Losing a friend is never easy. And one of the few things I’ve learned about grieving is that it never really ends. Just when you think life is back to normal, a random song on the radio can bring that person back to life, if only for an instant.

Searching the words “in loving memory” on Facebook turns up more than 21,000 results, including the group for Coach Ed Thomas that now boasts almost 50,000 members.

This week, Facebook is getting a lot of attention for a blog post outlining a tragedy faced by a Facebook employee and explaining how to turn a profile into a memorial page. While many blogs are proclaiming this a new feature, the option has actually been around for several years. According to this USA Today article, Facebook made the decision about memorial pages after the Virginia Tech shootings.

Here’s a link to the Facebook form to have a page memorialized. It requires some basic information like e-mail, DOB and Networks and online proof from a funeral home or news organization that the person died.

The process will hide personal information on the profile and keep it out of searches and recommendations. But, current confirmed friends will still be able to view and contribute to the page.

It’s just another way to relive those special moments, and no matter how long it’s been, to still share those special memories with others who will understand our loss.

Posted under Web/Tech