This week writer Catherine Sanderson, aka her of Petite Anglaise fame, hit the headlines once again when she announced undramatically/dramatically (undramatically if you're like the status quo, dramatically if you're a journalist having a very slow news day) that she'd decided to quit blogging about her expat life in Paris.
And that was only after a month's absence from the blogosphere and prompts from one concerned reader.
It made me realise that I've never explained my sudden disappearance both Twitter and blogging and why I've ignored hundreds of unopened emails (yes, I'm sorry about those) at the beginning of April.
It was only meant to be for a few days. But those limped into weeks and months with only my closest friends and a few concerned fellow bloggers/Twitterers knowing the reason why I'd lost my writing mojo. Suddenly, six months had passed and I hadn't so much as lifted a finger to the keyboard to reveal why.
So now I am.
My brother ended his life at the end of March and when you're dealing with a bereavement that you never ever expected to have to deal with, the online world becomes very trivial indeed. How could I have enjoyed carefree banter with fellow Tweeters or give advice about living in Italy when all my energy was spent on getting up in the morning and struggling through the day?
I'm taking babysteps back into the web 2.0. You can find me on Facebook and I'm vowing to be back on Twitter soon. I've also got a few blog posts up my sleeve about what Italy's taught me over the past few months and I'll be publishing those in the next few weeks.
Please bear with me.
I'm so sorry for your loss and can completely understand why you were away. I lost my grandpa this summer and took a similar break. It just seemed so pointless to write about my dumb life when the real world was happening all around me. Like you said, my blog and twitter seemed so trivial in comparison. I slowly came back and started blogging again. In time, I hope you will too. Your presence has been missed, but take all the time you need.
Hugs from Verona!
Posted by: jessica | October 02, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Oh, Emma, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss... My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Jessica, WhyGo Italy | October 02, 2009 at 10:27 PM
I don't remember how i found your blog, or your site..I have been following three of your Italian sites your like, for a long time so it might be from there.
I do know exactly what you are going through..My sister ended her life in July 2007...totally unexpected ..and worst of all, on our mums birthday, and the day my husband had just flown to Hungary for work...I was on my own when my brother phoned me....!! You take your time, your friends and everyone who understands will still be on twitter and face book..take care Anne
Posted by: Anne A | October 02, 2009 at 11:29 PM
I am so sorry to hear this sad news, Emma. Ti sono vicino in questo momento di dolore. Follow the pace you need to in showing your public face to the world again.
Posted by: Pamela | October 07, 2009 at 03:45 PM
Jessica, Jessica, Anne and Pamela,
Many thanks for your heartfelt comments. Apologies for the delay in acknowledging them but I ended up not wanting to revisit the topic.
Jessica, sorry to hear about your loss and thank you for your encouragement to start blogging again.
Anne, I'm so sorry you know what I'm going through. I wish you didn't. I read your blog. It's beautiful and positive. I shall return.
Posted by: Emma Bird | October 29, 2009 at 01:39 PM
dear emma...words are not enough right now..i can only say you are in my thoughts.take time and know we are here ALWAYS.whenever you are ready to share.your blog has inspired me to make the big move,because we all know life is precious....hugs,ann-marie
Posted by: ann-marie | November 18, 2009 at 12:37 AM
... take your time.
:)
Posted by: daniela | December 09, 2009 at 05:18 AM
Emma, I am so very sorry. Grief is such a monster to deal with -- it's an old, familiar friend of mine. When my brother died of cancer, it took the stuffing out of me for so very long I will be glad when you come back.
Posted by: Ann | January 31, 2010 at 08:11 PM
I'm really sorry for your loss. I know it's really hard and we understand well that losing someone really hurts so much.. I hope you all the best in life and i really do hope you will be back.. In God's time.. God Bless!
Posted by: renaissance costume | March 22, 2010 at 12:52 PM
I lost my sister 2 years ago, and still find it difficult today that I can't just ring her up and have a chat, although my pain has eased it is really hard to get over and something that you will never forget. Keep strong you will get through.
Posted by: chloe | November 16, 2011 at 07:38 AM
Keep strong I am so sorry for your loss, death and grief are overwhelming particularly when still raw.
Posted by: charlotte | November 28, 2011 at 02:01 PM
So glad you are back doing what you do best, to sorry about your loss, your heart will heal in good time, although your memories will always stay with you.
Posted by: ella | November 28, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Anne Marie, Daniela, Ann, Renaissance Costume, Chloe, Charlotte and Ella, thanks for your comments. They were/are much appreciated and I really am so sorry for not acknowledging them until now. But I think you understand.
Thanks again, Emma
Posted by: Emma | February 11, 2012 at 10:39 AM