MySpace helps friends cope with grief

By Mark Bauer/se news editor

Photos from Melanie Goodwin’s MySpace page.  Illustration by The Collegian staff
Photos from Melanie Goodwin’s MySpace page. Illustration by The Collegian staff

As friends and family continue to look for answers into why UNT student and Arlington Bowie graduate was slain, those who survive her find comfort in her MySpace. In a sense, Melanie Goodwin has been immortalized through her profile.

Less than 24 hours after Goodwin’s remains had been positively identified by police, friends began leaving messages.

“ We are going to miss your beautiful smile, your sweet spirit. Thank you for being a friend,” read the first comment.

From there, messages from friends looking to say their final goodbyes began pouring in by the dozens.

One comment reflects on funny stories and tells of Goodwin’s refusal to give up ice cream, even when she knew she should.

Others tell of how they wish they had grown closer, but are grateful for the opportunity to have met.
With social networking profile sites becoming increasingly popular, it is not uncommon for friends of a loved one to resort to logging online to grieve.

“ We often hear from families that a user’s profile is a way for friends to celebrate the person’s life, giving friends a positive outlet to connect with one another and find comfort during the grieving process,” MySpace said in a statement.

As such, unless a family member submits a request to delete the deceased’s profile, MySpace will keep the profile active.

Among the comments, photos, videos and slide shows that document Goodwin’s life, a popular survey among MySpace users remains on her profile.

The questions on the survey range from shopping and eating habits to dreams, hopes, goals and ambitions.
Respectively, one of the questions asks how she would like to die.

“ Peacefully, with the one I love,” Goodwin answered.

Another question asks what goals the respondent hopes to accomplish that year.

“ To leave behind a legacy …,” she said. “Remember me forever.”

As the more than 1,500 people who turned out for her funeral and the dozens of comments left on her MySpace can testify, Goodwin’s short-lived existence appears to have touched the lives of many people.

While all of the goals she revealed on MySpace may not have been fulfilled, friends and family can confidently say that at least one of them was.

She left behind a legacy. And she will be remembered.