Farewell Melanie Mattson

Blogger Melanie Mattson, Dead at 53

Melanie was my dear friend.

Born July 18, 1954, died June 27, 2008 at her home in Falls Church, Virginia. The word is only now getting out, and I so don't want to know why.

For over a month I've been calling and calling to no answer. We used to talk two or three times a week.

A former front-pager at DailyKos, a co-founder of the FluWiki, a theologian and a bassoonist, Melanie was lovely in every way. From her blog, Bump in the Beltway, to her wonderful holiday recipes which I posted last year, Melanie was a class act.

Melanie was a close friend; I don't know what to say. This hasn't been a good year. We lost Steve, and now we lose Melanie. I am certain had she had health care coverage, she would still be alive.

I've spent the last hour reading over old emails between us. She was an amazing writer, a good person, and a good friend.

I'll miss her.

American Street
Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
Pogge
Suburban Guerrilla
Effect Measure

Update: 11:20 AM

Her death is tentatively being reported as a heart attack, although other reports suggest the root cause likely was her pancreatitis. Pancreatitis -- her long-term health issue -- made it extraordinarily difficult for Melanie to eat or maintain nourishment.

It would not be inconsistent with pancreatitis for her to have a heart attack, due to electrolyte abnormalities brought on by fluid imbalances, vomiting, poor intake, and other medical indignities.

Melanie was in poor health and without health care. Like so many of the Americans she passionately wrote about, and deeply cared for and loved.

Tat Tvam Asi.