Strangers on the internet.........

The internet is an odd thing. It allows access to information, both public and private, that you wouldn't have dreamed of having access to before. A perfect example is this blog, which provides a window into my world that was unheard of as recently as 20 years ago.

I post on a few message boards in my spare time. A couple of them are Mizzou message boards where people chat about the athletic programs of the university. I also post at a couple of message boards that revolve around games that I like to play. The interesting thing is that many of the conversations that you have in the forums have little to do with the actual topic of the forum. There are often 'off topic' forums where you can just chat with people about current events or useless conversation. In addition, you often develop odd relationships with people you've never even met face-to-face.

In July 2008, one of those relative strangers made a post about his family. His wife was pregnant with his first child and he made a post to announce that he was a dad to his new son, Gavin. He was obviously very excited about it. 24 hours after the initial post, he made another update post noting that his son was in the ICU and was having some issues. He was asking for good thoughts from the readers in the hopes that it would help his son. He made the following comments about the situation as it was happening.....

"The hardships my wife has gone through are so much. From losing her father at an early age, to a very close relative in 9/11, and now possibly our first born. We are out of tears, and my thoughts begin to turn to anger. Its hard to be in public and see kids or parents having fun with their kids without thinking why we are possibly going to be robbed of this gift.

"What pains me more is that his face looks exactly like mine, so its like watching myself slowly die and not have any way to stop it."

He continued to post updates until he eventually posted that his son had died 90 hours after birth. All of the posters rallied to wish him well as though he was a good friend (which he is in some odd way). These were his comment after his son passed away.......

"We will meet again in due time, but not yet, where I can be a father to him. God had alternative plans and he was needed up above more than here."

In early December 2008, the same guy posted an update that his wife was 10-11 weeks pregnant and they were expecting a child. He was upbeat and ready for a second shot at being a parent. Everyone on the board was really excited for him. Obviously, it was great news for their family.

Yesterday, the board administrator posted another update. It was news that the soon-to-be father had passed away unexpectedly due to heart failure at the age of 31, leaving behind a wife and unborn child. I have no clue how to reconcile that kind of a situation. I suppose you just count your blessings that you have been able to avoid similar circumstances. He's now going to be able to be a father to Gavin far sooner than he ever expected.

SETH AARON GOTTESMANN Suddenly on Tuesday, December 23, 2008, SETH AARON GOTTESMANN of Gaithersburg, MD. Beloved husband of Nicole Gottesmann and devoted father of the late Gavin Anthony Gottesmann and loving son of Dennis and Amy Gottesmann; dear brother of Adam Gottesmann. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 26 at 1 p.m. at DANZANSKY-GOLDBERG MEMORIAL CHAPELS, INC., 1170 Rockville Pk., Rockville, MD. Interment Judean Memorial Gardens, Olney, MD. Shiva will be observed at Dennis and Amy Gottesman's residence.