The passing of friends
Funny, how things come together.
This week, I’ve been working my way through my MA thesis, concerning the feminine aspects of Yahweh, trying to get it into shape for e-publication.
At the same time I’ve been writing an essay for Sisters in Crime on the topic, “Belonging.”
Which means I’ve had two things on my mind: theology, and the amazing online community that’s… well, you guys.
Then the third thing: one of my online friends died. Pat Floyd was an extraordinary woman, and one of the forces behind the Virtual Book Club. She made a lot of good friends there, since she loved a good book, but she was also a person with a long time interest in things theological. She’s been sick for a while, during which time I sent her one or two of my academic papers and unpublished stories, to give her mind something to chew on that didn’t involve hospitals.
Theology; community; friends.
Thank you, Pat, for joining us and making our lives the richer. May your afterlife be rich with books, and friends, and cats.
If any other members of our online family are moved to a donation, you can send your check to Edgehill Church, P.O. Box 128258, Nashville, TN 37212, or to Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson St., Nashville 37203. Pat’s obituary is here.
Laurie, I only had the pleasure of meeting Pat once, but I knew she was a special lady. Your post made me think of the fact that anyone who is blessed with friends, cats and a love of books is fortunate in this life and must certainly expect them to be there in the Afterlife!
Pat will be miss by all those who came to know her through the LRK Virtual Book Club (past and present). She was such a vibrant and engaging personality, and upon meeting her in RL she was a joyously intelligent and kind person. A white and fragrant soul, as Baring-Gould described a parishioner, that was Pat. God rest her soul.
–Alice
Pat was a delightful person – deeply caring, deeply interested in people, endlessly kind and truly loving. Her death has hit me harder than I expected. It has also prompted thoughts about internet friendships and how the ceremonies and all that we have evolved for life events are inadequate or missing for internet friendships.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss in your community of supporters. And I am really excited to read your ebook on feminine aspects of Yahweh.
Like Rochelle, I’m excited to look forward to reading your ebook on feminine aspects of Yahweh. (One of my favorite themes in Monstrous Regiment)
Goodness, Pat died? I am so sorry to hear this. She was wonderful to “chat” and interact with here. My thoughts are with her family and for all of us that knew and interacted with her. She will definitely be missed as Alice has said.
So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I only met her the once in real life, and did not know her well, but she struck me as such a lovely woman who was truly interested in what people were thinking and feeling. A real lady. RIP, Pat.
Oh, no! Just saw this and that came out of my mouth. Indeed, she was a stalwart member of our happy online community, when it wasn’t that easy to do. I’m so glad I had a chance to meet her in person.