We survived quite well without Facebook for many years. And yet it’s quickly becoming part of my life–to the extent that I can’t imagine how we filled up time without all of this talking/typing.
In any case, FB helped me re-establish my link to communities at home. Until about August 18 last year I rarely left the house, just trying to get as much rest as possible. I was improving pretty rapidly, in fact, and getting stronger every day.
But my friend networks were all in the US, and they got the news at various points, in various ways. Those on Facebook received updated links of my status, including the exact figure of my platelet count. I remember thinking very clearly that if something horrible did happen, I wanted to make sure the maximum people knew about it! I also remember thinking how morbid and exhibitionist I was for thinking this way.
For all that, Facebook gave me an outlet for sharing and exchanging information. It was the conveyor of good wishes from worried friends, notes that made me feel relaxed and cared for.
One close friend wrote: “dear Pranav,i didn’t think to look on your FB page till now… i didn’t realize you’d be posting on here… (doh). hope you got word from your dad that my dad and I called to see how you were doing…am so glad to see that the worst is over, and that you’re well enough to appreciate the silver lining [i.e., weight loss]“
and another,
” sending much love from brooklyn. my whole fam has been v. worried.”
and a third, whose expression of concern was well-meant though far from reassuring,
“Oh my god! Thats terrible. A friend of mine had that in Thailand once. Dengue is pretty nasty. Hope you get better soon. “
All of these messages kept me going, and by August 18 I was able to finally get out to see my kids’ school for the first time.
