Several years ago when I was new to Facebook I did what most digital denizens do – I went looking for people I knew or had known. I happened across this one profile, let’s call him “Andy” (because that was his name). This person had the same first and last name as I guy I went to elementary school with many moons ago. He lived in the same small Mississippi town where I grew up and was about the right age. I couldn’t quite make out Andy from his picture but I was sure it was him.

It was not.

It turns out there were two men in the same town with the same name (first and last). “New” Andy graciously accepted my friend request. Then, soon thereafter, I unequivocally discovered my old friend – the real person from my past. We too, of course, became friends on FB.

So, there I was with two Andys. From time to time I saw postings from the “new” guy. We never interacted as far as I can remember but we stayed “connected”. He seemed like the kind of fellow I would like anyway. I suppose the feeling was mutual. I once pondered whether he was actual friends with any of my old friends over there. Maybe he was even friends with my old Andy. I never thought to ask anyone about it.

Just the other day I read (on Facebook) that Andy had passed away at an all too early age. At first I had that gut-wrenching feeling that I had lost another childhood friend. I’ve lost a few now and know the feeling. Maybe you do too. If not, I’m glad for you.

Further reading revealed it was “new” Andy whom had died. I was happy my old friend is still with us but I wasn’t relieved. I had still lost a friend. Other people I known in the real world and who were FB friends have also died but for some reason this incident was a little more sobering than those.

It seems that everyone who knew the new Andy in real life really liked him. His passing saddened them understandably. I started thinking about him as if I had known him (in person) all those years.

If this rambling is going anywhere, it’s here: I did know him, even if intangibly and on-line. He was my friend. I’m sorry he’s gone. I feel like I’m being selfish for being sorry as I’m sure he’s now in a much better place.

So, all of this social media does actually have a higher purpose, a human purpose, I suppose. I’m glad I knew my new friend even as little as I did and for the relatively short time I did. This is his eulogy from me.

Rest in peace, buddy.