It feels fitting to reflect on my connection with Mia, which began through social media—specifically, Twitter—in 2009. We bonded over brief exchanges of 140-character messages, both one-on-one and in groups of six or more. Over time, we organized meetups “in real life” (IRL). During that period, Mia and I, along with other friends from the publishing industry, hosted a series of lunch gatherings where many individuals formed connections that may have never happened otherwise. These social lunches led to lasting friendships over the years.
Some relationships dwindled, while others flourished. Yet, throughout this journey, we were all aware of Mia’s illness. She openly shared her battle with breast cancer through her blog, providing a voice for those grappling with illnesses that rob them of time and dignity. Her posts radiated her core values: a love for family, an appreciation for beauty, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy.
In 2012, Mia announced with remarkable composure that her breast cancer, which many believed to be in remission, had returned aggressively; it was now Stage 4 and metastatic.
Even in the face of mortality, Mia’s spirit shone through. At a dinner in 2013, I realized it would be the last time I would see her at her best. Despite the pain and fatigue, she exuded style, charm, and genuine interest in those around her. She was a beacon of positivity, making the most of every moment, and that was how she lived her life, not just how she approached her death.
Our generation may be the first to confront death through social media—not merely through announcements but through the friendships nurtured in this unique digital landscape of news, humor, trivia, and authentic connections.
When Mia passed, one of the first questions I encountered was, “How well did you know her?” Over the days that followed, I reached out to friends who also knew Mia, and the inquiry often boiled down to assessing the depth of our shared grief. I had met her in person at various lunches and brunches, and once even visited her at home for dinner. Many people knew her better, but I felt our connection was real and profound.
The world of online friendship allows each person mourning to create a personal museum of memories; a single line for one person may represent a multitude of photographs for another. This dynamic is both strange and inclusive, yet it can also feel isolating. There’s no universal measure of grief; one person may share a close-up image without truly knowing her, while another may echo sentiments that sound cliché but have profound meaning for those intimately connected to her.
I share these thoughts in hopes that anyone else affected by Mia’s passing understands that their experiences with her were equally significant. We can celebrate shared memories, but the individual moments we cherish give shape and beauty to the collective grieving process. I cherish seeing everyone’s photos and stories, but without my own, they would hold little weight—similar to a celebrity photo montage.
Mia Thompson passed away last week. Mia was a dear friend. I miss her deeply. I hope my reflections help convey the depth of that loss. If you didn’t have the opportunity to know her, I wish you could have.
Mia’s legacy as a cancer advocate and blogger is honored in various ways, including through her final post and memorial service details. She is survived by her husband, James, and their children, Ella, Noah, and Ava. Please consider contributing to her memorial fund to support cancer research.
Mia often expressed two mantras: “Find beauty in the world today and share it. If you can’t find it, create it. Persevere,” and “Make the most of this day, regardless of how small your efforts may seem.”
In this digital age, we navigate grief together while remembering the essence of those we’ve lost.
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Summary:
Grieving in the social media era presents unique challenges as friendships form and deepen online. As we navigate loss, the connections we share become integral to our grieving process, highlighting that each relationship, regardless of its nature, holds significance.