To everyone here

deb25

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The administrator of another board to which I belong died suddenly last night. I wanted to post some of her words here.....in tribute to her and as a message to all the great people here as well.

Making the leap -- From Virtual to RealityÂ:censor: Â:censor:by Susan

A friend of mine once said "It will do you good to remember when people online get on your nerves, that they're nothing more than pixels on a screen. When you start to feel upset by a chat room or a message board or a website, it's time to shut down the computer and go outside and interact with *real* people."

In some ways, I find this true, but in others, it creeps up on my consciousness that they are indeed real people behind the pixels. Those who act like Fall born flies--who buzz my virtual face and bite for blood as their nourishment--aren't the ones I'm thinking of. They indeed are "pixels" in my mind. However, there is a breed of virtual friend that goes far beyond the "pixels on a monitor" type.

These people worry about me when I sign off for a day to go breathe the air and refresh my outlook. These people send me email asking about my day, my family, my life. These people *touch* me--more than just politeness in a chat room or on a message board. More than just "how are you?".

Some of them send me greeting cards, either virtual ones or paper ones in snail mail. Some of them track me down in instant message clients just to say "hi". Others send me email. Some of them even go so far as to find my home phone number and when I'm irritated or distressed, call me on the phone to let me know that, indeed, there is a real person behind those pixels on the screen.

So, how exactly does one make the transition from Virtual to Reality? It's not difficult really, but seems almost magical when it happens. All it takes, believe it or not, is reaching out. When a "how are you" becomes "I hope you feel better today" a silent bond begins to form. What was once a single spider thread of friendship grows on itself with every interaction until the two people are bound by a thick cord as strong as steel.

The relationship becomes not so much a "v-friendship". One day, you'll find yourself telling someone in the *real* world about your v-friend. Only you've not even thought about the fact that this person lives many miles away and you've never seen them face-to-face. Suddenly, they *exist* to you. They aren't just pixels on a screen, they're flesh, blood, emotion...friend.

Of course, these friendships need as much nurturing as any normal friendship. Bonds of trust form and can be broken. Silence from a friend, whether online or in the real world can eat at that bond as surely as time can erode steel, but by adding one silken spider thread at a time, the bond stays strong. The friendship endures.

For those of you who have spun threads of spider silk between me and you, I thank you. You have enriched my life beyond what I ever thought possible. I hope only that I can spin my own threads toward you as beautifully. For, it is in these threads, cords, and bonds that the true meaning of the world wide web is realized. It isn't merely a network of computers strung together by cable, phone lines and satillites, it's a beautiful spider's web connecting real people by threads, strings and cords of friendship.
 

hissy

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She and I also emailed each other. Her wit and wisdom will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She had a great board that probably will not be able to withstand such a devastating blow. Rest in your journey to the Bridge Dear Susan. I know a ton of kitties that are waiting to greet you.
 
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deb25

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Hissy is right. Her user name here at TCS was Susan. She hadn't posted too many times. Her own site has a memorial forum set up, if anyone is interested. Messages can be posted even if you aren't registered.

Rest in peace, Susan. You will be missed.

http://www.realitytvrefugees.com/for...?s=&forumid=47
 

3sacrowd

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Wow. What a great piece. For you who knew her, I'm sorry for your loss. She seems like a very thoughtful person and a good friend.
 

debby

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First of all...that was beautiful, Deb. thanks for posting it!!!!!

And secondly...I am shocked to hear about Susan!!!!!! I was also a member of that site, though I didn't post often, and this is very unexpected!!!! What happened?????????? She was such a sweet person! I am very saddened by this!!!!!!

It also makes me worry that if something like this (God forbid) ever happened to another member here....would there be someone to come online and tell us???? I know my hubby doesn't even know how to turn the computer on, and if I died suddenly, I don't know how anyone would know.

This is so very sad...poor Susan!!!!!!! I don't think I can sleep now.
I feel so bad!!

Thanks for letting us know about this Deb!!!!!

We really DO need to appreciate the time we have with our online friends here, as we never know what each day holds.
 

debby

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I just went to her memorial site, and posted to it....I read that she died of an anurism (sp?) of the heart. So very sad.
 
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