What Exactly Did You Like About Anina's Death?

As with most twenty-first century technology, Facebook has some great advantages.  I get to see seasons in the life of friends, the growing up of the children and grandchildren of friends and family.  I find out about transitions such as marriage, birth, and death.

But with the advantages come some limitations that have me conflicted.  This has been highlighted over the past couple days with the death of my mother-in-law, Anina Walberg.  While Facebook has allowed us to let so many of her family and friends know without the interminable phone calls or a massive mailing, it has also created some inner tensions as I recognized again the limitations of Facebook when it comes to certain announcements, particularly death announcements. 

Think, for instance, of what we did to our friends by posting that Anina had died.  Our friends had to have that moment of, "Do I 'like' this?"  Think about it.  Which part of the announcement are people “liking,” the fact that Anina is dead or that she was ready to go and, as a Christian, was assured where she would be when she drew her last breath?  There is no real nuance with Facebook.  Wouldn't it be nice if there were a few more options such as “How sad for you” or “I have mixed emotions about this.”  With Facebook you either like it or you ignore it.

The very fact that we posted it on Facebook put Anina's friends and our friends in the awkward position of having to click "like" simply to indicate they now know that Anina has passed away. In essence they are saying "message received," but because of the lack of choices there is something inherent in clicking "like." It creates the unspoken question, "What exactly did you like about Anina's death?"

Maybe we're all trying to make Facebook do more than it was designed to do.  And maybe Facebook could give us a few more options than "like."  Until then we're stuck with a very handy tool that can't do everything we'd like it to do.  

And for all those who have "liked" Anina's death, rest assured that Sharon and I and the rest of the family understand you weren't exactly saying you like the fact that Anina is dead. Thank you to all who took a moment to comment on her passing.  It has been a blessing.