Christine of Dadirridreaming died this morning.
It is strange how some of our virtual connections seem so real. So special. How they transcend time and space and the barriers of geography, race and religion. My friendship with Christine was one such. We ‘met’ in February 2012, just a month after I started my blog, and I have cherished my interactions with her ever since. Along with her calm spirituality, her wisdom, her deep appreciation of the beauty of nature, her joy for life.
I had hoped to meet her in person one day. And now she is gone. Just like that. But I know she is at peace. She always was.
“I am content to do what little I can to bring light and love to those around me”
You did Christine. More than you will ever know. And you will be missed.
PS: All photos Christine’s own, from her blog Daidirridreaming.
Thank you for sharing your feelings, yes we meet kindred spirits who become a very nice part of our lives.
Oh dear … May she rest in peace. She was a beautiful soul
i am just in the process of returning from a 2month+ blogging hiatus, and one of the first blogs i wanted to catch up on was Christine’s, as the last post of hers that i had read still had her and her husband Stuart exploring Europe.
what a shock to come across the family’s tribute to her. at the same time, it was very kind of them, in the midst of their grief, to let the blogging community know of their loss, and allow us to be in the loop as well, and provide a place for us to give voice to our own grief. i still can’t believe it.
in any case, Christine and i somehow met soon after i first began blogging. she certainly had a way of encouraging the newbies, and connecting them with others. very kind she was, and creative. thank you for posting a tribute to her. she will certainly be missed.
Sending you lots of positive thoughts and good vibrations from here in San Diego.
I’m saddened to read about Christine’s death. I remember reading some of her posts back in my most active days… May she rest in peace. What a beautiful tribute to her.
A touching tribute to a beautiful person. May her soul rest in peace _/\_.
I’m just beginning to blog. Hopefully I’ll find such friends.
Such a lovely tribute, Madhu. I was so shocked to hear about Christine’s sudden passing and so moved by her family’s efforts to include her virtual community in their grieving. Their account of her funeral was beautiful, I have no doubt Christine’s spirit was at work sending those sea birds to keep watch over her loved ones. Sending you my love from afar. xxx Ailsa
May you find the peace of heart in Christine’s passing. I’m sure she was a lovely woman, lovely enough to leave an impact to your life and create such friendship even if just over the internet. God bless always!
Such sad news. What a beautiful tribute Madhu.
I haven’t popped round in a while. Love the new look of your blog.
Very sad and shocking. Thank you Rosie.
Condolences on your loss. I too have connected with people all over the world via my blog. It’s my belief that some are friends from other lives. They are in my circle now so that we can continue helping each other grow. I suspect that your friend will let you know she’s still with you.
That is a lovely thought! I believe in the ‘friends from other lives’ bit too!. And I did say something to that effect in a comment on Christine’s blog a while ago!!
Madhu, I was stunned and saddened to hear of Christine’s death. What a marvelous woman who will be remembered fondly by all. Thanks for the beautiful tribute. ~Terri
The suddenness of it was shattering Terri. She was indeed a marvelous soul and will be missed dearly.
It is really wonderful how friendship blossoms in the blogging world. A lovely tribute. May her soul rest in peace…
It is Sumithra. Thank you.
Not so old. Lovingly photographed. You may not have met, but you did “meet” in the place where hearts and souls truly meet. A loving tribute; thank you for sharing her with us.
You would have loved her too, she was your kind of person Judith! 🙂
Sorry to hear that this person is missing from the world. I didn’t know her either, but the world needs wise and peaceful souls the most. It’s true you can really form connections online – I’m sorry you two didn’t get the chance to meet.
The world certainly could do with more kind and compassionate people like Christine. Thanks Bronwyn.
RIP… sorry, Madhu, I did hesitate to click on “like”, I do hope you understand… ❤
I sure do. I never click like on these kind of posts either. Forgot to turn it off.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I’ve had interaction via blogging with her since I started too. We really connected all though in actual distance couldn’t have been further apart. Her love of life and family were a joy and inspiration. I’m so glad you posted this . Thankyou
Thank you Sue. I remember we ‘met’ through a comment I left on Christine’s post! It appears her funeral is at 11.30 Australian time (NSW) in case you wanted to know. Take care.
I have been overwhelmed by this tragic passing. I wasn’t a follower of Christine but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t come across her posts from time to time.
It has brought me to the realization that, although, we see people as a simple gravatar image we are still connected in some way. A way that even we cannot attest to. I am learning more about our lives through the WWW. Perhaps, this passing is a way of letting us know that we can connect with another but only if wed agree. A wonderful post, Madhu. You have paid Christine an incredible post.
I’m so sorry to hear this, Madhu..I didn’t know her, but I can empathize with how connected you must have felt with her, as it happens often in this surreal world of blogging…sending you comforting hugs, my friend, and I pray her family finds strength and comfort through this difficult time, as well…
Thank you dear Lauren.
Thank you for posting all these lovely photos of Christine. She was a lovely blog friend, and a very special person. I will certainly miss her presence here so much. Beautiful tribute, Madhu. xx
We certainly will. Thank you Sylvia.
Thank you so much Madhu. I wanted to do a tribute post but somehow I just couldn’t decide how to do it. I felt so upset when I read Stuart’s message that morning, and the sadness has hung on for some days. I felt so connected to Christine, maybe through her deep love of nature, and her obvious gentleness. I really will miss her posts, and her comments. It’s strange how one can become so connected to certain cyber-friends. It convinces me that such strong connections are not necessarily limited to family, friends, and people we’ve actually met.
I just love the photos of Christine, and the words in your post. And hugs to you.
Thank you Jude. I imagine Christine amidst those lotus plants whenever I think of her. It appears her funeral is on Wed at 11.30 Australian time (NSW) in case you wanted to know. Take care. And hugs back:-)
Hi Madhu,
This is Stuart
Beautiful post.
As you said, she wasn’t ill, she was radiant.
The ripples from her death are spreading all around the world, intersecting and forming into bubbles of love.
She is having an incredible effect in our local community.
So many people have already told me of things she has done for them that I had no idea about.
Thank you all for enriching both our lives.
Love and light to you all
Stuart
Dear Stuart, I am touched that you took the time to respond in the midst of your grief. No, we are thankful for having had the opportunity to know someone as special as your Christine. I read your response on your post. The compassion that made her think up campaigns like the “75 would like a word” is what endeared her to us in the first place. I hope you can find some comfort in the outpouring of love from across the world. Love and light to you too Stuart. Take care.
Isn’t it wonderful how online friends become part of an extended family after a while. Each has a personality which enriches our own experience. This was a wonderful tribute.
Very true Ian. Thank you.
My condoences.
Thank you. Her family laid her to rest today.
wonderful tribute – and sympathies to all who knew this wonderful woman. great post for her Madhu ❤
Thanks Yvette. I hope Christine can feel the oitpouring of love from across the world, wherever she is.
I stand beside you and all those of us that were fortunate enough to have known Christine. Mercifully she departed without pain and suffering burden. Thank you for your thoughts.
Thank you Tony.
I have never met the lady and still, your tribute made me very sad. I feel for her husband and all of you who knew her. May she rest in peace.
Amen Paula. Today was her funeral.
😦
What terrible news Madhu. I had followed some of her posts and read some of her interactions on your blog. The blogging community becomes very real friends for us. But it is still difficult to accept the realities of life in this virtual world. I recently felt the same when I visited Hanels’ Travls after a while… wondering why I hadn’t seen a post from them of late… and saw a post announcing that Majida had passed away.
Oh no! I had no idea! I had wondered about the silence, but just haven’t had the time to go check. What a tragedy. Thank you for telling me Kan. RIP Majida.
Alcuni blogger a furia di leggerli finisci per conoscerli davvero attraverso le loro pagine, alcuni restano virtuali, con altri ci parli e scrivi e alcune finisci per incontrarle, tutte persone vere.
Ho letto la pagina scritta dal marito, è molto triste. Spero tutto il bene di questo mondo per lui e i suoi figli.
Very true Popof. I second your beautiful wishes for Stuart: ” All the good of this world for him and his children”.
Lovely thoughts and tribute/
Thank you Sally. Christine was a lovely person and will be missed dearly.
This is such a beautiful tribute Madhu. I think she would have liked it.
Thank you Colline. I hope she would.
I had only recently started following her but right from the beginning her jewel of a character was evident. So sad to hear that. Losing a friend is like losing a part of you. I believe she is now in a beautiful place…
You are so right about her jewel of a character Marina. She exuded such positivity. Like you, I have no doubt she is now in a beautiful place.
very nice tribute Madhu
Carla
Thanks Carla. It was such a shock to read Stuart’s post last morning.
Omg.. its really sad to know.. may her soul rest in peace.. my condolences to her family … its a really nice tribute for her.. i can feel your loss..
Thank you Divz..
Oh no, I’m so sorry to read about this. My condolences to you and her family as well. I’m afraid I was not privileged to have known about her before and I’m sad that it took this news to do it. Thank you for your tribute to her, I feel like I still got to know her regardless.
Thank you Sha. You would have loved her as much as we did.
I’m sure I would have…*hugs*
I can’t bring myself to ‘like’ this… I didn’t know Christine… but somehow I too feel a certain loss… And I am sorry for your loss… Wish her soul rests in peace.
Thank you Kasturika. This feeling of community is a an unexpected and special offshoot of blogging!
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your friend, Madhu. How true you are that bloggy friends are not just bloggy friends – they are real friends who touch our lives in a meaningful way. MAy she have eternal rest.
Amen to that Imelda. We are all going to miss her so much.
That´s so shocking to hear! All my wishes go out to you and her family!
Very beautiful tribute.
Most shocking Rondje. Must be a million times worse for her family. Praying for them too.
Reblogged this on morselsandscraps and commented:
Here is Christine through her own photos, lovingly compiled by a blogging friend.
Thank you Meg. She was laid to rest this morning. RIP Christine.
A wonderful celebration of her life it was too. I talked with a friend who attended the funeral afterwards. Like me, she was a new friend of Christine’s who mourned particularly all the possibilities of the friendship which will now never be realised. I was sad to be on the other side of the world, and comforted by the love she generated in the blogging world.
Thank you for compiling this gallery of Christine. I’ll keep it by me as I try to realise what life without her is like. Everything you say is so true.
I spent yesterday morning looking at her photos and that heartwarming smile. We are all going to miss her lots.
Dear Madhu, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Even you haven’t met her, your both souls were connected. May her spirit be lifted on the other side. Namaste
True, sometimes the connections we make with people, virtual or otherwise are not easy to explain. Thank you Cornelia.
What a lovely slideshow. Seeing her gather the lotus, she looks so happy.
I had seen several of them before but was so glad you put this tribute together, Madhu for our blogging community to see and share with others. You do feel as if you know someone, even if you haven’t met in person.
The sad news of Christine’s death is hard to sink in. Her family must be reeling from the shock of it. we will all miss her dearly.
xxoo
Ruth in Pittsburgh
I cannot begin to imagine what the family must be going through when it is so hard for us Ruth. Keeping them in my thoughts. And Christine.
I’m at a loss for words, Madhu. Having just read the post by Christine’s husband her sudden passing comes as a real shock. Thank you for letting us know with this tribute.
Stuart’s post was most shocking especially since I had exchanged comments with her the evening before James! her absence is going to be keenly felt by many in the community.
I was so sad to hear of Christine’s death this morning, Madhu. She sent me a guided meditation to use when I am stressed, and her voice is so calming. She was a really spiritual and peaceful person. She will really be missed. So sad. xxx
So very sad Cathy. Still can’t get a handle around it. I spent all morning yesterday on her blog feeling sorry and helpless. My heart breaks at the thought of what her family mst be going through.
Thank you for sharing this. I didn’t know her .. but I feel her through you! RIP …
A heartfelt tribute to someone dear. I just read her husband’s post making the announcement. What courage it took to write it. How sad and tragic her death is.
I was touched that Stuart thought of her blogging buddies in the midst of his grief! Speaks volumes about their relationship.
Beautiful photos and tribute, Madhu. She does sound like a beautiful person. My condolences to her family, you and all who loved her.
Her absence is going to be felt by many Judy. Thank you.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of a beautiful spirit. Life is so fragile and the passing of someone so unexpectedly reminds us that we should cherish each day. Lovely post Madhu.
Yes, a reminder to live every moment to the fullest Luann. Christine certainly endorsed that.
I am so sorry Madhu, a precious friend! My heart goes out to you and all who loved her! Thank you – so beautiful!
Thank you Anne. She was a very special lady.
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Any loss of human life is a sad thing …. I’ve learned about these convections with blogger friends! They are real …. RIP Christine!
Thank you Dr. Rex. Our community here on WP is indeed real.
Yes it is!! I feel it …. very happy about it!! Hugs ….
I am also sorry for your loss, Madhu. Deaths of people I cherish make me so aware of how fragile life is – I think it is an aging phenomenon. The fact that she was so present yesterday – and now today she is gone creates a very real vacuum in our virtual world.
It is shocking in its finality Pat. My heart goes out to her husband and loved ones.
That first photo is SO Christine, Madhu. 🙂 A lovely tribute. Always at peace is true, I think.
As you say, she was posting and chatting only yesterday. How swiftly it all can change. If only it weren’t true.
I love that shot of her harvesting lotus pods Jo! her last response to me, to my question on her blog, was about how she was feeling a lot better and had even ventured out that evening! This news the next morning was truly like a punch in the stomach! Can’t begin to imagine how devastated Stuart and her sons are right now.
She sent me a link to the place she and Stuart stayed in Paris. It’s a heartbreak, isn’t it, Madhu?
Lovely tribute, Madhu.
Thank you Sue. I felt i needed to do something to acknowledge what she meant to me.
I’m so sorry, too, Madhu. My heart goes out to you and all who loved her. I’m sure you’re right about her being at peace. You’ve made a lovely tribute to her here.
She exuded peace Riba. It was palpable across all that distance! I have no doubt she is in a beautiful place.
Dear Madhu, in this Beautiful yet strange virtual family we walk along each other, share excitements, sights and moments…. I appreciate you so much, because maybe a ” simple comment” or LIKE you make, actually makes my day… Just like that I feel your sadness and am so very sorry for your loss. Today I will light a candle for your friend and chant for the Universe to protect her along her new Journey ❤ You're such a sweet friend to do this in her honor!
Thank you. She would appreciate that.
❤
Dear Madhu Aunty,
So sorry to hear about Christine…
May her soul rest in peace.
Thanks Divya. You might be one of the few non bloggers that understands these undescribable ‘connections’ 🙂
I am so sorry, prayers and thoughts are with you.
Thank you. Mine are with the family. I have been thinking how much worse the shock must have been for her loved ones.
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat™.
Did you know Christine Jueseppi?
Dear Madhu,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know her, but your photographs and words paint the portrait of a lovely person.
Thank you Naomi. She was beautiful in every way.
Sorry to hear about Christine… may she rest in peace…. 😦
Amen to that. She was a beautiful person inside and out.
I am very sorry. I lost someone I considered a dear friend on WordPress as well. The connections are real ! ♥
They are Kathryn. Hard for non bloggers to grasp.
Agreed. Cyber frequently has a negative connotation or meaning but there are many people here on WP that I would warmly welcome to my home.
Tremendously unexpected and sad.
It really was Col. Her husband was gracious and considerate even in his grief, to have written that post so soon after her passing.
That is sad news I didn’t expect. I didn’t know her, but I feel your loss, Madhu.
She was a special person who touched everyone that knew her Elisa. A real shock.
Oh no.. my condolensces.. may she rest in peace. virtual friendships are indeed so very real.. I have met and I know so many lovely people over the blog world …
Thank you Bikramjit. She is going to be missed by many.
So sorry to hear about your friend. It is incredible, sometimes, to think how connected we can feel to each other virtually.
It really is Juliann. My heart goes out to her family.
I’m so sorry for your loss 😦 I didn’t know this blog but she sounded very special. and it’s a lovely tribute you posted here.
Thank you Tobyo. She certainly was special.
OMG, Madhu. What a shock to see this. I have followed Christine also, and had no idea she was ill? Such sadness, and you are right about the virtual friendships that are so real. May she rest in peace. Thanks for letting us know.
I’ve just now seen the post by her husband.
She wasn’t Angeline. She was recovering from the flu she picked up on holiday in Spain and Paris. She even published a post yesterday and visited many blogs!