Ok.....so what do you do when a virtual friend tells you they are dying in Real Life?

This might come at an odd time considering all the stuff on here about Hatched (whoever that may be, I dont think I ever knew em)....

But seriously, what now? Wait..wait...before you all get in an uproar....I am speaking of someone not in Exile....not even REMOTELY connected with VP actually.

I'm not sure I can handle this alone. What do I say? What do I do? Just wait until the day that they dont sign on to ICQ???? How will I ever know??

I'm scared. Help.

-- SunflowerGirl1 (dianne63@hotmail.com), May 25, 1999

Answers

sunny that's awful! If you ever wanna talk..lemmie know..I may not be the oldest person in exile..but ask around I'm always good for advice. But there isn't much you can do..but try and comfort them I guess. That's a hard one.

-- Megiano (tbauer@feist.com), May 25, 1999.

Hi sunflower.... *tight hug* sounds like you need the hug.... If this is a close friend, see if they will give you their phone number....so you can ring them if they aren't on for a while....or even a PO box where you can write to them to check if they're ok.... It would be awful if your friend suddenly disappeared and you never knew....you need somewhere that you can contact them IRL - not the computer.... Though maybe they don't want to give you anything like that because they want to go quietly?... It's a hard call my friend.... Maybe give them your phone number for them to call...or their family...with a note left saying to inform you... Sorry that probably sounds heartless but I've been considering this question myself - there are no satisfactory answers...because your friend is going to leave you and you feel helpless.... Email or ICQ me anytime to help.... Sorry that I couldn't suggest more.... hugggggggggggggggg Always gobbles

-- gobbles (gobbles2@hotmail.com), May 26, 1999.

Hi SFG. I'm so sorry. I've traded emergency numbers with several people in vp..in case something happens and we suddenly disappear. i usually give my mom's number..figuring they wont call there unless it's important. i have a couple people's home numbers...a work number...and a work colleague's number. those are just some ideas. your friend should know how he'd/she'd want you to find out. just ask. hard topic...but if he or she is really dying...they may feel better being prepared. good luck. (big hug for you girl)

-- Medea.. (medea1968@hotmail.com), May 26, 1999.

I agree with what they've told you. I'm sorry you're going through such sadness. You need to be able to find out what happens to people you care about. If anything happened to me I'd want my husband to post something on the message board letting everyone know about it and I'd expect him to call those of you whose phone numbers I have. hang in there Sunflower. My shoulder is there anytime you need it too...

-- Laighe of the Limberlost (laighe@excite.com), May 26, 1999.