In the age of Facebook and cell phones, a medical emergency takes on a whole other level. A short note that you have 'checked in' at the hospital starts an online buzz that takes on a life of its own. People throughout the world start to comment which leads to other comments and invariably leads to the premature posting of an 'obituary' of sorts. Additionally, with cell phones becoming more and more prevalent, the phone would ring and I would be talking to a constituent about a barking dog, while hooked up to the complex array of wires and tubes. I did learn that telling people you were in the hospital with a pulmonary embolism seems to quiet even the most persistent caller.
It is reassuring to know that so many people care and are keeping you in their prayers. Since you are in an inherently helpless situation, hearing similar stories or words of wisdom are extremely helpful and calming. It also gives you a sense of purpose and a will to carry on. Among the many notes and posts, a young girl from Hungary named Erica boosted my spirits. I met Erica during a Habitat for Humanity Global Village build in 2002. She lives in Hajduboszormeny, Hungary, a small town that doesn't even appear on most maps. She sent a note on Facebook and I thought of what a powerful tool that social networking has become.
While I am sure that there are downsides to the phenomenon of social networking, I wonder about the days in the past when you learned of a friend that had suffered some medical misfortune and might have reached out a day too late.
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