Enjoying a Long-Distance Halloween
Written By Savvy Auntie Staff Writers
By Amanda Greene
Amanda Greene is finding the joys of Lupus. She was diagnosed with Lupus and APS at 15 years old. As "LA Lupus Lady" she is an online advocate for Lupus Research and Wellness. Amanda's flair for connecting using Social Media and passion for sharing made her transition to brand ambassador a natural one. Find Amanda online at www.lalupuslady.com or tweeting (too much!) @LAlupusLady.
Though I live across the country from my niece and nephew, thanks to technology, I’ve been able to be a part of their Halloween planning and preparation. Sometimes, I feel like I am missing out, but by using social media, we stay connected. My niece and I have been sharing our costume plans over text and Facebook messages. Rachel is going to be “Snow White,” and I am going to be dressed as a caped crusader for Lupus Awareness and Research. “L.A. Lupus Lady”—a superhero of sorts—is out to prove that “Lupus Awareness is fun, but lupus is not.”
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I feel lucky and blessed that my niece is, at 14 years old, still willing to share her thoughts with me. So, you can imagine how I felt when I got the e-mail telling me that she made a YouTube video sharing how she is transforming into “Snow White” for Halloween. As her unofficial and self-appointed “Social Media Consultant” (and cyber chaperone), I was overjoyed. I love that Rachel has combined her love of fashion, make-up, and style with video production and created a YouTube page. It is yet another way that I feel connected to her across the miles.
When being there in person for Rachel and her brother Brad isn’t possible, my husband and I are building our relationships online. While a virtual hug isn’t the same as an actual one, we like to let them know that we care. Tweeting and posting on Facebook are new ways to stay involved and informed in their lives. I found out that Rachel hit the target during archery and that Brad made a travel basketball team by staying connected. Often, a post leads me to pick up the phone, so we can talk about “what just happened.” I hear Rachel laughing before she says “hello” because she sees her caller ID.
You may not be my niece’s proud “Savvy Auntie,” but I think you will enjoy watching the transformation in her “Snow White Tutorial.”
By the way, Brad is going to be Sheldon from the TV show, The Big Bang Theory. Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Greene
Published: October 29, 2012