To say that Facebook is a powerful tool would be an understatement - especially since it has the power to reunite families, friends and change the course of lives.
Being on the receiving end of benefiting from the power of social media took me back the other day. Going about my daily routine of checking my Facebook messages, I received one from a name I did not recognize.
The message was simple- "I am wondering if you are related to _______. Would like to hear from you if you are..........I used to be married to ______."
As I was reviewing what friends she had I realized this was my aunt who divorced from my uncle many years ago, my mothers brother - long story...
I responded. At the same time I reached out to 2 of her sons, my first cousins whom I have not seen or heard from in over 24 years.
Hearing from my 1st cousin Joel, seeing his pictures posted on facebook, his family, his children (my second cousins- who I have never met) forced me to take a deep breath and exhale slowly, with a bit of a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. It was a happy reflection and feeling I will not soon forget.
You see, where I live, I am surrounded by family. Wonderful nieces, nephews, brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws and a great mother-in-law. However, I have no blood relatives living anywhere even remotely close to me.
Some families are separated early in life due to divorce, death, moving and even family rifts that were no fault of their own.
Facebook is celebrating it's 500 million user mark. I am pretty confident Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes had no clue just how they would effect the lives of millions. This one creation is changing peoples lives, helping people connect in ways never imagined just a few years ago.
While the story of Facebook may have it's difficult side to contend with and some controversy- it also is accomplished a lot of good for people if used properly & responsibly - isn't that true with all technology after all?
I look forward getting to know my cousin Joel, his family and hopefully my other cousins in the near future.
Thank You Facebook. You rock. Have a great day.
I have included the trailer about Facebook called, The Social Network.
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