January has been a whirlwind. Over a two week period, I crossed the country four times. First, I went to Detroit for the North American International Auto Show with a group of bloggers for Ford. Two weeks after I got home, I found out my father had a stroke.
A lot of my life is available for the public. I don’t keep a lot of secrets. I talked about my father’s stroke on Facebook and Twitter. The support and kindness from friends and acquaintances was simply staggering. I’ve said it countless times – internet friends are real. The support was overwhelming and helped so much during a very difficult time.
When I was in Jersey, my brother and I talked a bit about my experience at NAIAS. As I’ve said before, he bleeds Ford. I was excited to show him my photos. He told me about his fancy Ford toolbox at work that cost as much as a used Ford. (I haven’t seen it in person, but I think it may be larger than my closet as a child.) I told him all about the new Fusion and how I thought the new technology and choices were awesome. It was a good distraction during a really unpleasant situation. (A lot of the trip is a blur, but I think we were looking at the photos in the waiting room of the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at TJU.)
Last night, when I checked the mail, I noticed a letter from Ford. I thought it was possibly a follow-up about the trip. To my surprise, it was a handwritten note from Scott Monty, the head of Ford’s social media. The note referenced the blog post that I had written about my father’s stroke and let me know that they were thinking of me and my family and included some other very kind words.
I was truly speechless and very touched. I sent a text to my business partner. Showed it to my husband. Scanned it and sent it to my brother and father so that they could see it. My brother commented on how nice it was. (My father, who has not lost his sense of humor, does not understand why I am receiving letters when he is the one who had the stroke.) I’ve given this letter so much attention because Scott and Ford went above and beyond.
We live in a digital world. I kept friends updated about my father’s status through social media. Social communication has become an extension of who I am. I pin. I post. I update statuses. I tweet. I create polyvore boards. I stumble. The list goes on and on. But, when the time comes, I bust out my fancy stationery and I return to the lost art of correspondence. Because a handwritten note still means so much.
When I got back from NAIAS, I said that Ford changed my opinion about their company. Now, Ford has elevated themselves above other brands in my eyes. I hope that other brands will try to reach their level. Through authenticity, interaction and engagement.
Thank you to Scott and all of my friends at Ford. Your kindness means a great deal to me and my family.
Disclaimer: Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Innovation and Design Fantasy Camp event. I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.
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