How FaceBook changed my life

So this is the personal side of me. The one many of you (I am connected to over 20,000 people across the world in business) don’t ever see from me, however, I felt so compelled to write this story, more for my close friends on my personal FaceBook Page (no business connections – I have my Fan Page for that) to see how they have affected my life over these many years in some form or fashion and to practice what I preach to so many, which is showing who the real you is.

I hope that my friends on FaceBook, with whom I have recently connected with again, will read, think back, and comment below with some of their fondest memories, good and bad (if there were any) as I have been so fortunate to have had these friends play a role in my life. I realize that I have excluded many who have touched my life, however, I will write a sequel to this post to include others as well – so stay tuned. The stories below are just a few of the people with whom I have a FaceBook connection, as there are many close friends with whom I have yet to find and connect with.

Here goes…(last names withheld to protect the guilty)

The Early Years (In no particular order)

Todd T. I grew up with Todd T. and his brother Troy T. on the same street. I spent quite a bit of time at their house, dinner table and den. Their Father, Papa T. taught me how to play Baseball, pitching and catching with his own style of tricks and tips. Their mother, Mama T. made us Iced Tea all the time and the best rolls you have ever had. So many great memories, riding our bikes all the way down the street, which seemed forever, onto a ramp, no helmets back then often crashing on landing. Scrapes and bruises were tended to by Moma T with love and care. Church was also on the agenda, every Sunday with great meals following. There was Football, Baseball and Basketball year round, with Pinball machines one year. Papa T. watched Boxing on Saturday nights – man I remember his passion about the event as his head magically moved as punches were thrown, like he was in the ring. Todd, Troy, Papa T., and Mama T. – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Jeff D. Don’t know where to start with this one, as there are so many memories. Football in the street (back when you could do this), basketball on the driveway (Jack D. lowered the rim for us when we weren’t quite tall enough to make a basket), Jeff choking on a Now-a-Later and me doing the hymelick maneuver (which got it out-unreal). Journey songs still bring back memories of Cassette Players. He took me on early as a tutor in math, and later became a Teacher – fits you well Jeff. Remember the “Swing” which we setup, over the “Ditch” behind a neighbor’s house where we crafted a rope onto a tree limb, and were able to swing ourselves at neck breaking speeds only to land at the other side of the tree – awesome fun. Jeff – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Bobby B. was a dual friend, meaning he knew my brother and I and hung around both my brother and I. So many wonderful memories, Indian motorcycles, Baseball, Basketball, Football, year round. Remember hamburgers, fries in the oven from Emma Jean (Bobby’s mom), who had so many close friends, too many to even mention as she touched the lives of all the kids at the ball fields, taking part in raising, mentoring and showing us all much love. Big Bobby (Bobby’s Dad) was stern but fair as he watched over us with a keen eye but a helping hand. Many, many meals at the table, pool time at the Moose Lodge and plenty of Hot Dogs at the ball field. I was fortunate to spend time with Bobby recently in my brothers wedding (finally married at 41) and shared old stories that was a catalyst for writing this piece. Bobby – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Jimbo C. Two words that should wreck your memory with bliss – Scirrocco’s and Apples. Playing tag at night with flashlights. Plenty of sleep overs – cant even count how many. We cleaned your car so many times I thought the paint would have come off, but it looked good when we went cruising. So many one on one conversations, over Big Gulp cups full of (blank here) sitting in a corn field with nothing but time. Double dates, jamming tunes and discussions that altered our perceptions forever with our theories of world dominance-someday. Throwing apples at cars and having our hearts beating so fast when we heard the tires screech hoping that we wouldn’t get caught (and our parents beating the crap out of us). James (formerly known as Jimbo) – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Teenage Years (again, in no particular order)

Wesley W. ( and his little sister Larriaune) Van Halen, walking around the neighborhoods, Bowling Alley on Friday and Saturday nights and other fond memories that I cant mention here. Plenty of mischief during the teenage years, but man we had some fun. City Park was a popular hangout, in the car (seemed kinda smoky-but maybe that was just me) laughing our tails off telling stories and watching people pass by in their cars, shined up to impress. My friend, I am glad to see the clouds have cleared and beautiful light has shined down on you as you have been on my mind over the years hoping that your time would come. Wesley – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Mike A. From the day I walked into school, in the 3rd grade (PCS), you and I became close friends and maintained that friendship until I left (PCS) in the 8th grade as the burden of expense was too great for a blue collar family. Dodge ball, Kick ball and a Cherry Tree in the lower school yard, where many conversation started and seemed to go on forever. Fortunate enough that 8th grade for us meant high school status, we joined the Chess Club ( were we really that smart?) and met many of our classmates older siblings. You married a close friend from my next school I attended, (MHS) and became a stand up Police Officer, now retired. Mike – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

High School Years (in no particular order)

Lisa C. Many classes together, arguing and boyfriend stories in my ear – I loved it. I believe we even took a Home Economics class together (Must be partly why I cook most of the meals) listening to my Sony Walkman “Eye of the Tiger” and you telling me it was too loud. Many double dates with friends and many parties attended. Walks between class bells meant catching up on all the gossip. Lisa – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Older Years (in no particular order)

Bobby W. For the first time in 20+ years, through FaceBook and friends, we were able to chat online and remember back to when we were riding around, just cruising, but Bobby seemed to want to get to whatever it was we needed to get to. Through the tunnel we would go – rolling. Many parties and new friends he introduced me to, usually the more popular groups, as he was one of the most popular guys I knew at the time. Plenty of brew and many laughs brought us together. I look forward to chatting, talking and one day meeting my old friend again. Bobby thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Lori J. Friend, Roommate, Candle Lighter in my wedding. Lori is as sweet as they make ‘em. Do anything in the world for you and was the group’s big ear for all of our problems and concerns. A strange roommate from Milwaukee, sand in my carpet, sitting on the roof of the apartment, beer fights, fire trucks, Hilton Head trip in my ’72 Peugeot with the top out and me as the only guy in the middle of 6 girls dancing to NIN at the clubs. Odd stickers on your face nights, couch conversations, very quirky at times given the mix of the group. Days at the beach. I think of you often and on occasion get the chance to talk to you on the phone. I always knew she would make a great Mom, and Wife. Lori, thanks for every minute we shared and for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Lori B. (same group as Lori J.) Italian. So many fun times were had. Remember “Bigger, Better Deals”, which happened when my brother wouldn’t show up for our apartment dance parties. Smart. Funny. Fun. Different side of the tracks Lori and I grew up in but she welcomed me for years into her tight knit group. So many memories that will forever be with me. Lori – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Debora D. (same group as Lori J.) Artist. Eccentric. Humorous. Loves music (which is why we danced all the time). Rarely were there quiet times when we were all together and points of view flew everywhere, sometimes we disagreed on certain subjects but you usually came around to my way of thinking (not). We always saw eye to eye when it came to the group’s overall fun though and rarely did we not have a great time. Debora – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Kenny F. Standing at 6′-6″ or so, he and I looked like David and Goliath when we were out. .25 cent beer night at Worrells, every Sunday just waiting for the beers to kick in to get up the courage to dance. Duck Inn. Crashing on the apartment floor. We preferred one on one conversations and enjoyed each others company just as we were. Wendy’s late night drive thru. Kenny was with me the night my future wife asked me to dance and stood tall in my wedding. We had some great times. We recently saw each other again at my brothers wedding and it seemed like old times. I don’t believe I ever thanked you for telling me “I can’t believe you turned her down (my now wife) when she asked you to dance” Kenny – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

So…1936 words that only covers a small portion of the impact, influence and love from a group of people I have been fortunate enough to call and be called a friend. This may serve as part 1 of a series depending on where life takes me, but more importantly, I hope that the memories I have shared spark some good feelings within the people I wrote about.

I look forward to reading your comments as many have different versions of the story I may recall, however different, they all make me realize “How FaceBook changed my life”.

As I write, speak and guide others on how Social Media, Social Networking and Social Commerce all play a part of reality in our lives, its still about building relationships. Always will be. This is a 2 way conversation, some from before and some not yet known, but one thing is for sure, conversations are happening and relationships are being built – are you listening?

Tagged as: American football, Association football, Basketball, FaceBook, High school, Kids and Teens, Marketing, Relationships, Social Networking, Troy, Twitter