I first met Tina through the A-Z Challenge, and while I did not know her as well as some I can say that every comment I received from her was cheerful and encouraging. I have to confess that I did not know she was ill, so the message from DL Hammons breaking the news was a complete shock. Next Monday there will be a bloghop to splash sunflowers all across the blogosphere, Tina's favourite flower.
Of course, my thoughts are first and foremost with Tina's family, including her two boys. Her nearest and dearest managed to find time to post a letter on her blog to break the news to everyone, which they didn't have to do, but it is a reflection of the high esteem in which Tina held her fellow writers and the energy she gave to the community. I hope they find some measure of comfort in the messages that were left underneath and in the tributes that have appeared since.
I could not help but be reminded of the outpouring of support that followed the passing of my stepson. Times like this show the strength of this community. Some might say that people we communicate with electronically and may never actually meet are not our friends; acquaintances perhaps, or connections. I think it is more than that. Through our blogs we let people in on a slice of our lives, as long as we are open and honest, and through shared interests we build friendships. Tina's passing will leave a hole in the lives of many, even those she did not share in person.
I hope this post makes sense. Let's take a moment to celebrate Tina's joie de vivre and this amazing community which has the power to offer solace in the darkest of times. Here's to you, Tina!
Please check out the other IWSG blogs here.
27 comments:
This really is a supportive community. The blogs will miss Tina.
Tina will be missed. I have found lots of support and encouragement from the blogging community and I certainly think of people as friends, even if I might never meet them face to face.
I didn't know Tina, but from what I've heard about her, she is a great loss. And you're so right about this community being one of compassion and support. I've 'met' some incredible people through it, and get oodles of support. Perhaps more than from those, face to face, because we share a love of words.
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The support online is incredible. Everyone has really come together for Tina. She will be greatly missed.
I didn't know Tina very well, but she sounds like an amazing woman. It's wonderful that she was able to touch so many lives in such a short period of time.
I didn't know her, but this was a lovely tribute. And I agree with you. The online community really is a community, not just a company of strangers.
Tina was taken away from us too soon too quickly. She will be missed. But her motto Life Id Good will remain with us.
We need to celebrate because we know Tina would've celebrated. She was just so amazing.
Thanks for your insightful perspective of Tina's passing. I'm sure you understand more than many.
Tina was an awesome person who will be missed! I think it's great that the blogger community comes together to support each other in times of loss.
Wonderful post, Nick.
Thank you for this post, Nick. I too will miss Tina greatly. I'm glad I was able to get to know her better through the summer. :)
I've never known a community more supportive than the blogging community. It really does amaze me.
We are more than pixels. We are human. How can we help but connect with each other?
I didn't know her well but sent hugs to her family and friends.
As a human, I understand loss and pain.
Thank you, Nick. Your tribute not only makes perfect sense, it brings me tears. This is especially because it's coming from you, someone who suffered such an intense family loss fairly recently. We are interconnected in ways that non-bloggers would ever understand.
Blessings and love.
PS sorry, I meant that non-bloggers could never understand. Of course, you knew that. =)
Being a blogger opens ourselves to the world, and Tina did that, sharing her life and joy with us. She will be missed and there will be many sunflowers in her honor.
Such a lovely tribute, Nick. Very good point that her family posting that note shows how much the community meant to Tina as well as how much she meant to it.
So sad . . . but you are right that we are part of one awesome community <3
Losing Tina is so sad. Did you know about the sunflower posts on Monday? I think Donna Hole's blog describes it--we are all doing a bit of a Tina memorial that day. It is funny how much we can all touch each other without ever meeting.
Tina touched so many lives. Celebrating her life would mean a lot to her and to those she left behind.
You are so right Nick...
Tina was more than just another blogger. She gave of herself.
When I first me her she was having some problems, this was before the A=z. but happy things followed and she became a beacon during the A=z... Our personal correspondence did lessen, but I will always remember her as a kind, sensitive, and caring woman....
Hi Nick ... you're right the blogging community was so thoughtful re your stepson - and Andrew always gave us that big smile ... or certainly I thought he did.
Tina too - she was always cajoling, guiding, encouraging us all to get on with things and was just there for everyone ...
Monday will be special for her and I'm sure her family will enjoy the tributes - they will have that memory ..
Thanks and all the best to you - Hilary
Beautiful tribute, Nick. This is such a supportive community and Tina will be missed.
This is such a lovely tribute to Tina. I did not know her well, but wish I had. I'm sure that your family is still trying to recover from Andrew's loss. With all that you've been through, it's very considerate of you to be thinking of Tina's family. You are a real mensch, Nick. Sending thoughts and prayers out to Tina's family.
Julie
We come across such interesting writers and bloggers through blog hops such as IWSG. Thanks for sharing about Tina. I didn't know her but wish I had from reading your post. Very touching tribute. I'll think of her today as I look at my sunflowers.
Great post, Nick! Sometimes I think blogging illuminates people's inner strength even more than we might glimpse in person. That definitely comes out during the hard times.
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