Saying goodbye with Facebook

F acebook, and other forms of social networking, have become ubiquitous in recent years, and at times it seems that almost everyone is posting, tweeting or checking in. Still there is no shortage of detractors, who declare that social media is a waste of time.

    I will be the first to admit I have spent my fair share of time browsing posts of funny cat pictures and reading silly jokes. However there is much more I want from social networking. I’ve often seen information posted by friends I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

    Social networking can also be an important way to stay connected for many people.  I am part of a Facebook group of people who were or are part of the Renaissance Faire, where I worked for several years. Recently I realized just how  important our group is, when I saw a post that a dear friend was dying.

Through the group, people touched base, and arrangements were made for rides. When he was released to hospice care, there was a large group of his Faire family that stayed with him in his final hours. Although some contact was made by phone, many of our group would not have learned of his condition in time without Facebook, and would not have been able to say goodbye.

Nothing else I could say speaks stronger to the potential significance of social networking than that I found these words posted on our group page by one of those who were there with him:

“He passed in a grove of Redwood trees as the sun rose and peeked thru the leaves that glistened with leftover rain. The morning smelled new, washed. The Night had delivered a new soul who left with rain and grace. Sometimes there are perfect moments in time--This was one of them. Sigh.” Quote by Vicky Nebeker, used by permission.