Susan

[raven]

Last night, I learned of the death of scarlatti. I haven't been able to really articulate words since then. I feel awkward writing this, but I also feel like I've got to; I have to say something about her, or else let it go unremarked that I was privileged enough to know her, however slightly. This is just a little thing, but I'm trying.

I never met Susan in person, although I'd have loved to. I knew her through emails, LJ comments, discussions on mailing lists, and through her writing. She was a wonderful writer, but more than that, she was a wonderful friend. She welcomed everyone, made them feel at home, pulled them together and made them into friends; she gave everyone her attention and time and kindness, and she did it without a second thought. I'm going to miss her.

It doesn't seem like four years since I met the group of people of whom Susan was a part, and I don't think that I could have guessed, then, how much I'd come to appreciate and love you. This is the painful part - that we gain so many people to love, and with the love comes the loss.

Susan will be missed so much. Next week I'm going to be making a donation to Cancer Research UK (probably the most well-known UK cancer charity) in her name. And for her, an icon that seems morbidly appropriate tonight.

Comments

[troyswann.livejournal.com]

Ah, I'm so sorry.

[darksideofstorm.livejournal.com]

Oh man, I'm so very sorry to hear that. For someone on lj to die, that's a little... whoa. It's just, we're all so very young (or we seem to be anyway), it's something that you don't expect *sighs* I'm sorry, I'm not being very articulate. But I am very sorry for the loss, I hope wherever she is now, she's at peace.

[gamesiplay.livejournal.com]

This is the painful part - that we gain so many people to love, and with the love comes the loss.

Oh, god, I know. *hugs you so hard* I'm not sure I'd fully realized, before today, exactly how close we get to people we never even meet. It's what's amazing about these communities of ours, and what's hard.

[loneraven.livejournal.com]

Susan wasn't a teenager - although she had all the squeeful enthusiasm of one! - but she was much, much too young for this. You're right about the shock of it. Thanks for your nice words.

[loneraven.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[loneraven.livejournal.com]

That's so true. I couldn't, just couldn't imagine life without you and Meredith and Am-Chau. I just couldn't. I can't put it into better language. But this shows how important it is, what we've all got. But we still live so far away from each other, all of us, so we can't do anything other than use inadequate words at a time like this. *hugs, fiercely*

[the-acrobat.livejournal.com]

*holds you close*

[pinkishmew.livejournal.com]

Um. I want to be able to say something, but I - don't really know what. Not saying anything seemed worse. I know I'll donate something to Cancer Research UK next time I'm passing the shop.

[annikah.livejournal.com]

Both yours and Amber's comments make me wish I knew her. I'm so sorry for your loss...

[loneraven.livejournal.com]

Thank you for that; it's really appreciated.

[loneraven.livejournal.com]

She was a wonderful person to know. Thank you.

[loneraven.livejournal.com]

*holds on*