It’s my Blogiversary….I’m 4 Years Old!

When I think back to the year 2005, in one sense I am amazed that I decided to start a blog at all.  On the other hand, it probably was one of the most important personal decisions I made…and actually felt compelled to do for myself…in a year that was to change my life.

 

I had been familiar with blogs in the Fall of 2004 and had become a faithful reader and commenter of them because of my daughter, Jory; who had...and still has her own personal blog,  Pause.  I was hooked.  I had a full-time job for Discovery Education; a branch of The Discovery Channel.  Our company had been bought by Discovery and we were in the process of down-sizing.  It seemed like someone was being let go everyday.  I was recuperating from elbow surgery to boot.  It was a sad and unpredictable time.  I saw friend after friend leave our working community…rather unceremoniously.  Who was next?  When I went home the blogging world became a haven for me.

 

In early 2005, it was MY turn.  Almost in relief, I lost my job at the end of March along with others.  This family that I had come to love with all my heart was crumbling around me.  Nothing was the same.  It broke my heart.  They had a surprise party for me.  I cried like a baby.  There were so many good people there.  There is NOONE left there now.  NOONE.

 

I never really did find a job outside of my home again.  Also in early 2005 this thing called BlogHer happened to three wonderful ladies….Elisa Camahort-Page, Lisa Stone, and Jory Des Jardins…my daughter.  What this Women’s Network and Conference has grown into in those four years is truly incredible.  I just wrote about it on my blog….here.  So now I work for them…in a very small capacity as a Community Manager for their site.  It’s very busy. It takes up a lot of my time, and I can’t seem to post as much on my personal blog because of it; but that’s really up to me and how I can ration my time.

 

As 2005 progressed, so apparently was something amiss with my husband’s health.  Although I believe Joel knew for a long time that something was very wrong, he chose not to address it until it was basically too late.  I’m not sure if it was due to depression and not wanting to deal with being sick or that he just put himself in a state of denial.  I knew something was wrong long before I finally convinced him to see a doctor.  He never went to doctors…NEVER.  He had been losing weight….but then it went beyond that point.  Then his appetite was gone.  He was going to work during all of this, and he was telling us he felt fine.  I knew differently.

 

When I started my blog in August of 2005 Joel had lost weight, but was still eating and going to work.  I guess he thought he had everyone fooled….even himself.   Jory and her husband, Jesse, helped set my blog up for me with my layout and header.  We did a good portion of it over the phone.  I was very excited about blogging and reading everyone’s blogs.  My days were consumed by it.  I felt the warmth of the community….I loved the connection.  It felt so good to write, and so good to read what others had to say.  But I had this dark cloud hanging over my shoulder every day.  Joel was in jeopardy, and I knew things were going to unravel quickly.

 

When I finally convinced Joel to see a doctor at the end of October, he would find what I had already feared...stage 4 stomach cancer.  From diagnosis to death….Joel died in three weeks…and I blogged through it all.  Not just of Joel's death, but about many things going on.  Blogging kept me sane at a time when sanity could have been lost.  It kept me going.  The give and take between my blogging friends was invaluable. Each and every one of you know exactly what I'm talking about. 

 

  

Starting my blog was one of the best decisions I have ever made....even when I did it.  Oh, and Joel loved reading my posts…for the short time he and my blog were here together. 

 

So Happy Blogiversary to me….heading toward #5.  Thank all of my blogging buddies for being so wonderful.  I still miss Joycelyn and Winston...always will.  You all are a pure joy in my life.  Blessings to all of you...... Love, Joy       

Comments

[Beverly]

It is indeed a bittersweet anniversary, isn't it. Much joy to you, dear Joy. I'm so glad I found your blog, though only recently. I hope you blog for a long time.

[GoingLikeSixty]

You don't look a day over 3!

a haiku 4 u

Glad you did a blog
Always so joyful and sweet,
helps me to unclog.

[Betty]

Happy Blogiversary. Every now and then, I think I'll stop blogging. No ideas, no energy, no time. But, then, the Republicans do another really stupid thing, and I'm off and running again. I don't consider mine a political blog, though. Just a place to whine and bitch about whatever is bugging me, sometimes. It's just a coinkydink that it's usually the Republicans. lol

[Average Jane]

Happy 4th bloggiversary!

[Denise]

Happy blogiversary. xoxoxox

[janeywan]

Well Happy Blogiversary Joy. I think I started reading just after Joel's passing.

You were one of my first blogging friends believe it or not, and you will continue to stay on my reading list as long as this old internet thing continues to work.

I don't comment a lot but know I'm reading when you do.

[sassymonkey]

Happy blogiversary. *hugs*

[Tara R.]

Yes! Happy Blogaversary! Four years is wonderful, and to be a part of BlogHer from the beginning, that is amazing.

The community you spoke of has been the very best part of blogging for me. I know I have formed friendships I will have for many years to come.

[Tarrant]

Awww geez Joy, you are the one to get weepy...not me. I didn't ever hear the whole 2005 story. Sigh. Reminds me of my dad (no doctor, feel fine, just a cold.) sigh.

Happy blogiversary though. I am glad you are here.

[cassie-b]

Happy Blogaversary! You've been through a lot. And I'm glad the blogging was a bit helpful.

It's so hard to lose someone you love.

Cas

[Peter]

Happy 4th Joy, mine was in April but I forgot all about it, I coming up on 1000 posts I may make mention of that perhaps.

[Nancy]

Happy 4th Blogaversary,Joy.

I always enjoy your poetry and pictures and just YOU....

Here's to many more years!

[jen]

Wow, 4 years already. I still remember finding out about your blog on Pause. Happy blogiversary.

[kenju]

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY, Joy!! You and I have been at it for almost the same length of time. It has made a huge difference in my life - as has reading all the others I have come to know and love (you included!)

[genevieve]

Congratulations, Joy. Great to read this tonight as a reminder that I've come a long way too. Thanks for that reminder, and long may you blog.

[Darlene]

Happy Blogiversary, Joy. You are the sweetest blogger on the Internet and I love you along with chocolate.

Blogging has been my lifesaver, too, and I can empathize with you.

I hope you continue to blog for many, many happy years. Congratulations on a job well done!!!

[Cop Car]

What you'll never know, Joy, is how much you've lived up to your name in adding to the lives of others. Thanks for your contributions to my life! Happy anniversary and smooth sailing through your fifth (pun intended).

[Hattie]

Joy: I did not know about the sad events in your life. I agree with you that blogging can be a lifesaver. Happy Anniversary!

[Merle]

Dear Joy ~~ Congratulations on your 4th Blogiversary, my 4th is 24Dec.O5
I am so glad blogging helped you.
Thank you so much for your kind words about my fall, and I was not hurt. I am thankful for my pendant. Shopping day, my carer brings it all in, I just have to put it away, but will be more careful. John got a kilo weight for me to exercise my arms, so hope it helps. Take great care, dear friend, Much love, Merle.

[Junie Rose]

Congrats, Joy!

I don't go back quite as far as you- but almost! It will be 4 years for me on Jan. 16, 2010. And you were one of my first blogging buddies too! :)

Junie

[MaryB]

It's been "pure joy" getting to know you and your family through your blog, Joy. A group of us seemed to have started around the same time. Such a hit-or-miss community in many way, but I've loved meeting folks I would've never met if not for blogging. Congratualtions! (And I still miss Winston, too.)

[Floral Joy]

Congratulations. I love reading your blog. You're such a strong woman :)Happy belated bloggiversary

[Jory Des Jardins]

Mom,

I always wished you had a place other than your dresser drawer for your writing. I am so glad you migrated from my comments section to your own site. Now you can kick my butt into gear!

[joared]

Belated congrats on your 4th blogging anniversary! My experience was a little different than yours as I only commented excessively on others blogs for awhile, but emailed like a mad woman avoiding lots before accidentally starting a blog. Glad you were able to get so much from your blogging and you could share some of that experience with your husband who enjoyed it with you before he died.

[TorAa]

Dear Joy,
I have had the pleasure to read your very great blog for some years now. And I allways come back. And will in the future as well.
You are an unique storyteller.
When I did visit Suzann, in St Paul, last year, we talked about you and your blog. Small world.
Sorry we could not meet then.

Your story about your late husband, it's typical for many men, right?

Your daughters effeort and now also you, on the womens blog is very important. And I wish you the very best, helping women in need for help.

hugs
T in Norway

[Annie Hall]

I haven't kept up my blog or commented in awhile, but I still visit your world and wanted to say hi and congratulations.