I can't tell you how much I regret not getting to know ita better or having the chance to meet her in person. I feel like I'm grieving for lost opportunity as much as I am for ita herself. I'm also grieving for those of us who did count her as a close friend.

Over on FB, Sandra Larkin found this advocacy group for patients with chronic pain - if, in addition to the copies for ita's parents and sister, we wanted to make more copies and either sell them or ask for donations, I'd be hugely in favor of using it to make a gift to that group in her honor. Also, maybe, sending a copy to whoever does consumer or health care reporting at the LA Times.

I just want to find some way to make it fucking mean something. Her not being here is wrong, and nothing will make it right, but maybe someone with the ability to *do* something about it can be made to notice, and to take steps to make sure that the other amazing people out there laid low by this bullshit will be laid at least a little less low.

Paperdol: Don't make me propose a thread discussing all ita, all the time, called, "Jamaican Me Crazy 1: A discussion of how wrong ita is."

Because you know I can get 60 people to register, vote, and then YOU will have to create the thread, my friend.

Hahahahaha!

ita link moment: I am absolutely certain ita would have reacted to this surreally cheerful Swedish children's video about genitals (NWSF if your work disapproves of adorable cartoon vulvas and penises). I wish I could hear her reaction.

[link]

I was being haunted by the memory of ita in the best silver dress ever, and went looking for it this morning.

If you have access to that account, maybe, don't. Not yet. Not right now. I found the picture. But now I can't bear to post it.

this surreally cheerful Swedish children's video about genitals

I have put this to my Swedish friends for comment. I am awaiting a response.

And thank you, Betsy, for carrying on ita's awkward links banner!

I always clicked on ita links. Ah, glutton for punishment.

I'm grateful that I was able to meet ita in person a few times, but I am also confident that my feelings about her as a friend would be the same if I hadn't. Our connection was on line. I'm grateful I heard her lovely voice, but it is her voice here that I will remember most. I'm grateful for the few hugs, but her support here was more meaningful.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I get that many of us are sad that they didn't get to meet ita, but you did. Which is why we are so devastated that she is no longer here with us.

My ability to be coherent is suffering.

Oh man. I haven't been around for a long time, and even when I was, I was more of a lurker, and I didn't know ita very well. Still, I remember her as the heart and soul of b.org. I can't help thinking about the things I wouldn't know, or wouldn't have, or the people I would never have spoken to, if not for her, and this board. ita touched so many peoples' lives, including mine, and there is a hole in the world right now, with her loss.

When I saw the news on DW, I was shocked and saddened, and I wanted to offer my condolences to you all. So Buffistas, please know that you all and ita are in my thoughts and in my prayers.

The response is, "No comment, except to say, 'Welcome to Sweden.'"