From the Brother and SIL
In this 15th year of being online, I am reflecting on relationships I’ve had over the years.
This contemplation goes back to my first year on cam. He was an older gentleman who was a war veteran and he was lonely. To put it simply, he wanted a companion and he found that online. He would join me for a private session each morning, shortly after I started my day. It most often was spent talking, and him sharing with me what was on his mind while I mostly listened and chimed in when I felt he needed to know that I was still paying attention.
He surprised me by finding my website and subsequently my email, which allowed us to discuss more than just what the cam site allowed. We exchanged many emails. I had become his pen pal, and I was happy to fulfill his need for human contact.
One day he told me that he was going to be in the San Antonio area for awhile, getting treatment at the Military Hospital. We talked about meeting up for lunch, if he was feeling up to getting out.
A few months went by and I wondered if he was stuck at the medical complex or if he had found someone to fill the void that he was experiencing in his daily life.
One day I received an email from a couple that started out by explaining who they were. He was the brother of my pen pal and she was his sister-in-law. They were in their 70’s and before they explained why they were writing they wanted me to understand that they did not have any issues with what I do for a living. They were writing to tell me that my friend was sicker than anyone realized and he had died the week prior but before he did he asked them to reach out to me, without giving them any information on who I was. Once they had a chance, they did their research and decided to keep their word. In the end, they both thanked me for giving their loved one the respect and time he deserved and asked if I would mind keeping in touch with them. I was flabbergasted, to say the least, and I obliged by writing to them at least once a week until they stopped responding.
This is just one of many incredible connections I’ve made in the 15 years online.