You know, I was so involved in writing about my stepfather that I forgot about dear GretchenM. I wonder if there has been a study about how the deaths of people with whom we only have an online relationship affect us?
Several FReepers I knew have died (I am still sad about Tonkin) and I am always surprised at how emotional I get about them. And of course, these deaths always get me thinking about my own mortality, do I have my affairs straight so my son won't have to struggle, etc.
Confession:
A few years ago I created the FR Memorial Wall to remember FReepers that have died. I finally had to give up maintaining it because of the sadness I felt over every plaque I had to add.