We can blame the internet-sometimes justifiably-that it has had a negative impact on individuals and families. There are lots of examples; my personal pet peeve is cell phone use while driving. However, a well-worn cliché works best to describe another viewpoint-Let's not throw the baby out with the technology bathwater. There are also many examples of how the internet has fostered community and family solidarity. I'd like to highlight two that exist in my life.

CaringBridge.org has been a Godsend in keeping us updated on two loved ones, both fighting cancer.  With CaringBridge, a family sets up an account and sends the private log-in information to everyone in their circle that they wish to update. The family can therefore get all the news out on the internet without fielding "How are you?" phone calls all day.  Sick people and their caregivers need sleep and privacy.  CaringBridge is a gatekeeping tool to keep communications efficient and helpful. People just check the website for the latest news. The website also sends out emails to loved ones to alert them that a new entry has been posted.  Even better, the communication is two way; loved ones can send a message to the ill person whenever they wish as well.

Another internet Godsend is a service I just learned about, Foodtidings.com.  This website is similarly structured, but with a different mission-delivering food.  Quoting their website, "Food Tidings exists to simplify the process of organizing meals for friends or family members in a transitional time of life. For someone who has just had a baby, recovering from surgery or injury, grieving the passing of a loved one, confined to bed rest, and almost anything else, receiving dinners from loved ones can be very comforting and helpful."  Foodtidings is going strong in our neighborhood. One neighbor family recently had the horrendous tragedy of losing three family members in a car accident.  The neighbors are all on board. Food is scheduled to be delivered weeks out. My night is August 16. 

These are just two examples-I'm sure there are more. Skype has been a blessing for long distance families. Do you know of a community-building service on the web?  Please post a comment and let me know so we can get the word out!