling to believe that they do.
And internet? I believe that you do.
Thank you.
Featuring the vocal stylings of:
Maxie, Ben, Tia, Alexa, Kyla Roma, Sizzle, Rachel, Jessica, Rachael, Katie, EP, Courtney, Tipp, Nicole, Jamie Varon, Laurie, L G, Ashley Marie, Wishcake, Matt, Doniree, Chelsea, Lisa, that short chick, Princess Pointful, Derek, Jess, Marie, Jamie, Jenn, Ashley, Erin, Jessica, Renee, Allie, Grace, Rachel, Restaurant Refugee, Titania, Brad, Jolee, DC Princess, Patrick, and Deutlich.
AND LiLU!
* pretty cry= what starlets do in old movies. That kind of cry that shows no emotion, minus perfectly shaped tears rolling down perfectly powdered cheeks. aka: cry I used to try and practice in the mirror as a teenager when I felt the WORLD DID NOT UNDERSTAND ME AND MY ANGST
ugly cry= the kind that makes your face look like a bulldozer and involves enough snot to float a barge. aka: the kind of cry I did tonight.
Loveharder.org is an absolutely amazing project that I am so thankful for. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Over $2,000 has been raised. $2,000. Unbelievable.
My heart is full.
And has an erection.
Of love.
big loves to you! cry as much and as ugly as you want . . . it makes you more beautiful.
You have amazing blogging friends!! Everyone is so full of love & support these days around here.
You couldn’t have said it better about the supposed “blog cliques”.
I love that these girls put this together for you, and while I may have only become a recent follower, I can already tell you deserve it.
The love is through the roof.
That is all kinds of face rocking awesome. Your blog buddies are amazing!
That is so beautiful
xx
Hey… you’re like mmmagic, after all, right?
)
This is so amazing, the internet never ceases to amaze me for reasons just like today. I love the internet and all the support it oozes SO much. Just, amazing
Ah, now you’re making ME cry. Well, you and all the people that put all this together. That video is singular proof of why my faith in humanity has been restored. I don’t really even have words for how awesome it all is. Big hugs to everyone today.
Ah, now you’re making ME cry. Well, you and all the people that put all this together. That video is singular proof of why my faith in humanity has been restored. I don’t really even have words for how awesome it all is. Big hugs to everyone today.
AHHH Sorry for the double post. I had some weird login situation going.
I mean. Um. I totally meant it so much I had to say it twice. Yeah. That’s it.
I’ve cried more today over this than would ever be deemed acceptable for someone I’ve never met…and it was nothing close to a pretty cry. To say you were loved, what an amazing gift.
My thoughts are with you and my hands are here to help. I’ve put a Love Harder link on my blog. I’ll be there helping you spread the word. If you need anything, there are so many of us here for you. The internet is an amazing thing.
Today made me feel blessed to be a part of this world we call the blogosphere. Everyone could not have come together for a more incredible and deserving person. I wish the best for you and HAD and will have you in my thought always. Live hard, but love harder.
I think this is so beautiful. I’m amazed at this little community and so proud of it too
Dear Brandy,
Your situation reminds me that this is exactly why I can never give blogging up.
Oh, and here’s me doing my bit: http://tinkitalks.blogspot.com/2010/01/love-harder.html
Loving harder and harder each day,
Pam Song
I just adore you. I’m so glad to be a part of this. Did I mention that I adore you??
That is amazing and loving and beautiful!
I was in awe of the internet last night too. This was such an incredible outpouring of love that I am so proud to be a blogger today. You’re my thoughts always, lady.
x
This is a rainbow of awesomeness, what a beautiful thing to do.
Love, Love, Love!
Hope you had an amazing day! x
Just so glad we were able to do this for you and H.A.D.! Hoping and praying for the best.
I can’t EVER do the pretty cry, just ask my husband! I did an ugly cry watching that video too. You are so loved!
im so glad it made your day. you deserve it. xo
We love you and I’m so glad it made you happy! xoxo
Yay! What a great way to raise awareness
you and H.A.D. totally deserve all of this. when i first got the email about the post, i was also doing the ugly cry. it’ll never be pretty, but i can pretend. lots of love and hugs, my dear. xo
I don’t sing in online videos for just anyone, you know.
I might dance…but not sing.
We love you. Plain and simple.
This touched my heart in ways I can’t even begin to explain. I’m so happy that everyone came together for this. We’re all here for you!
This was the best thing I’ve seen in awhile!! Always thinking of you and HAD.
I’m so glad that this touched your heart…you deserve it. I’m so happy to have been a part of it all
I could not be more proud to be part of this Internet magic and brighten your day. Love you lady
Good begets good, my dear. And you are one of the good ones. I was amazed at the idea, the participation, and the palpable love and support I saw in every single video, and email leading up to yesterday. Truly amazed. Love is a powerful thing.
And we will have drinks one day. The End.
Anything for a friend, even if we’ve never met.
Always praying for you and H.A.D. and will always love harder
That was beautiful. You are so loved.
*BIG HUGS* xoxox
I forgot to mention it, but Axe Murderer was singing with me in that first frame. She was thrilled… trust me.
I’m so glad this brought a smile (albeit through an ugly cry) to your face… that’s all I wanted to do.
(((big fat bear hug)))
Never doubt the power of the internets! This was beyond awesome. And Brandy you are one special blogger. Beleive me I had a tissue every time I saw someone post this awesomeness on their blogs too. It’s such a wonder what community and thoughtfulness can do.
What a great video! And we all DO have you and HAD in our prayers!
I think this is just a great and you’re very eloquent (I don’t think I could have gotten past the YOU GUYS!! part). I hope this community spirit doesn’t ever die either. There is so much good that we can all do if we keep working together, helping each other. This is a great example of saying “yes, we can do it.” Big hugs.
Big hugs!!! This video brings happy tears to my eyes every time i watch, so I can’t even imagine how it makes you feel. You and your HAD are oh-so-special and LOVED so much!
New reader and follower and I am amazed at where I stepped in here. The video gave me the goosebumps and I will do a post about your story. You are an amazing writer and here’s hoping prayers and good thoughts will help you through and make a difference. It appears you and HAD met for a reason at the right time.
i saw the video yesterday and was just…in awe. Blogging = love and the amount of love we can have for people we don’t know but yet somehow affect our lives in incredible ways is still a notion i couldn’t have fathomed when I started my little livejournal in 2001, and later my blog in 2007. Cry the ugly cry
Bloggers don’t judge 
*big blogging hugs*
When I set the goal at $1000, I was afraid it was too high. I will never doubt the internet again.
For the record, my sign in the video says “Chicago <3 Brandy and H.A.D." We had a BLAST making this for you and I'm so so happy that it made your day. Worth every minute of our time.
You're beautiful and we love you.
Yesterday was an amazing day. So happy to see that there are so many giving people out therem
It was such an amazing day, and to think people all over the continent wanted to spread so much love
Way to nail what blogging is about. We’re here for you girl. Every way we know how to be.
I am so, so, so, so so very proud to have been a part of this. You’re (obviously) a rockstar.
it was a day where it made my mind and heart full of warm, squishy thoughts. and it really hit home to me how powerful a community can be.
you and H.A.D are constantly in my thoughts and I was so thrilled to be a small part of something so big.
and I have to agree with Ben: “I don’t sing online for just anyone.” BIG HUGS, lady.
[...] And because yesterday was possibly the most awesome day of all times on the internets this also happened in support of an completely awesome blogger named brandy. [...]
The web is a powerful thing. Magic is a powerful thing. You deserve both Miss Brandy.
I have to admit that I might be one of those people who (sometimes) has been guilty of feeling like the 20-something blog world seems a bit cliquey sometimes. It’s mostly due to silly jealousy at all the people who live close enough to do meetups and who are way more “famous” than me in terms of readership and stuff. But you’re absolutely right — this community of bloggers is AMAZING, and it was so awesome yesterday to see what we’re all capable of. I’ve always loved LiLu, but what she did in organizing all this stuff gave me an even bigger respect for her as a person, a blogger and a friend.
Many tears fell yesterday. The internet is amazing, and yesterday just proved so. Beautiful post to summarize. Althought we’ve never met I’d still like to throw out a big ol’ bloggy hug out there and let you know we’re all here for you.
*HUGS*
sometimes I really love the internet.
Ok – I was getting very ver misty eyed reading that and then just about spit the sip of Diet Coke I had in my mouth all over my screen when I got to the part about your heart having an erection… HA
Love it. Love your blog.
Thank YOU for sharing your story with us. This is what community is all about. Sharing and growing with the human experience… lighting a candle.
Your story has touched me so much. Thank you for sharing with us and for inspiring so many people to support such a worthy cause.
You have some very, very lovely friends, Brandy. I’m wishing you and HAD all the best.
Want to know why so many people want to help you and the man you love out so much…go back and re-read your last blog post. THAT. IS. WHY. You do not need to meet everyone in person who can radically change your life…the itnernet is a beautiful thing.
And it made us feel good to make you feel good. I’m wishing you and HAD the absolute best!
You and H.A.D. are in my thoughts. What happened yesterday made me fall in love with the blogosphere that much harder.
I can kind of understand the comments about blog cliques. I think everyone starts blogging for the same reason, to express themselves… but I do sometimes notice people who have seemed to let it turn into their own personal popularity contest. It’s like they got good feedback and it’s gone to their head and now they’ve forgotten why they started blogging and they do it now only to see how many followers they can get. I could name a few people who need to get back to the roots of it all.
That said, I don’t think the people drawn to you and your story about H.A.D are these kinds of people. This is a community where we should support one another and someone’s blog hits should not dictate the measure of compassion we show them. I’m glad these people all rally around you when you need them, and I do hope that we all continue to do that for anyone who needs it.
How amazing that so many people that you have never met in person are doing such great things for you! Your blog is very inspirational, I found it through another blog’s post about Love Harder and read a few entries. I like that even though you are suffering right now you are still trying to stay in good spirits and still blog about the usual things. I think that’s great because why should you stop? I also gave you an award on my blog yesterday
I just saw this today because I’ve been home for the past two days taking care of my husband (he just had surgery). But seriously? That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. You are lucky to have so many awesome friends.
That made my day.
What a great video. And thoughts, as always to H.A.D.
I just left a message on your LoveHarder FB page. Wish I’d been blogging 4 years ago after my mother had just been diagnosed with MM. I felt VERY alone thru the whole process. You have good friends and a good community. Great things are happening with MMRF, esp for younger people who are diagnosed with MM. There may be a cure, esp with stem cell research. Til then, hang in there, love you man and appreciate life everyday. I’m a few years beyond the 20SB crowd, but I’m def 20-something in heart!
This post might have made me cry a little. We’re with you!
YAY!!!!! I’m so happy we all could. What’s a little blog love worth these days?? Let’s keep going!!! My goal? Maybe we can reach $5000!
people? are awesome.
yeah baby!
so glad i got to be a part of this.
the internet is amazing and i’ll never forget it.
xoxoxo
Thinking and praying for you and your boy. <3 Love & Hugs!
i adore your face off. but, you already know that. i was so honored to have been able to play my little part in this. love you!!
You and your man friend are worth everything that happened as part of this. We are all hoping for the absolute best darlin’.
I have not yet reached the point where I can read this or someone else’s post or see the video (AGAIN) or refresh the donations page or read a tweet from someone offering THEIR story and not well up. Like, right now I’m crying in Starbucks reading your words.
I believe that people are good, and that kindness and love prevails. And I believe that this is one damn fine inspiring example of what love can transcend – place, time zone, physical proximity, a series of tubes, lost hope, and frustration.
Love wins. I still remember that first heart-breaking conversation with you. “But… what do I do?” “You love harder, girl.”
And HOLY SHIT DID THE INTERNET LOVE HARD. I love you
I just love that they made you that video. I had no idea that you’ve never met any of them!
Isn’t it amazing how full of love and mmmagic the Internet really is? <3
Honestly, this is why I love the internet. I love that so many people can come together from all over the world and show they care. Honestly, that’s just all kind of awesome. Happy thoughts your way, hey.
brandy this is just all sorts of amazing and so are you. this made my heart so incredibly happy and i’m more than glad that i could contribute to help out. seriously lots of hugs and awesomeness.
i’m so happy to have been a part of it all and help get the word out for help supporting the cause.
hug.
It’s a rare day when I become so verklempt over someone else’s story. The interweb loves you!
There went my eye make-up.
Having only stumbled on your blog recently, I don’t really KNOW YOU know you, (And I may have said this already. I’m often bumfuzzled & always forgetful.) but you don’t have to be old chums, or even new chums to care. I care, and I am so thankful that you and H.A.D. have extra support here on the internet. Without it, I’d never have stumbled across your blog, or been able to help in any way. The Interwebs are awesome.
Love Love Love
Wow to what love makes possible.
I’m so glad I was able to take part in the Chicago taping. Sending you a lot of love and support. BIG HUG!
I think this whole movement is amazing. We all deserve to have the internet backing us up in our time of need. I’m glad you are getting support from this.
This is just lovely. Thanks for sharing. I accidentally got here but had been thinking about starting my own fund raiser for cancer research in honor of my two year old nephew who has an advanced neuroblastoma. Maybe you will be my inspiration to actually go ahead. I don’t know about you but the fund raising has a lot to do with stemming my feelings of impotence to help. Good luck to you and your friend.
This really is amazing! It’s great to see people coming together in support. It really is inspiring.
It’s amazing and I’m so happy we were able to do this. I love what has come from it so far.
Love you always, brandy.
That was amazing. I have learned that the internet does have my back too but not in the sense like the internet has YOURS. That video is outstanding and made me cry too. I has just stumbled upon Mindy’s blog from someone elses blog (today is blog surf day. link to link and all that jazz, I hope you don’t mind. I swear I am not creepy I just love people) and I saw the video and what it stood for and I just couldn’t believe that all of these people did that. Thanks for showing me there is MUCH good in the world. Just not a lot in the lame state of Delaware lol
Yay to the internets!!
I just came across you blog and I read through your story and the response of the blogging community. And I just wanted to say thanks. Sometimes it is overwhelming how distant people can be and this made my day to see this kind of response. So, thank you for putting this out there.
What an incredible thing. Amazing.
Well, here I was about to write about the fact that there are cliques within the blogging world. I never thought about the fact that blogging is a clique itself…. I don’t think that either.
<3
I am still amazed that people can come together like this… It gives hope that the glass is still half full and renews my faith in people.
Wish you nothing but the best, and I am still tossing all of my positive thoughts towards H.A.D.
*Love*
*HUGS*
This brought tears to my eyes. So effing sweet.
That video is SO beautiful.
Call me crazy, but I fell in love today. With your blog. 1) You’re right…you are hilarious. 2) You’re a talented writer. 3) I love peanut butter too 4) but have never seen an episode of the West Wing. (i know, i know.)
Anywhoo, the video is fabulous! I love bloggers.
Wishing you the best!
Julia
Brandy,
I just wanted to drop in and say that the way that you framed the wonderful event that happened online last week says a lot about you…so many people came together in the back channel to try and make this special for you, and you went and shared that experience with anyone who might have doubts about the relationships formed online in a beautifully encouraging way.
I was honored to be a part of this. It was the last thing I did in the United States of America, at this point (which I think is why my section of video got screwed up:)).
Heartfives, as Lisa would say.
D
Thank you, Brandy, for your most lovely blog. And thank you, Interwebs, for saying your little prayer and organising the fundraising. My Mum has MM and, thanks to a drug trial, is having a pretty much normal life at the moment. The drug that she is on is mentioned on the MMRF site, so this kind of fundraising really does make a HUGE difference. Thank you!
[...] http://brainyjane22.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/thank-you/ ) [...]
Really nice video. I like your blog. I just request to be your friend on Twitter so I can keep up with your blog. I am Connieclickthat on Twitter.
[...] after we found out he had Multiple Myeloma? You all responded again, through your kind words, the worlds best video and donations. And then H.A.D. got overwhelmed and I fell apart and nothing felt easy or right and [...]
ohmygoodness. i love the internet (and you (but you already knew that))