Although Linda and I did indeed enjoy a tremendous weekend at Area .45 in the company of Mr. & Mrs. Airboss, the clan DuToit and Serenity, our bouyant spirits were dashed with terrible news this morning.
We lost a friend of ours sometime Sunday morning to an accident, the nature of which we're still waiting for news and details.
Compounding this sense of loss is the fact that we three tried to arrange a visit over the weekend, as her domicile and Area .45 were in close proximity. And sadly, the meeting didn't occur, and we've now lost forever the chance to meet our friend Cassie.
We only knew her from those years of communicating over the 'net. She and Linda had a lot in common, and their bond and mutual support counted for much through some very, very difficult times.
In spite of the fact that we'd never met Cassie face to face, we knew her to be bright, vivacious, witty and always a ton of fun. It didn't matter if the medium was e-mail, messenger or she and Linda on the phone, the friendship was true, and strong.
Cassie, all 4'11" of her, barely thirty-six years old, leaves behind her four young children, their father (her ex-husband) and her family, who Linda and I ask you all to keep in your prayers.
She was our friend, and we shall miss her, always.
My condolences on your loss, sir. I didn't know the lady, but it suffices for me that you considered her the best.
Posted by: Rivrdog | August 16, 2004 at 04:36 PM
Hey my friend...I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I've found myself in a similar situation before. It takes time...that's all I can say except for God Bless!
Hang is there.
Posted by: Sam | August 16, 2004 at 04:38 PM
Our condolences and prayers.
Posted by: Dennis Cottingham | August 16, 2004 at 05:21 PM
Dear Jim and Linda,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Cassie.
We will most certainly keep her family, and you bothh, in our prayers.
Val & Rob
Posted by: Valerie | August 16, 2004 at 06:47 PM
You have my deepest sympathy. One of the sad things about growing old is watching your friends die, while you still remember them in their youth.
I've done too much of that over the past few years. I don't like funerals and I don't like seeing a friend die. I don't like losing something precious to me.
But it happens all the time.
Posted by: Acidman | August 16, 2004 at 07:58 PM
Jim and Linda -
Friendship does not need to be in physical form for a close bond and mutual fondness to develop. Your loss is very significant, and I am very sorry that the chance for you to further that friendship was taken from you.
I offer you my deepest sympathies and prayers. I will keep her family and children in my heart and I wish comfort to all of you who share in this loss.
With greatest sorrow,
Dana
Posted by: Dana | August 16, 2004 at 08:13 PM
Jim and Linda,
I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Mrs. du Toit | August 16, 2004 at 10:04 PM
Here's a hug for you two: {{{Jim&Linda}}}.
Take care,
Amy
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | August 16, 2004 at 11:48 PM
I'm very sorry to hear about this. :(
Posted by: kevin whited | August 17, 2004 at 08:07 AM
i just wanted to thank everyone for the kind words for my family. cassie was my sister. she will be missed very much. i know she was a special friend to everyone. i know she loved all her friends that she had met on here. my email is tx_kittybelle @hotmail.com if anyone would like to know more abt anything. once again thank ya'll very much.
Posted by: michelle hanna | August 17, 2004 at 09:46 AM
I hate the universe at times.
My deepest sympathies.
-Jack
Posted by: Jack | August 17, 2004 at 09:56 AM
Another sad day, may your grief be short.
Posted by: James Old Guy | August 17, 2004 at 12:42 PM
My condolences and deepest sympathies for your loss.
Posted by: Val Prieto | August 17, 2004 at 01:30 PM
Sorry to hear about the loss, Jim.
My heart goes out to you.
Posted by: doc Russia | August 17, 2004 at 08:59 PM
Sorry to hear of your loss. May your grief be short, your memories rich and long.
Posted by: Guy S. | August 17, 2004 at 09:43 PM
My sincere condolences. It's always sad to lose a friend no matter what their age, but by accident at 36 just seems tragic. Besides yourselves, I'll send a prayer to her children.
Posted by: Jeff Soyer | August 18, 2004 at 03:14 PM
Jim,
My condolences to you, Linda, and Cassie's family.
Words often fail us, especially in times of tragedy. Paralyzed by the fear of saying something stupid, we remain silent.
But damn it, this sucks. I'm sorry for your loss; surely it is great.
Jay
Posted by: Jay G | August 19, 2004 at 09:22 AM
I'm sure sorry to hear that, Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Linda.
Posted by: Velociman | August 19, 2004 at 05:09 PM
So very sorry to hear that, Jim.
What to say in a situation like this? Well, you know me, so you'll already know what I'm thinking, which is more than mere words could ever convey, but let me at least say that you, Cassie and her loved ones are in my prayers.
G-d just loved her too much.
Posted by: Emperor Misha I | August 22, 2004 at 01:30 AM
My condolences as well, Jim.
Posted by: dragonfly jenny | August 23, 2004 at 05:15 PM