[quote=slatten49]Winona Whyner, one of our newer contributors, passed away on the morning of Sunday, March 19th, at the tragically young age of thirty-three.
Since Winona joined the forum last month on the 27th of February, I, along with many others, welcomed her. Within a day or two, she & I began a series of PMs in an attempt to better know one another. I found her delightful and inquisitive, albeit seemingly innocent and naive in many ways. I also warned her of being too sensitive and for the need to develop thick skin. Yet, I felt she handled herself quite nicely in her less than three weeks on OPP. I did not know of her condition from past serious injuries, and that she was likely quite debilitated.
She may well have felt or known what lay ahead for her, but joined OPP to engage with others in an attempt to improve her understanding and appreciation of their opinions and views. She had an amazing zest for life and knowledge that far exceeded most and in our correspondence, I grew very fond of this charming young lady. I even suggested that, with her permission, I would stop off and visit her on my way to visit my son and his family in Northern California. She would have been one of several I hope to meet on that trip. When I hadn't heard from her regarding ways in which we could meet, i.e., a phone number or location...I began to worry that Winona might be uncomfortable with the idea of meeting almost a total stranger. I then received, late this past Friday night, a letter from her mother. For reasons all should understand, I will only post limited portions of that letter....
"Lon, this is Winona's mother, ****** ******. My apologies. I should have let you know sooner. My daughter passed away in her sleep early Sunday morning from a brain clot. The doctor said it was very quick and probably the delayed result of a severe accident she had some years ago (not that that matters). The very last thing she did on this earth was to comment on One Political Plaza. The site was still on her screen when she was discovered. It is my deep regret you did not have a chance to meet. Thank you for being her friend, you truly lightened her spirit. I feel I can tell you she needed it; Winona never fully recovered from her accident. Yet she remained the most adorable person in every way. You made a difference. 'May blessings follow all your ways--and catch up!' She loved that expression."
I ask of all who would: Send your prayers, hopes and wishes for Winona's family. A loss of ones child can be devastating. I also want to take this opportunity to once again post a favorite quote I recall..."Take care of your thoughts when you are alone, and take care of your words when you are with people."
One never knows when a difference can be made.
thank you what can one say ma God blessssssssssss