Rest in Peace Steve

Odd things happen when you read blogs obsessively. You feel you know someone purely by their writing and also suffer a certain disconnect when something real, and sad,happens to them. You realize they are not family, nor a friend, or anyone with whom you have actually communicated. However, blogs add a dimension the the human experience "knowing" that is, while unfamiliar and requires thinking about, is quite real.
When Steve grew sick I was checking his blog first every day. His was the voice I most responded to. I commented rarely, not being the type to post much or feel the need to fight it out with other commentors or join the the chorus of "oh yes, indeed." And now that he is gone there is a genuine sense of loss that can really only be understood by others who hang out on the blogs and other lurkers. To mention my sense of loss to my family seems odd. I couldn't say why yet. But it IS there.
I'll miss Steve.