A few weeks ago, Facebook saved my life. Well, not literally. I’ve recently been going through several big life changes; a new job, moving from the apartment I’ve called home for five years and lots of pesky little stressors (credit card bills, anyone?).  After days of cleaning, decision making and what seemed like never ending rainstorms—if you live in New York, you know what I’m talking about—I just about lost it.

With a mix of frustration and boredom, I headed to my computer for the umpteenth time.  Luckily, one of my sister’s had posted pictures of my niece and nephew on Facebook. In each shot, Caroline and Aidan were taking turns pushing each other in my niece’s doll stroller. The little rain cloud that had been fixed over my head made way for some sunshine and I couldn’t help but smile. Their little faces were so full of joy and I could almost hear their laughs coming through the computer screen.

Beyond getting me through that day, new technology has helped me feel more involved with all of the kids in my life. Through photo sharing, I see pictures of kids at the circus, zoo and the beach.  My friend and her husband often text me shots of their daughter, Emily, at the park, having a ball on the swingset. With her new iPhone, my sister sent me a video of Aidan using a wooden spoon to make music on the top of the garbage can (which I had to go back and replay while I was writing this).  I even got to see what it was like for my friend and her daughter, Alyssa, when they were backstage shooting as news segment for the local Fox affiliate.

All of these new ways to share information made me wonder how I ever got along without it. Sure, I can always see pictures when I see my family face to face and yes, the kids are slowly getting old enough to talk on the phone. But the magic of new technology makes me feel more engaged, and I can leave notes and comments in real time. Plus, I can write my tributes to all of the kids right here! Thank heaven for the internet!

Since that blustery day, whenever I’m in a rotten mood I log on and look photos of my favorite little ones. But I haven’t abandoned old school methods just yet. I’ve just ordered prints of photos that taken on mobile devices and uploaded to Facebook just to hang them up next to my new workspace. That way, even if I end up feeling gloomy on a cloudy day, I won’t have to look far for a few little rays of sun.