Blink of an eye
mood: 
sad
sadFor most of us, finding a group of friends online is an added gift. "People just don't understand me" is my preferred way of explaining myself, except when I'm online. Here I'm embraced.
Thus, those who "get" me online are often more precious than anyone I meet in real life. I consider them friends, despite never having met most of them.
When I first entered online life, my mother wondered why I worried about the people online. They were just names to her, not people in front of a keyboard. It's a mysterious connection one can never explain to those that haven't experienced it. You write a story/post something/share a thought. In turn, someone, out there in the ether, reads it and responds. You then discover that you share many of the same interests, and just like that, you have a friend.
I've met many people because of my fan fiction. One of the sweetest and most kind-hearted of the bunch was
![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
vestafour, who passed away late yesterday/early this morning after a very long battle against cancer. I first met her on RATales, our long-running Krycek message board at YahooGroups. When I made the jump to LJ, she would visit and leave comments on my fiction or posts. I admired her strength of spirit, because she had such a lust for life despite all her setbacks and hospital stays. She was only 53.
I never met her, but in her last response to one of my comments, she said something that sums up my feelings about online friendships.
Someday I want us all to find a reason to be in the same city. To meet everyone and just be able to talk real time for hours would be incredible. Many hugs!!!
Peace on your journey, L. You will be missed.
I'm so sorry, Rhyme.
Also sad that another has passed.
I was reading her last comment to me, too. She called me 'Little Sister' and it just made me cry, because that was her. She had so much love for everyone.
I know what you mean about online friends. Some people just don't get it and never will. Just because you can't meet someone around the corner for a cup of coffee doesn't make them any less real or any less of a friend. Like you, I met her way back when I was a newbie and she was never anything but sweet and wonderful and supportive. I would have given anything to have met her in person, but even though I didn't get to do that, I feel like I knew her and felt her in my life every day.
She will be sorely missed indeed. =<{
Sometimes people leave us, and sometimes far too soon, but they always leave behind a part of what made them so special... and that lasts forever.
{{hugs}}
I completely understand the feelings of online friendships...
I'm sure your friend will be remembered and missed every day.
Sorry about your friend, Rhymephile. And you're right ... communication is communication, rather it's on-line or not.
And if you ever plan a weekend or four day event, especially in November or December, count me in. :) I've visited New York City twice: once in March for my birthday, and once in the summer. I would dearly love an excuse to visit NYC in the Winter and experience the Holiday lights.
::hugs::
What you say about online friendships is very true. My friend Jan can't understand it, and is amazed that I know and "talk" to all these people. But you form a connection that's every bit as real and wonderful as it is with friends you see every day. I'm blessed to have all my online friends.
And the comment from Vesta - - that's always been one of my dreams, for us all to get together. that would be amazing. *hugs*
I am going to miss her too