No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
John Donne, from Meditation XVII
I never met Donna, who kept a blog called The Between-Place, but I read her words and her poems, and I felt I knew her a little. Right up to the end she kept a list of books she was reading. She had been living an amazing life, one which you may read about in this entry from October 2007. If you never happened to make her acquaintance, this will tell you a lot about the kind of woman she was. I found her so admirable and strong and brave, all characteristics which did not leave her as she faced her illness and coming death. I feel so badly for her family and friends for the loss of this good, good woman.
There is an online obituary here.
Thank you for alerting us to this. What an inspirational woman, living bravely, to the full.How very, very sad that she has died young. Your piece about her is beautiful, Nan. I am so very sorry for all her family and friends.
ReplyDeleteCarole
rest in peace donna.... it is always shocking to read and obituary and run across the year of the person's birth and find it is the same as one's own....a lesson in that we never know. and it is good to take to heart that advice of living each day as if it may be your last.
ReplyDeleteshungo.
There has been a lot of sadness among bloggers recently, Nan. I am sorry to hear of another bereavement.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad...I read the online obituary and she really lived her life. Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us, Nan. I'm sorry to learn of this wonderful lady's death. I had not read her blog, but after reading your tribute and the one that Robin wrote, I feel honored to hear of her. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteVery sad. She sound like a lovely and interesting woman indeed.
ReplyDeleteNan, That was a beautiful tribute to a special person who obviously touched the lives of many. I am thankful for those online acquaintances who have enriched my life, and I think I will have renewed appreciation when I find new posts from my blog-friends. How sad to contemplate that there will be days when blogs go silent. How great that we are able to communicate in this way while we live!
ReplyDeleteIt’s strange when something has touched you (a death, loss, tragedy or pregnancy, birth, life) you see it everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI never knew Donna either but followed your links, and, as you say she was a remarkable and brave woman. I hope her family and friends will, in time, find warmth, comfort and joy in the unique specialness of her and her life.
I wish I'd known this blog before .... what a woman - I moved my whole family to Oxford because I wanted to study for a history degree, children and all (2,4,6,8 when I started), so I really empathised with the post you singled out. So sad for her family to lose her so young
ReplyDeleteJoanna
Oh my... This is so sad. She was so young.
ReplyDeleteAnother warrior down. But I'm glad she had the opportunity and courage to pursue her dreams, no matter how late she started...
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers to her family and friends..
- J.
Beautiful post, Nan. It's a sad loss and my heart goes out to her family, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks to each of you.
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