crazy

I cannot believe the audacity of some people and I do agree- that facebook, other social networks and even things such as this, a public blog, can open up a whole new can of worms when it comes to privacy. 

As I generally do about once or so a week, I will upload a new picture of Elle on my facebook page, typically a picture that I have already posted to my blog. I thought I had my settings set to only my chosen and accepted "friends" could see my pictures. Well I was wrong. Today this woman, later referred to as "crazy lady" sent me a facebook message demanding I take down the picture of my daughter and to take off all of the makeup I have on her. I was stunned when I read this message. At first I thought it was a joke, only to find out upon looking at her page to try and determine who this person was-that she took Elle's photo and posted it to her page and then sent a note out to her network (posted on her wall if you're up with the FB lingo) saying what a disgrace this photo is and what an idiot of a parent to dress her up and put makeup on her! And just to clarify- to my wonderful family and friends who read this blog often, you may have saw the picture of Elle that I posted on my last post. One of those are the picture that she is referring to. First of all (I know, I know, I don't need to justify myself to stupidity) however I just have to point out that she was in a onesie people(what else do 6 month year olds wear?) and a beautifully handmade flower headband that was given to Elle as a gift and it was purchased at a boutique. And makeup, well if this woman knew me it all would know I would one- never put any on my daughter at a young and age and secondly, I don't even wear much makeup myself. I put on powder and a dab of blush and I am out the door. My Mother is saying to me right now, "don't let this person that has no idea what she is talking about upset you". It wasn't like her message upset me- it was the fact that she honestly had the nerve to copy the photo and put my child on her page with a rude comment. 

Oh well, the situation is over. Ted and I sent her a message, we blocked her from my page and any future pictures will only be shared with my "friends".  Done, it will never happen again. Still gets an... UGH. 

See, I took a chance referring to this blog over a year ago when my Sister and I worked with the News Herald back home on my parents memorial article. I knew going into this that my life after their death would be an open book. But I wanted people to be able to "check in" to see how Pat and Jerome's daughters were holding up, to honor my parents through our pictures and memories, to have people listen to stories about my normal childhood and family up until April 7th of 2008, I wanted people to know how close my Family was and how uneducated we as Society are on mental illness-me included, and to be honest- I needed support. I needed and still need-listeners. I cannot do this alone. 

While most may never truly understand what it's like to be in my families' shoes, for the two minutes they read, may catch of glimpse of living a life after a severe loss, an unthinkable tragedy and perhaps be inspired but I also know these writings at times make people sad or depressed. I said in the beginning, I am not a writer, I only have the story to tell.  I have learned, through being connected with a few others who have lost their parents tragically, we are strong, but we break and have our bad days just like everyone else. You fight everyday to try not to focus on how they died but more so how they lived. It's truly the hardest thing to do. So I guess what I'm trying to say is I hope and pray my blog will continue to be a way to take my parents, my family, my friends, friends of my parents and strangers who have become weekly readers, on this journey. A entirely new journey, a new life that I set out to live after my parents were taken away. I hope the "crazy lady" or any other "crazy" out there never tries to disrupt this place that was created to honor my parents lives.....

Lots of love, 

Melissa