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Everyone is familiar with Facebook as a revolutionary social networking medium. It allows the near instantaneous broadcast of information as well as several other unique methods of communication such as wall posts, message, and the instant message services of facebook chat.

However, over the course of this past week I was reintroduced to another way others can utilize the machinations of Facebook.

Last week a good friend of mine passed away suddenly and tragically under unknown circumstances. After the first wave of shock and grief had washed over myself and others, a long silence was broken when a friend suggested we “check his Facebook.”

The Facebook page of our departed friend was something of a grounding presence amongst all the sadness surrounding his death. Among his recent posts were happy remarks about his upcoming birthday, pictures he’d added and loving notes he’d left on friend’s walls. It was a testament to the happiness in his life, something he’d left behind to remind us all of a life happily lived.

Beyond this, however, came the floods of wall posts from friends, classmates, family and co-workers. All of which were addressed to him, expressing their grief and assuring him that he was and is loved and missed.

These wall posts grew in length and amount over the course of several days, and read like prayers and farewells his loved ones addressed directly to him.

A few days ago I added my sentiments to his wall. It was unexpectedly cathartic, as though I truly was pouring feelings to the page which would undoubtedly reach his eyes.

Facebook provided this unique opportunity of addressing a friend one final time, and though it may not have been something Mark Zuckerberg had in mind when founding the site, it was a devastating and uplifting opportunity.

Dedicated to VJC.