Acknowledgment

When I do a kind or generous thing for someone, I am rarely motivated by the hope of an acknowledgment, but it always feels so very good to receive it.

I am always delighted when an old-fashioned, handwritten thank you note appears in my mailbox, brightening up the stack of bills and solicitations. Yesterday, though, I was deeply grateful for digital technology and the speed of communication that it has made possible. I want you all to know that I was, quite frankly, blown away by the enthusiastic response to my first post here on Vaginologue.

People who have never responded to any post on Unburied Treasure chose to write to me yesterday for the first time. I received private messages through facebook from people who are generally so silent that I had honestly forgotten they were among my facebook friends. I realize that it is uncomfortable to post comments publicly of such a personal nature as this blog invites, and I don't want to push anyone beyond their comfort zone. But what I learned yesterday is that it's not just myriad faceless women who are dealing with these issues in silence, it is you: my friends and readers. As Kristin wrote, below yesterday's post, the more women who tell their story, the more "normal" it becomes, thus increasing the likelihood that other women will seek medical help and improve their lives. This is precisely my goal.

I never imagined that one blogpost, especially a first blogpost, would bring such an outpouring of feedback. After having struggled with the decision to blog about my "female issues", I cannot imagine clearer confirmation that I made the right choice. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and appreciation. It means a great deal to me. Know that you have fueled my mission here and that, as a result, I am committed to continuing to do my best to share my story with you.