LJ Friends Disappearing Steadily

I’ve kept a Livejournal for over 10 years now. Usually writing once a day. Its an addiction as much as– or perhaps more so than– a devotion.

Over the years, many fellow posters have come and gone, for not many can match my tenacity/sickness. Over time, I find new LJ flisters to read and be read by, and this keeps things lively, but let me tell you, its never easy saying good-bye.

Most fade out over time, as life just becomes too chaotic or changes too much to allow for regular writing. They have a baby, get a new job, change their location and hobbies… Many switched to the shorter and easier Facebook or other forms of textual expression. Still others have become overwhelmed and given up– one former LJ friend was on a serious downward spiral of depression and rage and he rejected me and several other LJ friends before (I later learned) he committed suicide. Several were friends who shared a version of my chronic illness or another like it and simply couldn’t keep up even writing anymore at some point. Happily, most left for better reasons than for worse.

Regardless, though, as pleased as I may be to find new LJ friends, I will always be sad when the old ones leave, no matter when or why, under good circumstances or bad. I come to rely upon my little cyber community here, and as it shifts, the transformed version is never the same. I miss so many wonderful journal-writers who have come and gone over the years, and it can be hard to know I’m likely never to hear from many of them again.

This last week, I’ve seen 3 leave– which is highly unusual, although 2 of them were friends to one another and moving on together it would seem. There is a definite sense of loss for me, regardless of the whys behind these departures. All 3 were facing changes and difficulties that I completely sympathize with that made continuing as before too cumbersome for them.

Hey LJers! You’ll be fondly missed. I know circumstances and/or dispositions don’t always line up in an ideal way, so no hard feelings at all. I will simply miss reading your posts regularly and checking in with you and your lives. Its a privilege to be allowed to peek into other people’s personal diaries, and I’ve always been aware of that. For that period of time you let me in a little, thank you for the honor! I’ll cherish it always!

To my recently leaving flisters:
You are welcome to return in the future should you care to, but if not- know you will be remembered fondly.
Farewell to you, and peace be with you.

~ All my love, Lucretia