Friends Past and Present

[Mike]

I spent some time on the computer lately trying to
find out why it is misbehaving!

As I had nothing particular in mind to do, but wanted
to be using it for a while, I started looking at the lists,
in my profile, of followers and following, people.
I was saddened to see just how many are missing for
no known reason, yes, I know people move on, when
they want to, but the figures are around 75% gone,
there are only 2 that I know, who are fine and moved
for some reason, of the rest, a few stayed for a week
or so, but many, long time posters have just gone.
A prayer will be said for their good health.

Have you ever though, where your friends have gone,
without a word?

Mike.

 

[CallMeKate]

Yes, many times. I'm a chronic worrier, so when someone's not around for a while, I notice. Sadly with some, I know they're not coming back but disappearing without forewarning or explanation can be jarring if it's someone we've talked with often.

 

[Pam]

Yes, there are people I miss and have no idea what has happened to them which is sad. I also know that some have sadly died, there is one in particular who became a very good online friend. We chatted daily via email and messaging on this forum. I first 'met' her on an Australian forum and when that was closing down we got an invite to join this forum, which we both did in 2013.

The member I am speaking about was Bee, she could be very feisty and argumentative, whereas I try to avoid confrontation, unless absolutely necessary, but somehow we gelled. Bee was from Harwich, Essex in England. When she died (2022) I received an email from her daughter then a day or so later her daughter telephoned and we had a long chat. I still miss my daily correspondence with Bee.

 

[KSav]

Have you ever though, where your friends have gone,
without a word?

Yes. This sadly happened just this past fall when an online friend of more than 14 years, in a different forum, died very suddenly. I was immediately concerned when (1) he hadn't logged on for a few weeks and (2) didn't respond to my DM. I got confirmation of his death a few weeks later from a mutual friend, who also was shocked and devastated. I'm still struggling with the loss.

(I understand you're talking about sudden disappearances in general, not just death.)

 

[George1959]

Yes, there are people I miss and have no idea what has happened to them which is sad. I also know that some have sadly died, there is one in particular who became a very good online friend. We chatted daily via email and messaging on this forum. I first 'met' her on an Australian forum and when that was closing down we got an invite to join this forum, which we both did in 2013.

The member I am speaking about was Bee, she could be very feisty and argumentative, whereas I try to avoid confrontation, unless absolutely necessary, but somehow we gelled. Bee was from Harwich, Essex in England. When she died (2022) I received an email from her daughter then a day or so later her daughter telephoned and we had a long chat. I still miss my daily correspondence with Bee.

It may be sad for the relatives, but I think not for the people who have died. We only know our life, but although I am not religious, in my opinion there is a much better life behind the curtain which divides the so-called living from the so-called dead.

 

[hollydolly]

WE've lost a lot of people from here in the last 12 years that I've been here.. some were horrible so they're not missed by me in any way shape or form... others like AZJim, Ina....Ken..Lon.. and a few more are sorely missed....

I have 99 followers.. I've just had a look, and I haven't seen at least half of them for a long time... just disappeared

 

[MACKTEXAS]

I can't remember what thread it was someone posted we shouldn't mention the missing by name, but I don't know if that's true. Anyway, I won't. One member I interacted with several times daily disappeared the day before Thanksgiving without any advance warning, even though all had seemed fine up to that point.

Maybe there should be a thread to post notice if we will be away, but then it wouldn't do any good in the cases of those who fell victim to something unexpected.

 

[Aunt Bea]

I’ve met some wonderful people here and sincerely miss many of them.

I hate loose ends and can’t help wondering what became of them.

My hope is that they all found a better use for their time.

 

[Sunny]

Thjs is an unfortunate problem with online groups of friends. We don't have an obituary column like a newspaper, and probably most people's families wouldn't know who should be notified. Maybe it's a good idea for each of us to provide the email address of anyone in the group whose address we know, asking our loved ones to please notify that person, so the rest of the group can be told. (I've done that).

Kind of morbid, but maybe a good idea. In the meantime, everybody stay alive and healthy!

 

[Dr.Colosso]

I was on a Dutch forum with some really kind people, but all the friendly ones left cause you could never talk normal or you'd get attacked by a few who ruined it and just came there to fight, which is a pity.

 

[Sunkist]

I’ve met some wonderful people here and sincerely miss many of them.

I hate loose ends and can’t help wondering what became of them.

My hope is that they all found a better use for their time.

I agree about the loose ends.. not only online friends but friends and even relatives that I've known in person. It bothers me a lot to not know what happened to them.

 

[DebraMae]

Yes, I miss and wonder about those who just disappear. At this age a lot of 'real life' friends have also gone. It's all to be expected at this age I guess. I try not to dwell on it and make the best of "now".

 

[Trish]

I always wonder and there are many who I miss.

 

[Dr.Colosso]

I was just thinking about a girl I lived with as housemates as a student. Day in day out you hang out with each other like you're family and then all of a sudden nothing. I have one from that house on Facebook, but the rest... no idea where they are, how they're doing. I thought of her cause I was making meatballs and remembered that one of the first times she cooked and still had to learn, these meatballs burned and were totally black and she was so angry that she threw em in the garden lol.