7 replies to this topic

[LalaRu]

This morning I woke to the news that a friend died. I'm fairly upset about it, despite the fact that I haven't gotten the chance to speak to him in near 4 months now. He was an online friend. He played WoW with Wayne and I for 5+ years, and now it's hard to talk about on FB or with other friends, etc.

It's strange. I never saw him physically in my life, much like you guys. But he was a part of my life. And just like all you, I felt like he was a part of my own family. If anything happened to anyone here, I would feel the same. Guilt and loss that comes with the passing of a loved one.

I was more just looking for a place to vent, but the subject is justified as well. How is it any less real if tragedy happens to someone you know online and any less painful than if you know them in your physical life? Does physical really matter all that much? Or are emotions and feelings defined by personal perception?

[Jeeves]

I would be completely devastated.

I'm always worried that if something were to happen to me, you guys might not even ever know. Depressing stuff.

Anyway, really sorry for the loss.

[JRRD]

Sorry for your loss Mel. Yeah, it is pretty depressing stuff to think about. It isn't like most of us have each others phone numbers where we would feel comfortable enough to just call to check up on one another if someone hasn't been around for a while. I use to think about this situation a lot.

Anyway though, I feel for you Mel, and you can vent all you want with us.

[The_Nightstalker]

I lost my childhood friend Jesse very recently so I know exactly how you feel Mel. Companionship is very real, even if the person isn't physically there, and you'll definitely feel something when a good friend just disappears one day. My condolences for your loss.

[Raine]

I'm sorry for your loss. ):

I really don't know how I'd react to something like this. When someone close to me loses someone, I feel scared to say something in case I'd offend them or come off cold. I usually just freeze up and that helps no one.

In my own case, I don't take death of loved ones very well. I usually keep my feelings all to myself and my depression gets the best of me. I'm scared to even check my email or answer the phone because I think I'll get bad news. But either way, friends are friends and people will hurt over deaths no matter how far away they are.

[LalaRu]

Thanks, guys. I'm feeling a bit better now that I've talked about it with a few people. It seems more people are more open to loss of friends even if they are only online ones. My bosses at work today were very accommodating to me today, so it made me feel a bit better.

It's made me think, though. If something did happen to one of us, I would hope somehow someone would be able to let us all know. But it dawned on me. Wayne knows I come to this website, but he doesn't even know the website name. He wouldn't have a clue who to contact or how. So I've decided, for me at least, I'm going to put this place on my list of contacts. I'd feel a lot better knowing you guys knew what happened. Wouldn't want you to think I abandoned you altogether.

It's such a tough subject, but I think it's important, nonetheless.

[Raine]

LalaRu, on Mar 28 2011, 10:04 AM, said:

So I've decided, for me at least, I'm going to put this place on my list of contacts. I'd feel a lot better knowing you guys knew what happened. Wouldn't want you to think I abandoned you altogether.

I like this idea. :)

[LalaRu]

:-D I'd feel even better if I could talk Wayne into joining, but it's not his thing. I guess that's what I get for marrying someone 12 years older than me. XD