R.I.P., Secret CSI

People who fear the Internet don't understand that meeting other people online is no more or less likely to be dangerous than meeting them in real life. And people who mistrust meeting people online really do miss out.

One good example of what they're missing out on passed away this morning. "Secret CSI" wasn't her username on Twitter or on Facebook, but it's how I referred to her the last time I mentioned her, and she seemed to get a kick out of it. We talked the day after that post, less than a week ago, and -- even though I knew she was having problems -- I was completely unprepared when I checked my messages, today, to find out that she was gone.

Those of you who don't make friends with people you meet online may not understand this, but K. was a very good friend to me. When my computer broke down, about a year ago, she was the one friend who called me, every day, just to keep me from going stir crazy. She helped me, sometimes, when I was having trouble making decisions about Mom's care, or needed to vent, and was always available to talk, even though she worked too much. She enjoyed sharing stories about her work, and about the concerts she went to and the trips she went on, and gods, did she enjoy those concerts and trips!

She didn't live anywhere near where I live. I never met her. I won't be going to her funeral. I don't know how to contact her family, or even if I should. But I do know that she'll be missed. By me, and by several other friends online, by the fan communities of certain musicians, by Xenites, and by those with whom she'd meet up for an annual excursion into wildness.

I'll see you, K., if only in my thoughts. Know that, even across the miles, you made my life better.

Comments

[Klipp Klippart]

Friends are relatives you make for yourself. - Eustache Deschamps

Beautiful post Sam. RIP K :(

[Sam Woodfin]

Perfect quote, Klipp.

[Edrie Edrie]

I beautiful post - I just heard today and am very saddened to learn of her death. She was am amazing woman who did so much for us in spite of only knowing us on stage. I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with her in person and got to know her deeply thought our online connections. She will be missed in the physical world as she travels the ether

[Sam Woodfin]

Edrie Edrie, I'm sorry you only heard today. One of the difficult things about online life is knowing who needs to be contacted when things like this happen.

Thank you for taking the time to comment, and letting me -- and any of Karen's other friends who read this -- know that she meant something to you, too. Traveling and going to shows were one of the major bright spots in her life.

Know that you brought her happiness.