Social Media Depression

I get very frustrated sometimes looking at Facebook.

"Social Media Depression" I think is what they're calling it.

As I scroll down my feed, I am bombarded with post after post about everybody else's WONDERFUL child.  This young man has received X, Y, and Z awards.  This young lady has pulled a 4.0 and received a scholarship to the university of her choice.  These young men and women are all going off to serve missions for their church after graduating from seminary.

Moms (and even some Dads) love to brag up their children on Facebook.  I admit, I like to, too.

And I'm happy for all of them and their achievements.

But mostly I'm frustrated and jealous.

Not all of us have 4.0 students.

Not all of us have children who have won awards.

Not all of us have children who are interested in religious studies or service.

In fact, some of us are simply celebrating the fact that our children have barely met the mark for graduation, despite all they have done to undermine themselves along the way.  Some of us have smart kids who submarined themselves and underachieved rather spectacularly.

And, yes, I am very proud of my child!

I am proud that he met the mark and is completing this milestone in life.  I am proud of his determination to serve his country and join the Army.  I believe in his intelligence and his ability to attend college when he is ready.

But I get dragged down by green meanies when I see all the brag-fests on Facebook.





And then I saw it.

A post on the memorial page of my son's school friend who took his own life last year.  A post from his parents wishing all the graduates well.  A post filled with the pain of loss made fresh with every milestone their son should have been experiencing.

And I am so moved to tears that I have no words to express my feelings.