Before I go any further, I want to take a moment and address something. I have decided to withhold the names, out of respect for their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.
Back when I was part of a team, overlooking a website for a 90’s CMA artist, I was about reaching out to the fans and communication was vocal (no pun intended). I would get the team together for a q&a session. We sent out weekly emails about news, new music and upcoming projects and events.
One of the things we used to do, would go into chat rooms, talk to others and answer any questions. We used message boards as well. I met some pretty cool people throughout that time, a couple I still keep in touch with, today.
One of them, she was pretty cool and we had something in common. We both had a passion for graphic design and web design. She lived in Aurora, her hometown. We often talked about meeting and just talking, collaborating in real life. We had once discussed the idea of opening our own design agency.
I won’t get into details, but there was a point when the artists management switched from family to an agency. We knew there were some changes ahead, just unsure what, though. Sure enough, a month later, we were informed what was happening. Their management had decided to hire their own designer.
After losing our official status, we decided to continue on. We were allowed to use any of the resources we had access to, previously. That was a nice offer, considering there’s a lot to that. One unique thing we had (that the official site lacked), was our own photographer and writer/editor. Those 2 individuals took care of picking out selected photos, writing and editing the stories and newsletters.
After rebranding, we noticed the site was still going strong. I often had her as an assistant, when I was busy and needed help. This went on for roughly 2 years, maybe longer. I won’t get into details, but there was a lot of toxic shit behind the scenes. It finally boiled over and caused myself and a few others to walk away. It just wasn’t fun anymore and it opened me to other things.
Anyhow, after leaving, we kept in touch but somehow got caught up in life. We always connected through social media. She got married, had a few kids, stayed in her hometown. Sadly, 10 years ago, she just couldn’t catch a break. Her mom passed away, then she started having health issues (female shit) and it never let up. I forget when… but she was diagnosed with leukemia. I remember her having a bunch of tests done and even tried doing the whole stem cells thing.
I feel bad for not reaching out more, but I knew she was in pain and completely miserable. So, I respectfully choose to wait and give her some time. Sadly, I was going through my own loss… I just wasn’t prepared to open up, just yet. I was thinking about her, early yesterday morning. I thought I’d check in and see how she was, since I hadn’t seen her post much as of late. Last thing I saw her post was back in February, about being admitted to the hospital.
I go to her Facebook, only to find out she lost her battle, back in April. She was only 41, she had so much more to see and do. The last 9 months have been a bitch! Losing 3 loved ones within that time. My dad in September, a high school classmate at the beginning of April and then her… a week later.
I know this was long, maybe I need to get back to blogging, more… idk. I just wanted to share a story about how I met this incredible person who was a fighter, I’ll never forget that smile. She was unique and full of energy.
In memory of LYW: 1984-2026
