For Jules

When I started blogging, I didn't anticipate meeting people and befriending them. 

The blogging world had different ideas. 

I was fortunate enough to get linked up with an amazing group of bloggers that made writing fun. We did challenges and exchanged ideas. We grew as a family.

One of the bloggers was a wonderful woman named Julie. We all called her Jules. She was a breathe of fresh air in this often dreary world. 

She was needed. Her voice was as expressive as she was. She brought light in darkness.

Several months ago, the world dimmed because Jules left this Earthly plain.

Admittedly, Jules and I weren't that close. But I still felt her loss. More than anything, however, my heart broke for her little girl, who Jules loved and adored more than anything. This little girl was going to have to grow up without her mother. 

I'm not ashamed to admit I shed tears over this person I'd never physically met. She was a bright spot that I sometimes needed, her words and imagery refreshing.

Dylan Thomas said: "Do not go gentle into that good night. Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

Jules struggled with chronic illnesses, but rage she did, in that Jules way. She tenderly damned the man and eloquently gave a middle finger to those who felt the need to bring others down. She was a force to be reckoned with but did so with such grace. 

Jules was needed in this world, not not just because of her fight for social justice but because she was just awesome that way. I wish I could have met her in person. 

I wish I could bring her back, for her daughter and her partner. 

Instead, I'm going to honor Jules today, by simply saying "thank you".

She is missed. But she is still very present. 

For that, I am thankful.