Sorry, folks, this is a sad one.
Yesterday, I got some news that sent me reeling. A fellow blogger and photographer died suddenly of a heart attack. Molly lived in Tuscany and we’d never met, but she often commented on my photos on another site and gave me so much encouragement. Her journal was one of the most popular on the site because it was so honest, informative and funny. Molly’s photos were some of the best too.
I was shocked at how hard the news hit me. This was not a close, personal friend. But these aren’t virtual tears I’m shedding as I write this. Tears over the loss of someone special, and that daily exchange (I commented on her journal entries too.). Bit by bit, I learned that Molly was a free-lance journalist (read her New York Times op-ed piece here) and former novelist, and even had a medical degree, but she was very modest. The only person who criticized her photography was Molly. To think I’ll never see her work or read her words again is unbelievable.
It’s an interesting thing, this blogosphere. Even though you may never meet some of your fellow bloggers, you get a feeling for the kind of people they are, reading post after post. It’s not like fiction, where someone can conceal their true self. I suppose there are people who make up stuff on their blogs, but that would have to be difficult and downright stressful on a regular basis. People share their lives, hopes and dreams, and it can be a wonderful thing. Losing that is not so wonderful.
My photo today is of a bouquet I bought in honor of Molly. It’s a small thank you for how much she brightened my world. May she rest in peace.
{ms. pearl}
Pearls & Prose 
I am very saddened by your loss. I know how cyber-friends can turn out to be just as real and valued as the more traditional kind of friends. I offer not merely virtual sympathy . . .
I am so sorry to hear this my friend! My eyes filled with tears just reading your words about your friend. You don’t have to meet someone to care about them and it sounds like you had a wonderful friend in Molly. You are honoring her very well by letting those of us that didn’t have the pleasure know what a great person she was. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
How sad. I also have tears in my eyes. You wrote such a heartfelt post in honor of Molly. I haven’t experienced anything like this in my life as a blogger but I can imagine how this would get to me as well.
How sad that a friend is gone. I have often worried about people in blogging that suddenly stop commenting wondering if something happened to them and then they are back again.
Love the flowers for Molly! Blessings to you Ms. Pearl
So sorry to hear about Molly. Just because you had never met doesn’t lessen the grief at all. It’s nice to know that you have all of her posts to reread for comfort. Your photo is a lovely tribute.
Thanks so much, everyone. The sadness lingers, but I’m glad I had a chance to make Molly’s acquaintance. The outpouring at the photo site and Twitter (she had over seven thousand followers) has been amazing. Molly touched so many lives.
Oh, Carole, to think of your sadness breaks my heart. What a wonderful, warm and human soul you are. Like Molly you, too, bring such intimacy and joy to the blogosphere through your photographs and posts. I’ll be thinking of you, and Molly!
Oh, you’re gonna’ make me cry, Cheryl. It’s hitting me now that photos and words brought me to Molly, and that’s what is comforting all of us who were touched by her. Thank you for yours.
I am so sorry to hear this Ms. Pearl. Your photo is a beautiful tribute to your friend. Hugs!
Thanks, Bonnie. It’s very unusual situation, but one that will happen to more and more people as years go by and social media gets even bigger.