Thanks for sharing your story, Joe. I’m glad to see you blogging again, too.

You probably already know, but when my brother’s illness turned his body into more of a prison cell than a vessel, he found himself stranded miles from friends and family. He turned to chat apps and social media software and found new contacts and friends like you to share with and confide in. As well, he was able to renew and maintain existing contact with me and others that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Our relationship was rocky for a long time, and was greatly revived via text communications. I think the first time I told my brother I loved him was in a chat program. That sounds kind of awful now that I say it “out loud,” but Jesus, it’s so much better than never saying it at all, isn’t it?

How much poorer would he have been, would I have been, if he couldn’t have stayed in touch on the Internet? I’m so glad that you and Leah could open up that extra dimension for your Mom, especially at such a poignant and useful time. You must be very proud, and you should be.