So this morning, I woke up had my usual coffee, tended to the dogs and stood in the garden admiring the sunshine.

Then it was to head to the laptop and I did my weekly check in on the dreaded facebook, to see if the family were wondering if I were alive or not. And whilst I was scrolling through, I got a bit of a shock let me tell you the story of the amazing Liz Lavorschi-Braun.

Liz Lavorschi-Braun

I had the pleasure of meeting Liz after I had written my book and was looking to get it published. During my break from steemit, I had joined many author and writer pages on facebook, desperately searching for cheap proof readers and copy editors, I met Liz.

Liz lives in Romania, originally from OHIO in the USA, she settled with her husband on the black sea coast. When I met her, I discovered that we both worked for the same teaching firm at the time. Liz writes young adult novels and had just published the third novel in the series 7 years gone

source

Liz gave me a wake up call.

I remember when I first met her, she asked to do a video call with me, and we got chatting. She had never read my novel, but she did tell me a few facts that I needed to know. That I should not cheap out on my novel, and spend decent money getting it edited and proof read. That is what made me decide to but a back burner on the manuscript as I did not have the money to do it. We became friends and would keep in touch sending random messages.

Chapter readings.

Liz's ambition is contagious, she always wanted to be a full time writer, she spends time promoting her books by doing live session on facebook and doing chapter readings for her followers, getting merchandise ready to send out to her fans, such a book marks, photos, key rings etc. She really worked hard towards building her brand.

As I say, I checked facebook this morning.

A few weeks have passed and I noted Liz was in hospital, she had not been feeling well for the past few weeks I am not sure what the actual problems were, but knowing she was in hospital, and being quite active I did not think too much about it.

Then I read this on my page this morning.

I sit here now readers honestly with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, even though I know this beautiful soul for a short time, she really gave me some light in my life. She really helped me to understand the world of books, I had hoped to have met up with her in the future as Romania is not far from me and now it is not to be. I did not honestly expect Liz to have passed over and it gave me a reminder just how short life really can be.

I want to say something to you all.

Life is not steemit, and steemit is not life. What steemit is about is friendships and support, and a timeline of the good life you have lived. Life is short, very short and it can be gone in an instant. Liz is not the first friend I lost suddenly and I hope never for this to happen to another of my friends, dare I say it might actually will.

With all this shitty politics and bullying going on, it needs to stop. We need to stop giving it so much attention and use steemit for what it's purpose is to enjoy posting quality content and making friends. Money is not everything, in fact its the least important thing, money does not buy you happiness, money does not buy you good health. Money does not buy you friendships. You could step outside tomorrow on the road and be hit by a bus and be gone in an instant.

I would far rather be remembered for the impacts and inspiration I give to other people, than to spend unnecessary time surrendering to what I can only call blatant communists on the platform. I live in a country that served under communist rule for over fifty years, I now look at the aftermath, I live every day seeing the decaying reminders people had of that era, its not a pretty sight for sure.

So readers after reading this I ask you go and take time away from your laptop to be with your loved ones, get a coffee sit in the garden, go to the beach, go for a walk what ever. Remind yourself why you are here and all that is around you, never let it go, never lose that feeling of love and happiness and light around you. I deeply adore you readers and whilst I write this post with tears in my eyes, because I never forget how special you are all to me, I hope this post gives enough inspiration to make some smaller positive impacts on others who really need our help, they really do!

And to the wonderful Liz Lavorschi-Braun you were and are the Leonardo Da Vinci of writing, your work will be timeless and will live on in the hearts of many readers in the years ahead, rest in peace dear dear friend.

Dedicated to Liz Lavorschi-Braun

Thank you for reading

xoxo

My Achievements on Steemit