long overdue
Once upon a time, there was this girl (me!) who was introduced to the internet by her brothers, who had been on it for a couple years already. The year was 1997. The girl took to it like a moth to a flame, and quickly discovered the magical world of message boards. One, in particular, called The House o’ Chatter, introduced her to many wonderful people – most of whom have become real-life friends over the years.
One such person was Wolf, a talented bead- and fiber-artist in the Roanoke area. But despite the fact that they even had lived in the same state for a few years, they never met.
Sunday, after knowing each other online for over a decade, that all changed.
photo courtesy of wolfsilveroak.insanejournal.com
Meeting people you’ve only known in a virtual realm is not the novelty that it was back in 1997, so it’s highly unlikely that anyone reading this right now HASN’T, at one time or another, met someone that they first encountered online. I’ve been doing it since… shoot, 1998. Heh. But you know, it’s still just as cool as it was back then. And when it turns out that you really do click, and it really IS like you’ve hung out with each other for years? Priceless.
Wolf was up from Roanoke, visiting her folks in Battle Creek… which is only about 1 1/2 hours from where I am now. Her parents hosted a hell of a barbecue, the weather was absolutely perfect, and it seriously couldn’t have been a better day – unless, of course, it was twice as long.
We had so much fun that I drove back to Battle Creek on Thursday to go to the zoo with her, her husband, and her niece and nephew.
(Be sure to check out the other pictures in the set, too!)
Once again, a fantastic time was had by all: a day full of giggles, goofiness, and all-around good times (sometimes at the expense of other zoo-goers, but hey, it’s not our fault if you’re an idiot who can’t tell a kangaroo from a deer, a’right?). (And yes, that totally really happened!)
After the zoo, we hauled our tired butts back to Wolf’s parents’ house, where her mom made a delicious salisbury steak dinner, and we sat around the table talking about our day like a bunch of excited 12-year-olds. Haha. I hung out for a couple more hours, till it was just starting to get darker, and then figured I had to be on my way; I don’t see well to drive at night. Hugs all around and a long goodbye… again, I just want to say that it’s so (wonderfully!) unusual to find a bunch of people with whom you’re so darn comfortable. Wolf’s mom told me to “stop by anytime”, and I know she meant it. 
Wolf, thank you for the fun & laughter, and I hope the rest of your trip is awesome!
You know, it’s even more priceless when the person you first knew online happens to be the love of your life. Mike and I met online. He’s the only person I’ve met online that I’ve met in real life (so far). I knew within a month of meeting him that I would spend the rest of my life with him.
Sounds like you had a great time with your friend! I should make a road trip up to Michigan at some point.
That is so cool! I didn’t know you’d met him online. You’re right: that “click” when you meet a kindred spirit is priceless… even more so when it turns out to be your soulmate.
Any time you want to road-trip up here, dooo eeet! I’d be tickled to play tour guide (read: have someone to explore the area with a bit more). You guys are always welcome.