Thank my first commenter day (update)

by tamarjacobson

What? Yet another idea from Neil Kramer? I do read other bloggers too you know! But I just really love the idea of thanking my very first commenter.

I remember the feeling of exhilaration and acknowledgment, of being heard and read. And looking back (which I am doing so much of these past couple of years!) I realize that Cheryl (and Bob and Anya) has been with me all the way … almost from day one of my arrival in Buffalo, or put the Thanksgiving-way … from day one of arriving at these American shores.

And so, way back in January 2005, almost one week after I had started blogging, my first commenter was Cheryl. She wrote:

The statement “But fear of terrorism and "insurgents" who, by the way, used to be called guerrillas or freedom fighters when I was young seems to be causing ignorance like a cloud, a plague, a disease to multiply in the brains and minds of otherwise intelligent people.” reminded me of a stage a few years ago, well maybe more than a few, when parents and teachers were attempting to make kids ‘safe’ by talking to them about stranger danger. Of course children need to be taught about potential dangers but the way adults were bombarding children with these messages instilled both fear and the potential for much bias. I’ve never thought of it before reading this BLOG but of course any cultural message that ‘we need to fear others’ will inevitably, and very subtly, lead even “otherwise intelligent people” to act in ignorant ways.

Thank you, Cheryl, dear friend, for reading my blog since its very inception. It has been such a source of support and comfort knowing that you are with me all the way, bearing witness to my struggle and challenges. And, hey! Congratulations! You were my very first commenter. I am sending you cyber hugs {{{}}} especially because we will not be participating at your generous, hospitable and friendly Thanksgiving table this year, after so many years.

And while I am at it. In the business of giving thanks I mean, I wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogger buddies and readers out there whoever you may be and wherever you are!

A year ago at Tamarika: Giving Thanks (Update)

Update:

Oh, and, check out this Thanksgiving Greeting!