When I first started blogging ten years ago it was as if a whole new world had opened up for me. I was able to connect with people who had like-interests and they were kind and caring and interesting and talented...
*sigh*
You get the picture.
Friendships grew from my early blogging days. Friendships that I cherish to this day. My thing about social media and especially blogging is this: You get to know someone from the inside out, not the outside in. You know their heart. And that is most special!
Well, let me tell you about one friend in particular that I grew to love. Sharon Qualls was a feisty, opinionated, sassy, smart, talented lady who loved taking pictures of her pets, flowers, wildlife, nature... anything she saw beauty in, that is what her blog would be about. Her first blog was Life With Jack and Jill. Jack and Jill were her dogs. Later she started a couple of other blogs, discontinuing that one... I believe the latest was Now You See Me (not sure about the title). Anyway, she stopped blogging eventually, but her and I stayed connected on Facebook.
We had a sort of bond in that she and I both enjoyed writing and reading. I'll never forget the one day she asked me for my address and said "I'm going to send you something and don't dare send anything in return!"
Let me tell you, if Sharon said DON'T... then you better NOT!
LOL!
I had purchased several of her books in the past and really enjoyed reading them. So when her newest ones came out, she gifted me with the complete series. I was so very grateful!!
We chatted on the phone a couple of times (very long chats) and touched base back and forth on Facebook, but then... she disappeared.
I would send her messages, but with no response. Finally, a couple of weeks ago I found her physical address online and sent her a Thinking of You card. I heard back nothing. Until last evening.
Her husband, Bobby, was kind enough to call me to let me know that yesterday she passed away. I was shocked and filled with sorrow. A talented writer and beautiful soul, gone too soon.
Sharon had suffered a stroke in August, according to Bobby or (DH) as she referred to him on her blog. It had been down hill since.
I, for one, will miss her sweet, sassy self!!! Bobby asked me to let blogger and facebook friends know she is gone.
Rest in peace, my friend.
