You know it makes me sad that I never told MFM how much I loved his posts when he was alive

[MrScorpio]

That bothers me a lot.

[Phentex]

1. Well, did he ever tell you how much he loved yours?

Every once in a while, he would be feeling down about the number of replies he was getting to his posts and he would post about it. After one of those times, I wrote to him and explained that even though people did not always reply, he should look at the number of views instead. I was posting milestones and birthdays at the time and felt that I should do it not because of replies but just because it was fun and because I wanted to do it. I also told him that he didn't post in other people's threads all the time and that it would be darn near impossible to do.

After that, I think he posted in nearly every birthday thread. And of course he would have an awesome picture or gif that would put my simple smilies to shame.

There's a big hole in the Lounge now.

But while you're here...THANK YOU! And ashling. And HarveyDarkey. And SalmonChantedEvening. And In the Wind. And rug.

I'm sure there are others but I'll get to them when I see them

[AsahinaKimi]

2. big hugs Scorpio san..

I am sure at this point he has the entire knowledge of the Universe at his fingertips

[hlthe2b]

3. Me too.... I think he knew-- (at least I hope he knew) he was appreciated

and loved. Surely, if there is a joining of "realms", he knows now.

[Iterate]

4. Above all, I hope he knew.

I've been slow to come to terms with his death. I know why, but on some level it doesn't make sense. When you all live in the same small town or neighborhood, you don't need to explain or make sense of it. Grief is taken as a given, like thanks, or appreciation.

But we got ourselves a new town here it seems, with new ways. If we didn't care about community, or each other, we might as well call ourselves republican and be done with it.

I didn't tell him explicitly either, not as I certainly would have without rethinking if we had met in person. I guess that means I wasn't behaving as if I was in a real community, but I feel the same grief as if I was. Since I'm starting to not make sense even to myself, I'll stop at that.

It can't hurt to add that we're all making it up as we go, and that this is a 'place' we all learn about and invent at the same time. We'll never get it right, especially the first time.

Maybe DU needs a simple 'thank you" button, just like the nod of appreciation we would give on the street.