Facebook Mania and High School Buddies

I never thought I'd get hooked. I was content with Twitter posting my updates (including shoutouts) in my Facebook profile wall. I would check out and try new crazy quizzes and applications from time to time, say hi to some friends and... that's it...

Until my high school buddies started posting our "vintage" photos... That did the trick!

Now there is no day when I wouldn't check the long thread of comments below each of these photos. Even at work, I would sneak into FB for a few minutes and see what my former classmates and batchmates are discussing (and who's being "roasted").

I can't count the times when I silently laughed behind my work desk after reading and joining in those silly banters. From skinny jeans (80's version), shower scenes to hair lice... everyone has something to say. "Skeletons" were unraveled to the delight of the group.

I must thank Facebook for getting us to interact and reconnect with each other after many years. I have not seen most of these friends since high school graduation and that was- OMG!!!- 26 years ago!

HIGH SCHOOL IN THE 80'S... SWEET MEMORIES

Photo credits: Thanks to HS buddies Tina and Dulce for taking us to a trip down memory lane through these "vintage" photos. As I said, they are timeless and priceless now.

It's Not Your Fault...

Her letter read: "I'm sorry... I just can't take it anymore..."

And just like that, she took her life. Her pain may have ended. Her sleepless nights may have also ended. But then, her bereaved children's nightmare has just begun.

"Why?" Her children asked. For them, this was their mother-- a strong-willed woman who showed no trace of weakness at all in her entire life. A survivor. A real fighter. A winner. She was always in control... even of their lives. She had everything that money could buy. They all thought that she could handle everything. Now they are haunted by "why's" and have no way of knowing what went on in her mind.

Coping with death in the family is one of life's most challenging trials. But when a loved one commits suicide, the family does not only experience profound grief because of the sudden loss but the overwhelming feelings of incomprehension, blame and anger are added to their suffering.

It does not end there though. They then start to feel isolated and judged by their friends and colleagues. The stigma, whether imagined or not, may cause them to withdraw in order to protect themselves from intrusive and difficult questions as well as disparaging remarks.

Right now, I wish I have the right words to comfort my friend who lost her mother. I know that she has not told her son the truth about his grandmother's death. She wanted him to remember his grandmother as the exuberant, positive person that she was.

My friend, at this point in time, there is no right or wrong and there are no rules in dealing and coping with your grief. Let me assure you though that IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Whatever drove your mother to commit suicide, you had nothing to do with it. I can feel your pain and confusion. I can feel your anger. You are entitled to feel that way. After all, this tragedy has thrown all your emotions into turmoil.

No, you couldn't have prevented it. A person who is determined to commit suicide is likely to accomplish it. Perhaps what is best now is to learn how to accept this. She is gone so she can't be helped anymore. But you... you have to get on with your life. For your family's sake. For your own sake.

When you are ready to talk about it, you know that I am here for you.

Music Monday ~ George Benson and the New Order

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Have a great week to all of you!!!