It feels so strange to feel so sad…

I feel so out-of-touch and stupid.

Just found out that one of the bloggers whom I enjoy reading, Uppity Negro, passed away this last week.

I didn’t know Aaron personally. I only knew him through his blog and through the occasional blurbs from TranceJen on their happenings. But what little I knew, I liked. A lot. Aaron always sounded like the kind of person I’d feel at ease talking to, and would really enjoy getting to know. I am saddened that now that’s no longer possible.

I discovered Uppity Negro through a link from another site. I think it might have been from Gaper’s Block. I honestly can’t recall. I just knew that I liked the name…Uppity Negro. And I wanted to see what it was about. What exactly was an Uppity Negro? Should I be afraid? Will I laugh and feel bad?

Nay. I visited the site and discovered that it was a place I’d find myself returning to again and again. I liked the sassy style. The Uppity Negro was my cup of tea. I became an avid reader and although I may not have visited more than once or twice a week (I have a bad time remembering to check my fave blogs every day), I was all about Aaron in all his Uppity glory.

So that is why I find myself deeply saddened by the news of his death. It shocked me in ways I can’t describe. And although there is literally nothing I could have done for him, I wish that I had taken the time to send him an e-mail, say Hi on AIM, or even leave a comment on one of his blog entries. At least then I would have known him a little more…a little better. And I wouldn’t feel so schmaltzy for posting news of his death as though I were a part of the Uppity Inner Circle.

But for what it’s worth…Aaron, I’m sorry that I never got to know you, the real you. And I hope you have found a peace in death that you could not find in life. You will be missed by many.