the big facebook page in the sky

Ive always thought that it was way creepy when people passed away and their friends continued to write on their facebook pages. It always seemed inappropriate--or maybe not inappropriate, but like a creepy thing that digital generation kids did that sort of indicated the slipping of their collective grip on reality. Something always just felt strange.

But last night my mom's cousin Logan died very suddenly of a massive heart attack. He was part of that group of Wisconsin relatives whom I have always adored for their midwestern honesty and crassness. I definitely get my sense of humor from that side--just yesterday i posted something on my wall about almost barfing in the sink after brushing my teeth, and he and one of my other family members from that side immediately gave it a thumbs up.

But anyway--since the news of his passing, his facebook wall has been flooded with messages. Some are personal to him, wishing him well in heaven, some are condolences to the family, others are jokes for him that are just enough in poor taste to be totally appropriate for him. And it doesnt seem weird or creepy. It seems really comforting, like everyone has this place where they can go to share their memories and sadness, and to be comforted by the fact that they arent alone in their feelings, and that he was never alone in his life.

And its not cyberfeelings or people not being personal or not understanding that the loss is real--quite the opposite. Its a place where people can genuinely share what this person meant to them, even with people they have never met and may never meet. Reading all of the great, funny things that people have to say about Logan has brought me so much comfort today, and made me feel not quite as far from home.

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