andee carlsson remembered

For some of us, this is a tough day. One year ago, one of our fellow bloggers died -- quite unexpectedly.


I met Andee Carlsson through her blog, My Life in Chacala. It was the first Mexico blog I had encountered, and, after a tentative start, Andee and I became infrequent correspondents. When I told her that I was interested in moving to Mexico, she encouraged me to start a blog. Thus was born "same life -- new location."


I had been working on the blog for less than a month when my dog, Professor Jiggs, started suffering leg problems. At the time, it appeared he was literally on his last legs.


I suspect it was the dog's problems that set the tone for my post on 3 January, death be not proud, where I talked about the various ways that cultures approach death. It turned out to be a rather prescient post.


About a week later, I received an email from Andee. The tone was quite a bit different than her usual mix of encouragement and scolding. I could best describe the tone as flat.

I am really glad you wrote. I keep thinking I will write because I like your posts a lot, but have I had a horrible headache the last 3 plus days and mostly lie in bed.

She then included a note about some personal difficulties she was having.


As I look back, I wish I had done more at that point -- even though I know there was nothing more I could have done. It is rather like reading King Lear, and wishing you could speed the messenger on his appointed rounds.


The next day, I posted color and light, where I commended Andee for her positive effect on me as I looked for a house in Mexico.

I should note that one blogger (My Life in Chacala) has taught me to truly appreciate the effect that color and structure can have on a home. I always appreciate it when she posts new pictures because I know I will discover something new in life.

The day that post migrated to the internet, I received the last email I would receive from Andee. She thanked me for my advice on a personal matter and then described in terrible detail the physical pain she had been experiencing the prior three days.


Later that day, she would die.


I could not let this day pass without remembering what she meant to me in such a short time. I know that not everyone liked her; she did not like everyone -- especially people who abused power. But she fully embraced Chacala and its villagers.


As for me, I loved her spirit of adventure. I loved the fact that she was a flawed soul, just like the rest of us. I loved the fact that even with her flaws, she was willing to share with others and speak with the honest voice of a prophet.


I loved her.


And I still do.


She will be a constant reminder that we bloggers truly are a community. When one of us hurts, we are there to help each other.


Andee, we still miss you.