Missed Connections

My friend Dave sent me to Craigslist this morning thinking that one of the "missed connections" may have been directed at me. My only familiarity with this aspect of Craigslist was via my friend, Heather, who once upon a time made contact with someone via this feature.

It sounds like an intriguing and simple and altogether delightful way to let someone know that you noticed them and give them the opportunity to respond if they wish. However, as I was reading some of the postings I discovered that something more was happening.

One post was full of such despair that I wished to find the person, give them a hug, a pat on the back, reassure them that all would be well and the sun would shine on them again. I was surprised at the intimate disclosures that would only be known by someone whom the writer knew. This very public forum was a way of reaching across the abyss of loss, of broken communications (thus the name "missed connections") took on deeper meaning.

Here is a string of posts I found particularly tender:
i had to.

Reply to:
Date: 2007-10-13, 11:35PM EDT
I'm sorry i had to leave. I know you understand. It was all just too much for me. I wish i'd been able to spend more time with you, to feel your arms around me for one last time, but it only would have made my decision even harder. I love you. I never told you, but i felt it every day. i still do. I hope you understand, i had to...

re: i had to.
Reply to: Date: 2007-10-15, 3:54PM EDT
it's ok. i know you did. doesn't make it any easier, though. i feel the same way you do. i hope you know that.

RE: i had to. (more info?)
Reply to:
Date: 2007-10-15, 4:41PM EDT
Can you give any clues re who you're posting this for? male? female? age? first initial?

If by some chance it is for me: I do understand why you left, but I'm more ready now. I've made room. Give things another try? If it is for me: you know I've been asking you to come back to my life. Think it over. And if not for romance, then as my friend.
More likely: it is not for me. Was soon for the L-word. But sometimes love is surprising like that.

I realized that any number of us may read this post and wonder if we are not the intended recipient of the posting. If not right now, then perhaps a while ago. If I go back to last year, would I discover some secret communication that I had missed because I didn't know this venue was out there, as big as a billboard and yet as easy to miss as a penny we've tossed into a wishing fountain.

I am sad for i had to and sad for the one responding. With all the ways we can touch one another's lives, why can't we stay connected? Why can't we speak the words that are most difficult. Why does the L-word make its appearance on a bulletin board instead of our lips?

BTW, I was not the subject of the post my friend thought might be meant for me.