A human I never met in real life died Friday night. I only knew this person from the 140 characters or less he tweeted, from listening to his DJ sets, and conversing while playing “Words with Friends” with him on my iPhone.
A purely digital relationship. And as far as I know, this is the first time someone I’ve only known from online has died.
And yet, I find myself deeply impacted by his death and I feel like a friend has died.
Sam, I know you are already missed by those who were around you in real life. And after reading Greg’s letter to you, I still can’t even begin to imagine what Greg must be going through. Go read the letter if you haven’t. If it doesn’t make you feel, I don’t know what will.]
Sam, I wondered why you hadn’t tweeted in a day or two. Your quips are the stuff of legend. Then I found out you were in ICU via a tweet from another. It was difficult reading the hospital progress updates for you as they were posted at CarePages, but I was clapping for you to pull through. And you were constantly in my thoughts during that time. And when I read as it was posted that you passed away, I cried.
Sam, know that you made a lasting impact on me in 140 characters or less.
Until next time...
I don’t know how I will tell my online friends.
I didn’t know Sam, but several flickr friends have been posting about him, he must have been a wonderful person to have been loved by so many.
I too have been deeply effected by the loss of Sam. Digitally connected through numerous paths over the years his sudden tragic departure I am still trying to process. My heart aches for Greg. His letter was beautiful beyond words. Their love was undeniable.
I stumbled across his blog years ago and was instantly drawn to him. I always thought we would met someday. With his travels I felt it was inevitable. “A purely digital relationship” I love that. I tried to talk to my partner and my friends about Sam but they don’t seem to understand how a “digital relationship” can effect you. I look towards the web for comfort.
I feel sad for Sam, to only get 30 years with us. He got short changed. I feel sad for his family. Most of all I feel sad for Greg. I can’t even begin to imagine his pain. I am fortunate to have a family I like and love, friends I trust completely but my partner is my life. I would be lost without him. I need to tell him that. He needs to feel that in his soul. Always.
That was touching. It is nice to know that people can be touched even with the smallest of communications.
He was an awesome man in person too.
i’m sorry for your loss. i don’t think i knew of him or followed him – the bonds we make, though cyber – are strong and unwavering.
i’ve grown quite fond of many of my cyber friends – you included.
hugs
I barely know you and I dont’ know Sam or Greg but oh my that letter …. can’t type for the tears.
Love is so fragile.
I know exactly how you feel. It affected me very deeply. I cried for 2 days and was extremely depressed for a week. Even now, after all the remembrance ceremonies are done, I still feel some pain. I got my first tattoo in his honor. I copied one of his tattoos, with Greg’s blessing… Chinese symbol for Bear right above my belly button. Now I have a permanent reminder of him. And I still clap…