We’ve been a little quiet on the blog lately. Things are very busy at work and while i have many posts started I have had a difficult time finding time to finish them. I will get caught up soon.

In the meantime, I have had a social media revelation. A dear, dear friend of mine passed away of his own doing a few days ago. Kevin Haythe was a great colleague and an even better friend. He was in my life for only a short time (about a year and a half) but was tremendously impactful and became one of my closest friends.

One of the great things about Kevin was how he lived life with curiosity. He questioned everything. He was one to live life to the fullest in each moment, and quite honestly he had doubts about social media’s negative impact on that. He believed the change in marketing and communications at the hand of digital media, but he didn’t find the relevance for him personally. I remember when I finally got him to join Facebook he didn’t understand the value. He came around though, and even had a twitter feed and started a food blog, Raisins and Chocolate Milk, in the last few months.

The relevance of social media has taken on new meaning for me this week. I heard the news of Kevin’s death via traditional means, a telephone call, but the majority of other details are coming via social media and most notably Facebook. I created an album on Facebook which people have been commenting too, sharing their personal remembrances around the images. Others have started doing the same, painting a beautiful portrait of what was important to Kevin. Some of his other friends who saw him tagged in images sent me emails to share stories, talk live, or get information on services. And people I couldn’t get in touch with due to travel schedules were easily communicated with via Facebook, email, and text messaging. It is sadly ironic that digital media has more relevance to Kevin’s life in death, but is somehow fitting given his interest in digital and curiosity about it. In fact, he had big plans for digital media and his skepticism helped him see things that others wouldn’t consider.

Folks who criticize those of us who use online as a significant communications channel are in the minority, but to them I’d say, try it, you’ll like it. It isn’t the only way to communicate, but certainly enhances my life each and every day. And, I am so grateful to all of my online and offline friends for their support this week and always, and also thank Kevin’s extended circle for including me in your conversations. I hope our ongoing social interaction helps us all find peace with this soon. And Kevin, I hope you are resting peacefully. I’ll never forget the difference you made in my life, both professionally and even more so personally, and am grateful for every moment we spent together. Rest in peace dear friend.