Facebook and a friendship's new chapter

The Internet can be a wonderful thing. I was reminded of this today when Justin Brown entered the realm of Facebook. Justin's presence on Facebook marks the latest chapter in our mostly online friendship, which dates back to the relatively early days of the Internet.

It was the late 90s and I was living in Lawrence, working as the Sports Director at Sunflower Cablevision. Many of you know I've dabbled in autograph collecting at times during my 35 years. One day, while perusing a message board dedicated to autographs, I began a back-and-forth with someone who, like me, collected the signatures of great track and field athletes. (The list of such collectors is short, but distinguished.)

I eventually learned that my fellow collector lived in Geelong, Australia, with his wife and son. Our dialogue began simply with the sharing of collecting tips and the trading of autographs. It moved to the occasional life updates and, I'm happy to say, was highlighted in 2005 when Justin and Michelle made Kansas City one of their stops on a whirlwind trip to the United States. Rachel and I reciprocated later that year with our maiden voyage Down Under, which included a few days in Melbourne and a visit to the Brown home in Geelong.

Justin and I have seen each other less than a week during our 10+ year friendship. But I've been able to observe his love of cricket and his obsession with the Melbourne Demons. (Yes, Justin loves the Melbourne AFL team even though there's one in Geelong.) I've met his family and shared the joy when he, Michelle and Brandon welcomed a new family member, Renee. (And another on the way this year!) And he's shared the highlights and lowlights of my life, too.

How else could all this have happened, if not for the Internet?

We can do lots of great things online now—from banking and shopping to YouTube and Twitter. But nothing beats the creation of a friendship, 10+ years long and going strong. Welcome to Facebook, Justin.