The kind of friend you need not chat with every day. The kind that you could rely on to watch your back when you didn't even know it needed watching. That kind of friend.
I keep waiting for someone to tell me that there's been a case of mistaken identity and that she is still with us here online. But it appears that my prayer is not to be answered today. And that sick feeling I have in my stomach just won't go away any time soon.
As many other friends in the online political blog world have written today. Penny was a strong believer in a just society. She always wished for the "best in people" to come to the fore.
She was a woman of very modest means yet last year when I ran for an LPCO position I found myself with a donation to my campaign from Penny Lankshear. That's the kind of person she was. Who knows what she may have had to go without that particular month. I was, as I am now, overcome with emotion. All her note said was Go get 'em James!!! I'm behind you 100%...
When I began LiberalsONLINE.ca I asked people to help out and step up to the plate as Moderators for the fledgling aggregator. Penny didn't even miss a beat. And, moderate she did. She was always on top of things.
I will save her emails in perpetuity - if not just to remind myself of why we fight the good fight. She would want us all to keep on fighting the good fight toward that just world she sought to find.
I am not sure how Penny has come to meet her maker, but I am sure that there is a giant hole left in all of us that share this poliblog world. I, with others, shall miss her dearly.
Rest in Peace Dear Friend.
P.S. If any of you find details of a service or donations Penny may have wished to see, Please pass them on to me and others so that we may pay our respects in any way that we can. I know Penny lived in Stratford, if that helps.
5 comments:
Thanks James. You said the words I've been looking to express how I feel about the loss of Penny.
Her sister suggests donations to the SPCA. Penny was a great animal lover.
You've described her well. Very touching.
James, please let me know if there is anyway I can contribute to the care of her beloved cats, perhaps by way of a fund to help find them a new home.
I am in shock to hear of Penny's death. We had been internet friends for years, but lost contact when she moved. I have been trying to find her online again when I saw that she had passed away. She was a wondeful person and I had never met her, but spoke with her on the phone a few times. She was an animnal lover, and we chatted or e-mailed each other every day. Rest in peace Penny, I am sure her friends and family will miss her.
Thank you all for your kind words about my sister.
We are shocked and saddened by this tragic loss.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She donated regularly to the SPCA. Some people have asked about donations. If you feel so inclined, here is the link:
http://www.perthcounty.ontariospca.ca/index.shtml
Thank you all once again. I have a huge lump in my throat as I read the posts.
Jill
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