Ever since the internet has become popular, we have tried to teach our children, friends, and loved ones not to talk to strangers online. There is never any guarantee that a person online really is who they say they are, and there’s alot of risks and dangers associated with communicating with a stranger.
However, for a woman named Abby Murphy, an internet stranger actually ended up becoming a dear friend. Abby admits that she had been talking to this “online friend” for quite sometime, and she explains how much she’s experienced with the help of this person: “A friend I have never met in person: one of those “online” friends people scoff at us moms for having and relying on.
A friend who has offered and provided meals when my child was hospitalized, a friend who was ready to get on a plane to help me when I was in tears 7 months pregnant trying to move my family across country A friend who’s offered an ear too many times to count when I’ve been overwhelmed with my middle daughter’s Autism diagnosis and subsequent treatment. A friend I have never met. A friend who has gone above and beyond so many times. One of those “online” friends.”
Apparently, this stranger has helped Abby through a multitude of challenges, even though the two have never actually met in person. Recently, Abby had shared with her online friend that she would soon be having another child, and that she was overwhelmed by all that she had to do to prepare. Thankfully, this online friend was there to help.
“She listened to me as I listed off how unprepared I was for the imminent arrival of the newest member of our family. How I still needed to get out the baby things, organize and wash clothes, find a babysitter, get a car seat, get a clue in general.”
While listening to Abby’s problems has been and was enough for the stressed out mom, her online friend went above and beyond when she sent Abby an amazing gift.
“Two days later arrives a car seat. Not because I couldn’t or wouldn’t eventually get it myself. Because she saw a need, and a way to alleviate one check on an overwhelmed mom’s long list of to do’s.”
Knowing that Abby was going through a hard time and had a lot to take care of, she decided to help out her friend and check one thing of her list! In today’s day and age, online friendships are part of life. It can be tricky knowing who to trust, but it seems that Abby found a real person she can rely on, even if their communication is online and not in person.
“This is more than a car seat to me. It will forever be a reminder that there are really good people out there: people who care, people who go above and beyond.”
What do you think of Abby’s internet friendship?
