The word com·mu·ni·ty    [kuh-myoo-ni-tee] is defined as:

a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists (usually preceded by the ): the business community; the community of scholars.

I have to admit, I used to think that relationships formed online weren’t as “real” as in real life ones.   However, over the years, I’ve come to a different conclusion.  They are just as real so losses especially the unexpected ones are just as painful.

 Today I’m saying goodbye to a special woman I met online — Kim Sonksen.  I knew her as “The Rock Chick“.  :).   I met Kim aka Kimmy through Tami’s memes —  W.I.P Wednesday and Friday F.O. — and we, like so many others, connected over our love of knitting, crochet and yarn.   Whether she was responding to a question I’d asked or commenting on a project I’d done, she was patient, engaging,  sweet and very encouraging.   I know that many times bloggers only show the good parts of their lives online, but based on the commentary of others who knew and loved her, her life online was a true reflection of her real personal  life.