navywifebeth

Myspace, Facebook and the myriad of online forums have certainly changed the nature and ‘face’of relationships. For military spouses online forums are a source of support, information and friendship for many.

I have ‘met’ many military spouses through forums and even this blog. We share our struggles, resources, information and for many our lives. Being the ‘old-fashioned’ woman that I am, I am often left longing for the real life. When an online friend is having a bad day I am frustrated that I can’t stop by with an espresso and warm hug.

And then there are those precious times when cyber meets ‘irl’ (in real life). That happened this week for several women and I had the great fortune to be a part of it.

I organized a group of military spouses to attend a taping of the Bonnie Hunt show at the Culver City Studios. The word was spread via several online mediums. The response was so fun! Fifty women traveled from Lemoore, San Diego, Naval Base Ventura County and other locations to meet at the studio gate. Many women had the opportunity to meet online friends for the first time ‘IRL’ - and that includes me.

Heather and Chrissy looked just like their pictures. Kirsty was taller than I imagined. I couldn’t believe how great Sheila looked after just having a baby a few weeks ago. I could go on and on… All that I knew about these woman (and many others) took on a new dimension after meeting them. And their friendship became all the sweeter.

Cyber friendships can bring information, resources and support right to our fingertips…but when cyber meets real life - well, for this Navy wife, that is the best of both worlds.