When people ask me about the parent blogging community, I say it is a diverse and supportive community. Most can’t understand how online relationships can translate to friendships, but it does. I had the honor of meeting Susan Niebur (WhyMommy) through BlogHer. Beyond being a parent blogger, she was also also a scientist, mother and amazing friend to many. The first time I had an extended email conversation with her was on the night she posted about her courageous fight with cancer and that she was going in for a Double Mastectomy. When I read that post, I emailed her to see if there was anything I could do. She was so brave and took the time to respond to my email with information about Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I then followed her inspirational journey online at her blog Toddler Planet. When I had the opportunity to spend time with her at BlogHer events – my admiration grew – she was like a strong ray of light that touched so many. Or -as she put in her blog – a fighting princess. I even had the chance to take a picture of her at BlogHer 08 (above).
So when I saw a blog post on my Facebook with Susan’s picture and next to it the word “Goodbye”, I closed my eyes and yelled “no No NO!!”.
Tearfully I read the post on her blog titled “Goodbye” written by her brave husband Curt. He wrote “Susan Niebur passed away on February 6, 2012 after a lifetime of love, crusades, and strength. ” He then added: “ In lieu of flowers, please consider furthering Susan’s legacy through a contribution to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Or please choose to make a difference somewhere, anywhere, to anyone.”
Our blogging community is mourning the loss of Susan Neibur by sharing our thoughts about her using words such as “inspirational”, “true friend”, “beautiful”, “most inspiring and impressive person (they) have ever known”, “courageous warrior” and more. There were also many inspiring posts, including an article in the Wheaton Patch. and a Blog Hop at Type A Mom.
My thoughts and prayers to her family. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Beth, What a beautiful tribute to Susan. I was awestruck by her courage & the humor she regularly displayed even when she must have been in great physical pain.
Beth, this is so moving. I fell asleep praying last night. (Something I never do). I think it was for her family. Thank you for sharing that lovely picture. It seems to capture her essence.
Being new to the blogging community, I never had the chance to meet Susan but read about her enough to view her website quite a bit before she passed. She clearly inspired many people including myself. Her story was tragic yet she was strong through it while showing the reality and our vulnerability as humans. It was hard not to feel like one knew her and harder not to like her. Beautiful post and wonderful tribute. I’m sorry for everyone’s loss.