Summer Linky with Sparklle SLP

Here is the story of my summer linky! This is not your typical blog linky, this is a story of how two bloggers became close friends and linked up. For real. In person.

There are so many internet horror stories, but this post is not about the evils of the internet. It's about what it can be that is good! I have written before that social media has provided me with some of the "best friends I have never met!" I have made countless connections and established professional and personal relationships, but some of these connections are special.

I began following Sparklle SLP  quite some time ago, I think by first connecting with her TpT store. I then moved on to her blog, Instagram, and then her Facebook Fan page. We began chatting through email, Facebook messenger, and Instagram sharing ideas, materials, life events. I will admit, Sparklle shared more materials than me because she is MUCH better at materials creation, but I shared more of my life, because it is an open book. Sparklle chooses to remain anonymous, however I had come to care deeply for this person. Actually, I have come to care deeply for many of the men and women I have "met."

One day this summer I was reflecting on these relationships and considered that life is too short. I have met some SLPeeps face to face (Erik Raj and I "link up" whenever we can), but I want to meet some more of my friends in person. I want to bake with Mary of Old School Speech. I want to hike with Pam of Chit Chat and Small Talk. I want to watch a Doctor Who marathon with Heidi. I want to simply talk long and leisurely with Amy of 3D SLP. So I texted Sparklle and proposed a crazy idea: Jim and I wanted to drive 1600 miles round trip to camp with Sparklle! To my relief she didn't think it was crazy!

It was a texting frenzy to prepare, but when I finally saw my friend on her bicycle with her three beautiful children I almost wept! I felt as if I had known her all my life. We are at different stages of our lives, she, in full blown mom mode and me much freer as the Mom of older teens. I must say, I longed for those mommy moments as I watched her with her children. She and her husband graciously gave us the tour of their beloved beach community, took us for the best ice cream EVER, provided boat rides replete with tubing (OMGosh that was fun!), and shared her life and family. Jim and I also had a chance to enjoy each other and I was introduced to some delicious drinks in cans!

Our home away from home. I love camping!

What became clear to me is that most people are good and represent themselves authentically. Social media can be scary, but more often than not it can be a gift, bringing people together to share ideas and lives. It was hard to leave them and I wish we lived closer together. I am comforted in knowing that this was just the first of many more opportunities for a "linky." In between we will have to be content with sharing emails and messages, photos and phone calls, but one thing is certain, I am a better person for having made these relationships and I am grateful.