Dewey's Community

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and for you.
And I think to myself, 'What a wonderful world.'
--Weiss & Theile

I am relatively new to the book blogging community. I never really knew Dewey. I read her blog and was amazed by her boundless energy, but since learning of her death yesterday, I am struck by more than just sorrow for her grieving family and friends: I am struck by those in the book blogging community who knew her. In reading dozens of posts about her, I feel so thankful for people like Dewey. People who, despite the ravages of pain and the constraints of twenty-four hours in a day, manage to share so much of themselves with countless others. People whose minds click in a faster gear and who are happiest when sharing their passions. How much more drab the world would be without people like Dewey!

The reaction to Dewey's death shows that communities are made of more than streets and sidewalks. Communities are also made of computers, keyboards, and the mystical world of the internet. When people as magnetic, energetic and giving as Dewey appear online, communities can and will be built. Lives are shared online. Lasting friendships are formed. Ideas are exchanged and brought to life. Dewey's true legacy is that, although she is no longer with us, what she gave to all of us will live on. You see, her community will make sure of that.