|
Post by Dragon on May 6, 2005 16:55:38 GMT -5
To all of the original founders of this board,
I want to thank all of you for all the hard work it took to set up this wonderful board. I know I haven't been on it long but all of you have made me feel so at home. It is so nice to be able to discuss things with people other than my family. I love the fun and snark and the support when things are bad.
When Matthew first showed the board to me, it was so confusing looking. He also didn't want me on it at first. Probably because I could say a lot of funny things about him, but I won't.
Then he invited me to join, I don't know why, but I said ok, show me how. So I joined and he showed me how to navigate, (still learning, I have it all written in my notebook) You were all so nice to me, especially Patti.
This is a fun and wonderful board with so many great people. I know it was a lot of work to start it and a lot of work to keep it going, I appreciate all of you.
I also know that Patti was a mainstay on it. She was a great person, and very nice to me and answered a lot of questions for me. I am so glad I got to meet her in person at Houston. I only wish I could have spent more time with her.
I hope this board will survive her passing. She will be very hard to replace, actually no one can replace her, but some one will have to take over what she did for it. I hope there are enough dedicated people to do it.
I am a novice on computers, or I would offer to help.
I will miss her "Smiteous powers".
|
|
|
Post by Sue on May 6, 2005 17:13:13 GMT -5
Sue - so did you email Rusty? I am happy to do it if you are uncomfortable with it. Just let me know. Thanks, I did it while I was thinking about it. Assuming her profile email address is up to date. No response yet.
|
|
|
Post by Sue on May 6, 2005 18:26:12 GMT -5
Folks,
I have started scrolling through the threads dedicated to Patti to look for tributes/condolences/memorials. It's going to take a while, because I can't do too many pages at a time.
However, I have noticed that (at least early on) most of the posts consist of us in shock, attempting to come to grips with the news of Patti's death and consoling one another.
So--I'll make this suggestion. You may want to call up your own recent posts, or scroll quickly thru the pages, and see if you have adequately expressed yourself. If not, you may want to post something new, either on the current Patti thread, or the thread about her funeral arrangements, or, if you prefer, just send it directly to me via IM.
Over the next several weeks and in consultation with Vlad I'll collect whatever looks appropriate to me---but I will not include anything without first IMing each of you individually to get permission. Presumably, these posts will be passed onto Winter and Sara to be collected and shaped into a fitting remembrance.
Please understand that this is all totally voluntary.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks for your help.
Sue
|
|
|
Post by Dragon on May 6, 2005 18:44:05 GMT -5
Absolutely. Email them to me and I'll print them out for the family. I've already downloaded and printed a number of pictures of her from S'cubiefest I and last year's Slayerfest and made them into a collage. I also printed an 8x10 of the picture at the top of this section and I've burred the edges a little. I also printed out a copy of her portrait with James. I'm picking up frames this afternoon. As I said before, Diane, you are a great friend. When you are finished, could you let us see them too?
|
|
|
Post by Len on May 6, 2005 20:55:31 GMT -5
I just heard about Patti....so sorry!!! I haven't been around in a while, but when I have been here (and when I was here more regularly in the past), Patti was always one of the truly bright spots - always with a laugh or a nice comment - one of the people that made you feel that when you came around, no matter how long you'd been gone, you'd be welcome.
I'll miss not having your welcoming posts, Patti. Thank you.
|
|
|
Post by Rob on May 6, 2005 21:25:01 GMT -5
I'm still not entirely sure what to say. It's hard to properly express the size of Patti's legacy. I firmly believe we don't have the lasting relationship many of us enjoy without her. That, first and foremost, comes to mind. From a personal standpoint, my role within the site was much easier. I occasionally wrote stories while quietly advising Patti as she went about her far more difficult job. It wasn't possible to make everybody happy all the time - I can't count the amount of times I tried to tell her that- but she always tried. Every time someone IM'ed her with a concern, she treated it as important. I would generally tell her not to worry so much, that most issues between adults will take care of themselves, but she cared so much...there was always something that should be DONE. At times, in all honesty, she probably did a little too much...but it all stemmed from how much she cared about the site and the people who populated it. When it came to my writing, we had the exact opposite function; I obsessed over every little thing. Every little character nuance, lines of dialogue I couldn't get right, lack of reviews (which clearly meant I now suck), how boring I was becoming. She would tell me to relax, that everything was terrific and hurry the hell up and finish the chapter already. In her own endearingly passive-aggressive sort of way. She was truly my biggest fan. I cannot imagine anyone else so willing to give of their time just to read and discuss a fictional story. We would take hours talking about little details within the plot itself. For example, there was a running joke between us about her constant need to google the occasional pop-culture reference I'd throw out. She'd be inordinately proud whenever she got them without help: "I got this one! I got it right away!" she'd say, and I'd always laugh and tell her "good job!" Then there were the times when we chatted of things without any connection to the site itself; occasionally life threw bouts of depression our way. We would lean on each other a great deal in those times, just letting our feelings go. Those were very dark discussions at times (Edgar Allan Poe would read this stuff and slowly back away), but just talking about them makes the burden seem a little lighter. It's remarkable how much a person's emotional walls drop when they're typing something on a screen, as opposed to speaking in person. Patti knew things about me that I wouldn't dream of sharing with any of my close family and friends here, and I'm sure the opposite is also true. I'd privately expressed concern in a recent IM that perhaps I've become cold as I experience life. It's pretty well-known I've lost close friends and family over the last few years...and though Patti's death has been a terrible blow, I haven't really got emotional since that awful night when everyone sensed something bad had happened, but had to wait so long for confirmation. In the last couple of days, I've asked myself whether or not something was wrong. Patti had become as important to me as my in-person friends, yet I wasn't crying over her loss. The ache is there, but the actual expression of emotion was not. I think, perhaps, it could have to do with my own feelings about death in general. I've often said I have all sorts of internal questions regarding the afterlife; I haven't a clue whether or not Patti knows just how strongly people felt about her. She always worried that her position would get in the way of her online friendships...though she wouldn't have given up her job as unofficial Board-Mom for anything. Patti, like all of us, was a sea of contradictions. Every previous time I'd lost someone - a close friend, my father, my sister - they never heard me tell them how important they'd all been to me. In this case, it's different: I think I actually managed to tell Patti how I felt while she was still among us...and for that I'll always be eternally grateful. Maybe my ability to accept things more quickly comes from there. I miss her terribly...but at least she knew I loved her. There are still things that bother me, of course; she adamantly refused to let me spoil her with regard to my fanfic...and there are only two lousy chapters left. No one deserves to know how it ends more than Patti; I wouldn't have come half as far as I have without her support (for the first time in two days, now I AM crying). Hell, I don't know if I can possibly finish it without her sustaining me. If only I hadn't taken so damned long...but you know what? As regrets go, that's a fairly small one in the grand scheme of things. I loved Patti dearly. She loved me. We'd told each other many times. For me, I guess that's enough to get through. Most importantly, I never screw up "its" and "it's" any more in the context of a sentence. If that isn't a worthwhile legacy, what is? So I'll finish this like I finished most of our chats: See ya later, Patti. Sleep well.
|
|
|
Post by Cal on May 6, 2005 21:54:39 GMT -5
A beautiful tribute to a very special lady, Rob.
Sending all my love and hugs to you.
{{{Rob}}}
|
|
|
Post by Mary on May 6, 2005 22:09:59 GMT -5
Nan emailed me earlier today to let me know of Patti's death. I didn't know Patti well, but was often amused by her posts, her good cheer and her sometimes flirtatious (online, at any rate) manner. Unlike many of you, I never had the opportunity to meet her in person and my strongest memory of her was of her telling me she had sung for Prince Philip, and that he had winked at her! :-)
My sympathy goes out to all of you who knew her on a much deeper and more personal level. Losing someone you care about, a good friend, can cause unutterable pain, and I'll be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary
|
|
|
Post by Rob on May 6, 2005 22:28:01 GMT -5
Nan emailed me earlier today to let me know of Patti's death. I didn't know Patti well, but was often amused by her posts, her good cheer and her sometimes flirtatious (online, at any rate) manner. Unlike many of you, I never had the opportunity to meet her in person and my strongest memory of her was of her telling me she had sung for Prince Philip, and that he had winked at her! :-) My sympathy goes out to all of you who knew her on a much deeper and more personal level. Losing someone you care about, a good friend, can cause unutterable pain, and I'll be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Mary, it's great to see you again, even under such awful circumstances.
|
|
|
Post by Laura on May 7, 2005 0:10:23 GMT -5
I found this online:PATRICIA "PATTI" THOMPSON, passed away on May 2, 2005 at the age of 59. She was born on September 12, 1945 in Savannah, GA to the late Charles L. "Sarge" and Stella "Pat" (Patton) Thompson. Patti had been a schoolteacher in Dallas and Victoria for 10 years before beginning a career with Texaco. Following her retirement from Texaco she devoted her time to genealogy research. Survivors include one sister Vickry Kayser and husband Tom; one brother, Cal Thompson and wife Sharon; three aunts, Rebecca Badon, Dorothy Wharton, Jean Maultsby; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the chapel of Pat H. Foley & Co. Published in the Houston Chronicle on 5/6/2005. www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/LegacyHome.asp?Page=FullText&PageNo=3&CalendarDate=5/6/2005&Product=0&FullTextType=0The link takes you to a full page list; you have to scroll down.
|
|
|
Post by Matthew on May 7, 2005 1:56:29 GMT -5
I found this online:PATRICIA "PATTI" THOMPSON, passed away on May 2, 2005 at the age of 59. She was born on September 12, 1945 in Savannah, GA to the late Charles L. "Sarge" and Stella "Pat" (Patton) Thompson. Patti had been a schoolteacher in Dallas and Victoria for 10 years before beginning a career with Texaco. Following her retirement from Texaco she devoted her time to genealogy research. Survivors include one sister Vickry Kayser and husband Tom; one brother, Cal Thompson and wife Sharon; three aunts, Rebecca Badon, Dorothy Wharton, Jean Maultsby; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the chapel of Pat H. Foley & Co. Published in the Houston Chronicle on 5/6/2005. www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/LegacyHome.asp?Page=FullText&PageNo=3&CalendarDate=5/6/2005&Product=0&FullTextType=0The link takes you to a full page list; you have to scroll down. They left out a lot of family in that obit. And a goodly portion of her recent life. Ah well. *shrugs philosophically*
|
|
|
Post by S'ewing S'cubie on May 7, 2005 4:29:36 GMT -5
That's because the family opted for brevity for the sake of economics. The longer the obituary, the costlier. The only question I have is the published time of the funeral. I was under the impression it was at 1PM.
I'll call in the morning and check. In the meantime, I've signed the guestbook and added our favorite Patti-trait. It's just such a great shot of her, I figured it belonged there.
|
|
|
Post by Pixi on May 7, 2005 4:37:03 GMT -5
I am quite new to the site, and honestly am mostly just a lurker. All the same, I want to convey my deepest condolences to you all for the loss of such an obviously important friend. I don't mean to be presumptious and belittle the connections you may have with Patti by claiming how well I knew her. I never, in fact, met or chatted with her. However, I think there is something to be said for the relationship that exists between writer and reader. After learning the news of her passing, I've been reading many of the articles, essays, and stories she has posted. I believe that writing in many ways expresses the nature of the authors soul, and what I have seen in Patti's writing is a disarming warmth and a touching affection for the material. I am assured of her inner-beauty. Furthermore, I am in reverence of the people on this site. Their ability to see and embrace this beauty shows me that this is a place like none other. As is the subject of many a Jossverse show, the S'cubies seem to have become a created family and I am moved. Again, it was not my intention to be too assuming or pretensious in the midst of your grief, I only mean to give the perspective of someone outside this family, looking in with awe. Just expressing my sympathies as a fierce Patti-fan, I guess. I'll just add that along with everyone else - that was beautiful. Very well expressed.
|
|
|
Post by S'ewing S'cubie on May 7, 2005 4:39:58 GMT -5
As I said before, Diane, you are a great friend. When you are finished, could you let us see them too? I'm sorry. I didn't save them. Besides, I only used the ones that are already there.
|
|
|
Post by Pixi on May 7, 2005 4:51:47 GMT -5
I've stayed away from these threads the last few days. It was just too much at first - my real life just won't stop and I have to keep working, keep taking care of my kids, keep teaching, and keep being perky.
I was online during the initial discovery and the horrible gut wrenching conclusion to a night of anxious, terrified waiting. I watched all the heros - Vlad, Diane, Matthew, Wendy, Spring - everyone who took action and worked frantically to find their friend. I cried with them, I cried for them. I couldn't sleep.
I can't add anything new or eloquent to everything that has been said. I loved Patti as part of this wonderful group of friends who were enriching my life. I had very few IM's from her, I had never spoken to her on the phone, I had never met her in person.
My life is filled with songs from great musicals. Songs invade my brain at all times. But over and over again as I watched this board try to cope with a loss that was so heart-breaking, I kept hearing the words from the musical Carousel.
In the final scene - Julie is attending her daughter's graduation. Her husband is dead, he died while trying to steal money so he could take care of his unborn daughter and be more than just a loser. Up in heaven he asks for one more chance and he tries to let Julie know how much he loved her.
They play that beautiful song "You'll Never Walk Alone":
When you walk through a storm Hold your head up high And don't be afraid of the dark At the end of the storm There's a golden sky And the sweet silver song of the lark Walk on, through the wind Walk on, through the rain Though your dreams be tossed and blown Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart And you'll never walk alone You'll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart And you'll never walk alone You'll never walk alone
In that scene - Julie's Husband is watching her, smiling.
And I know Patti is watching us, happy at our love, and smiling.
The S'cubie board will never walk alone. Patti will always be here.
Thanks for enriching my life Patti. I am a better person for the brief time I knew you. How lucky am I that I could call you a friend?
|
|