Recollecting and connecting

[greatbear]

Often is the time I regretted getting to know someone. In this case, it was danbearnyc, whose erudite commentary seemed found in so many friend's entries. Being already saddled with an overly large 'friends list' and having trouble keeping up with everyone as it was, I have been hesitant adding even more folk to my alphabet soup knowing that it would undoubtedly result in my missing compelling content. It was either that, or spend even more time than I had keeping up with LJ, time which seems more scarce every day. While I had been keeping true to my feeling that I should get to know more people as I find them interesting (and have done pretty recently, and been very grateful), Dan's near ubiquitous presence throughout a good part of my sphere of LJ interactions kept me in the loop of his influence, reminding me that one day I'll step into his world.

Now it's too late.

So many unexpected things happen in life, and, as I have painfully discovered in recent years, there's always a chance that someone you'll want to get to know, or get to know better, might not be around tomorrow. I place a high value in those relationships, even if they exist solely in the electronic realm. Meeting someone for the first time that I have gotten to know well through being "cyber pen pals" is a magical experience. Few things in life have such a profound effect on one's self as coming into contact with someone you had never met in person prior, yet the feeling is that you have known this person for years (and indeed this can be the case). The joy I have felt in these meetings is palpable, and stays with me. I have promised myself to continue with getting to know people like this who enrich my life and make being on this rock floating in space a happier experience. It reached a peak with Jeff and I. Events in my recent past regarding my health, circumstances and such have put me into somewhat of a retreat mode, but I at least can peer out among the prime of humanity through my little electronic bedroom window and feel enriched by their presence and maybe, hopefully, befriend these folk and feel I belong. With luck, the electronic will become real, and that enveloping joy will be mine (ours) to experience time and time again.

And hopefully, before it's too late.

Comments

[djmadadam.livejournal.com]

This is the second acquaintance now in just the span of a week and a half that has passed away. I kind of feel numb.

[kymutt.livejournal.com]

It is sad when someone you know, even indirectly in such a manner, leaves before you get a chance to truly know them. It is, in my opinion, a sign of your character that in such a moment, you realize and embrace the connections you've made. The pledge to maintain, strengthen, and expand those connections is admirable...and though I don't know the individual who passed (like you, I knew of him via friends' LJs) I have a feelin' he is most pleased that he could be a catalyst in this. Big hugs to you, Phil.

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

A very thought-provoking post, Phil. Thanks for writing that. You put down in words many things I've been thinking over the past few days, but expressed them far better than I could.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thanks for being one of the people whose friendship I have come to treasure as a result of meeting in this online community.

Big hugs to you, bud!

[2stroker.livejournal.com]

You are one of the people I want to meet in person someday soon! I hope it is sooner rather than later too. Dan and I talked about getting together a few times,we lived fairly close,but it never was to be. Sad how that happens .

[arktos62.livejournal.com]

It's hard when this kind of thing happens. But it's also a wakeup call to the rest of us to make the most of the time we still have. I hope that time will include a meeting with your good self. In the meantime, be assured of my good wishes to you and yours in the coming days and the coming year.

[knarfd.livejournal.com]

He's the only person I know of besides me that posted the Grand Prospect Hall youtube vid. Even though I didn't know him personally, the bears et al. have this eerie 6 degrees of separation thing going on, and I can safely say he will be greatly missed.

[gryphons-hole.livejournal.com]

Well said, Handsome. Very well said.

*smooch*

[mfpatterson.livejournal.com]

Lets hope that we get off this rock this coming 2010 and we can all finally meet. It would be a great little pleasure of our family, to meet yours.