Through the Wormhole

“Grieving Gizmo” By Becky BallantineDeath announcements and condolences on social networking sites seems to be pretty popular these days.  I for the life of me cannot comprehend why.  People writing on someone’s “wall” telling them how sorry they are for their loss and that god is with his or her loved one for all to see is an everyday occurrence.  Not that I, too, don’t empathize with the bereaved, I just can’t bring myself to make a public condolence. 

I wonder where there can be dignity in letting everyone know that you too, are very sorry for your loss.  The passing of a loved one is supposed to be grieved by people that were at some point an active participant in their lives.  It’s undignified to express false, or exaggerated grief, particularly when in a public forum. 

It used to be that if someone you knew in life passed away, you might send a condolence card if you felt if was appropriate. Sending a condolence message on someone’s “wall” should take just as much thought.  If you wouldn’t send a card because you feel as though you don’t know the person well enough, or it would be awkward for the bereaved to receive a condolence card from you, then don’t write a condolence message on that persons wall! 

Instead use the “Would I send that person a condolence card” method.  If you wouldn’t send a card, then don’t write the message…

Worm