Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Panic

It was horrible.

My fingers began to shake. My heart began to thunder. I couldn't breathe. I panicked.

My internet wasn't working.

I was gone the majority of yesterday* and, upon returning home in the evening, discovered our internet service was down. I tried the whole rigamarole: Resetting the modem. Shutting down and restarting the computer. Launching a sharp pen at the monitor. Nothing worked. NOTHING WORKED.

I was frustrated, as I always am when I can't get online the instant I want to. But I took it as a sign that I didn't need to be occupying myself in such a way, and moved on to other things. And I figured my computer-genius husband could make it all better when he got home.

Not quite. So much for his genius.

The same happened this morning, and it took a call to our internet service provider (which I really, really dislike) to sort it out. After confirming my phone number eight times (Yes! That's my number!) and being told our access password was "Q... U... A...--" (Yes. That's my name, and I do know how to spell it. Thankyouverymuch.), the problem was targeted.

I followed their directions, and now we're back up! Whew. I couldn't have gone all day without internet.

Well, maybe if I chose to do so. Really. I could have.

But it wasn't my choice today.

***

I hope everyone has a warm and blessed Thanksgiving. May you feel the love of your family and friends, even if you're far from home, and be aware of all for which you can give thanks.



*Some friends lost their son last week, and yesterday was the funeral. I will remain steadfast in my prayers for his family as they continue on after this tragedy. In his honor...

precious FLETCHER
born 8-9-2008 ... entered into rest 11-20-2008
Chris and Laura, we love you.

18 comments:

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Oh my gosh, you're poor friends. Please let them know the internet is thinking of them.

As for your internet, I can totally sympathize. It takes a while to realize there ARE other things to do, but you get in such a habit that it's like a slap in the face when it's unavailable!

Anonymous said...

Oh, how terrible! Pass along our condolences. I really cannot imagine the grief of a mother.

Sorry about the internet problems...I hate computer problems!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Angie Ledbetter said...

So sorry for your friends and their loss.

When the cyber monkeys bung up my puter connection, it makes me want to tear my hair out!

Happy Thanksgiving to you/yours, friend.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Melanie, thanks. I suspect that has to be the most heartbreaking of losses.

Fringegirl - I feel the same. Seeing my girlfriend (Fletcher's mom) in such anguish was enough of a peek at what it might be like.

Angie - I appreciate it. :) And your words and phrasing always make me giggle! Happy Thanksgiving.

Joanne said...

Sending prayers for your friends, how sad. And also sending you and your family wishes for a Happy & peaceful Thanksgiving! Enjoy!

Melissa Amateis said...

Oh wow. I'm so sorry for your friends' loss. How horrible.

I panic when my Internet doesn't work. It is just sad.

Jen said...

I'm so sorry for your friends. To lose your child? Just the worst thing I can imagine. I'll pray for them and for little Fletcher.

Computer problems? Do these things ever work they way they are supposed to, when we want them to? I suspect an electronic conspiracy...

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathies for your friends' loss.

I understand what you mean by not having Internet and freaking out...our modem went kaput on Friday night and it took my husband (a computer tech) 3 hours (30 minutes on the phone with AT&T) and a trip to WallyWorld to buy a new modem before we were back up and running.

Happy Thanksgiving

Spy Scribbler said...

That is heartbreaking. Wow, just totally heartbreaking.

And yes, without internet, I am a shaky junkie. Seriously. I need my fix every couple hours.

WendyCinNYC said...

Oh, how awful for your friends.


Glad you are back online.

colbymarshall said...

How horrible! Your friends are in my prayers.

Losing internet can cause panic. I came home one night and the power was off and I almost crapped a brick. Luckily, it came on a little while later and blogging was able to commence without problem :-)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Joanne - Thank you, and also to you.

Melissa - I'm in that same sad boat. ;)

Jen - Thank you for the prayers. And a conspiracy, eh?

Ang - We're writers! The internet is a natural extension, I think. :) And thanks for the warm thoughts re: Fletcher.

Hi there, Spyscribbler! I've seen you around, and I'm glad you've stopped by! Thanks for the warm thoughts.

Wendy - I can't even imagine without losing my breath. Happy Thanksgiving!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Colby - I really do appreciate the prayers. Thanks! And I'm SO glad the blog wasn't affected. ;)

ChristaCarol Jones said...

I can't even fathom what your friends must be going through, and thought hey are strangers to me my heart is breaking and I am praying for them and their family. No one should ever have to lose a child.

As for the internet, I'm with you! I go NUTS berserk! I frantically run between my PC and the modem and the router trying to fix it myself. You did better than I would have. I probably would have called the provider asap, and if they didn't help, called my husband and told him first thing when he gets home is to fix the issue! lol....it's sad how we get so dependent on these things!

Have a wonderful Turkey Day!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Happy Thanksgiving Janna!

Kelly said...

Praying for your friends. I can not imagine. So much to be thankful for today.

Rachel Burton said...

I'm sorry for your friends' loss.

And I know about lack-of-internet-panic, although I've been off all week entertaining family. I kicked them out the door today and now I'm trying to catch up!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

BiPolar Wife said...

May God be with Fletcher and may he rest in peace.