In my own mind I call these, “my dog died posts” and they’re part of why I’m spending a year off Facebook.* I don’t really know what to say in response to such posts. If we were up close and personal I’d say, “oh I’m so sorry,” and I’d have my face and body to help me communicate. But on line it seems so cold.

*That is I’ll re-evaluate its utility in my life after a year away. So far its been a mixed blessing. On the good side I’m getting more writing done. On the bad side I miss opportunities to meet up with and/or help out friends and acquaintances. Those are just 2 examples.