A friend died recently. She was very young and her passing has shaken the community. We've had a series of too young deaths in the last couple of years. Today, as I was surfing through my friends' sites, I saw her Facebook page. It has become a virtual memorial. There are comments from many members of the community sharing photos with one another and expressing their grief. Being that many people in our community are flung across the East Coast and in fact across the country, I find it comforting to know that there is a place where everyone can come together to share their feelings and to comfort one another. I doubt that Facebook had any idea that this would be the case when they started their site, and yet, here it is.
If you are interested in seeing the page it is here. I'm not sure how much you can see if you are not friended to her, but it's a beautiful tribute. I used to think that a life well lived was indicated by a long line at the funeral parlor. Now I think it may be morphing into a long list of post mortem comments on Facebook. However you measure it, she was loved.
I am so sorry about your friend, it is very sad when young people pass.
I am sorry to hear about your lost. I too have lost many young friends and I am also a big believer of facebook and mypace to remember the happier times of my friends. I also feel closer to them, like they are there and it makes the lost that less of a blow. Again, sorry to hear about your lost and as the saying goes, We know they are now in a better place.
The same has taken place on a couple of young students that passed away in accidents and heart defects. I thought it was comforting for those close to have a live link to their friends via facebook to express their sorry and share good moments. So sorry for your loss.
My condolences on your loss, Kelle. I can see how a central "gathering" place like FaceBook could be a real comfort in this day when friends are bi-coastal and even trans-global.
Mary, Savanna, Connie, and Dianne - Thanks for your thoughts.