In Memoriam

Published 9 years, 9 months past

Rebecca Alison Meyer
Ahuva Raya bat Kayla
7 June 2008 – 7 June 2014

Rebecca Alison Meyer, adored daughter of Kathryn (née Fradkin) and Eric Meyer.  Beloved sister of Carolyn and Joshua.  Loving granddaughter of Arthur and Cathy Meyer, Steven and Sandy Fradkin, and the late Carol Meyer and Ada Fradkin.  Rebecca was a cherished niece, cousin, god-daughter, and friend.

Services will be held Thursday, 12 June 2014 at 3:00pm at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, located at 23737 Fairmount Boulevard, Beachwood, Ohio.  Interment will be at Mayfield Cemetery in Cleveland Heights.  The family will observe Shiva at their Cleveland Heights residence Thursday (following services) until 9:00pm; and then Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:00pm–7:00pm.  A brief minyan will be held Thursday night, and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm.

The family requests charitable donations be made in Rebecca’s name to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House or the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.  They further request that those who attend the services and are comfortable wearing purple do so in honor of Rebecca and her favorite color.


If you have a mind to be there, please know that you are welcome — adults and children alike — to the service, interment, and Shiva.  Community has sustained us, and anyone who wishes to be there should be there.  Those traveling to attend should look to the Chagrin/I-271 area for lodging, which is very near Anshe Chesed and near to our home as well.  The service may be live-streamed — apparently that’s a thing our temple does these days — but I can’t be certain that the technology will cooperate.

I will update this post as necessary.


Comments (171)

  1. So very, very sorry.

  2. Kathryn, Eric, Carolyn and Joshua, my heart goes out to all of you. And I will say the kaddish for Rebecca because you have chosen to include us in your journey. I can see her spirit in her photograph and I hope that spirit stays with you the rest of your days.

    Jeff

  3. I’m so sorry for your loss, Eric.

  4. I will light candles in your daughter’s memory during your Shiva. My heart goes out to you and your family.

  5. Sending so much love to you! My heart weeps for you.

  6. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family.

  7. I’m very sorry for your loss, Eric.

  8. Eric and family – my thoughts and prayers go out to you.

    Due to your heart felt and genuine public record of your journey I am sure I can say that many of us feel loss at this news. I cannot imagine how small a fraction our loss is compared to yours.

    As a Christian I can only believe that she is dancing with, and entertaining the angels in Heaven in front of her heavenly Father, demonstrating the wonderful spirit you have shown us through your blog. Imagine the Lord’s delight as He watches that cheeky glint in her eye.

    Of course that is no consolation in your darkest hours. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  9. Dear Eric, Kat, Carolyn, Joshua, and extended family–

    I am so so sorry for this huge loss in your lives. I weep even though I never met Rebecca personally. No parent should have to bury a child. Thank you for sharing so much of this with us, Eric, and my deep condolences go out to all of you.

  10. May Elohei HaShalom and Elohei khol-Nechamah be with you and your loved ones.

  11. Reading the thoughts you’ve shared since you found that Rebecca had cancer (I discovered you via Ferrett’s blog when he wrote about Rebecca), I’m struck by just how loved Rebecca was (and still is!), and it adds something to my world – and the world in general, I believe. Just knowing families and people like you are out there.

    Thank you very much for sharing Rebecca and your family love and thoughtfulness. I am so sorry for the reason though, and will keep you in my thoughts – including “virtual” shiva from where I sit.

  12. I am sorry for all you and your daughter have suffered. HaMakom yinacham…

  13. Eric and family,

    My deepest condolences for your incomprehensible loss. Zichrona livracha, may her memory forever be a blessing.

  14. Colin Yates said it so well. As fellow Christians, we are devastated at your loss but you should know that no one could have done more than the truly heroic efforts you made. It is such bad luck but you do have the joy and future of the remaining family. In the fullness of time, the children will become the stars in you life.

  15. Your family has had a profound impact on me. I wish I e-met Rebecca before. But I treasure what I know of her. I live in India, but will definitely “e-attend” it if it is live streamed to mark my respect for the love and learning Rebecca brought to me for my son.

    I have faced fears I never dared speak, as I read your story and learned to treasure every moment with my son. It is a painful lesson and one I will never ever forget. You made a difference to these two star fishes across the world.

  16. The thoughts and prayers of our family go out to yours. As a father, I can’t imagine the pain of losing one of my children. I’m so sorry for your loss.

  17. My condolences to you and your family. <3

  18. I just realized that Rebecca died on her 6th birthday. This seems significant somehow. I seem to recall in one of your earlier posts you mentioned that she was worried she wouldn’t make it to 6. Well you made it, Rebecca, you hung on.

    I’m sitting shiva with all of you, in spirit. I wish I could be there to meet your extraodinary family, who made Rebecca feel so loved every day of her life. You gave her love and joy; no family could possibly do more than yours did for her.

  19. My condolences to all who know and love Rebecca.

  20. Such a beautiful life. The world is better for having known your Little Spark. Praying for comfort and peace.

  21. ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.

  22. There aren’t enough words or enough tears. I am so sorry, and I am so grateful that she had such amazing parents with her every step of the journey.

  23. Eric and family and extended family – to loose a family member from cancer is utmost cruel, to loose a child is something beyond imagination.
    Religion exists to help people cope and to assure you that Rebecca is now safe (she has always been with you, I’m sure!) and out of the reach of tumors and illnesses.
    Living in Germany I cannot attend your service but will be with you in my heart. May your belief help you cope. I am sure that the community will keep Rebecca in their minds and maybe this can help you in some way man does not really understand because it is too big for our understanding.
    Thanks again for sharing the bright and the dark moments. This is so touching.

    Harald

  24. I will wear purple on the 12th. (It was also my favorite color as a child—I convinced my parents to use it to decorate my room). Greg and I will keep you and Kat and the kids in our thoughts Thank you for sharing Rebecca with us all through this time. The photos you put on Flickr showed such an amazing soul. Sending you strength and love…

  25. Eric, I started reading your updates a few months ago. As a father with an only son, I can’t imagine the heartbreak. But I deeply appreciate you sharing your thoughts, your journey, your pain with the community. I’m a Web developer too, so I feel like if it can happen to you, it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody. You have my deepest condolences, and I wish your family the best going forward.

  26. David and I are so very very sorry. May your happy memories comfort you. Our deepest condolences.

    Sue and David Caban

  27. Eric – I am unable to attend Rebecca’s service and I have a speaking obligation that day. My thoughts will be with you and your family and I will be wearing my purple shirt for the event in honor of Rebecca.

  28. I will wear Purple in her honour on the 12th.

    My thoughts are with you at this terrible time.

  29. We have been praying for Rebecca and for all of your family since I first learned of her illness in early April. We are terribly sorry for your loss, but know that she is smiling down at you in Heaven. Please know that our prayers for all of you continue — prayers for God’s Peace, His Comfort, His Strength, and most of all, His Love to descend upon all of you in your time of grief. My heart breaks for you, and want you to know that you are not forgotten.

    Mike, Cindy, and Sophie Ellis

    Raleigh, NC

  30. Eric, I don’t know you, but I saw you speak at AEA. I’ve never commented or tweeted to you before. I just want you to know that I’ve been following the story about your daughter and am heartbroken to hear about her passing. I’ve even been sharing updates with my wife. My kids have been getting longer and tighter hugs from me lately. I cannot imagine how you feel and am truly sorry.

  31. We are fellow Playmakers parents and are so saddened to learn of your loss. We can only hope that you can find your way back eventually to some kind of healing. May G-d watch over your family.

  32. Hi Eric. My heart goes out to yourself and your family. There are no words to describe loss like this, so I won’t even attempt it. I think I speak for the the web community as a whole when I say that we stand strong behind you and yours. I’m really sorry for your loss.

  33. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words with us in the recent posts. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time :-(

  34. I will wear purple that day, here in our home in Oregon.

  35. To the Meyer family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss and will keep you in prayer.

  36. Blessings to you and your family at this time of deep sadness. May the prayers ascending for you this day become light in the darkness, warmth in the cold, and peace in a time of loss. Sh’ma Yisrael, Adonay Elohainu, Adonay Echad.

  37. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family, and we wish you strength during this difficult time.

  38. Eric, my deepest condolences for your loss.

  39. Our love thoughts and condolences are with you during your time of loss.

    Love From
    John, Celia and the children (Cara, Martin, Thomas, James, Emily, John, Bernadette, William, Elizabeth, Teresa and Benedict)

    “Even before you were born I knew you”….

  40. Rebecca was an exquisite soul. The strength of her created a sea of love and she continues to sparkle. I believe her beautiful spirit will continue to create love and community. What a little teacher and wise, wise soul. You are blessed to have shared your journey and now your community will hold you up. Peace and blessings for Rebecca and your family.

  41. I know that I am just another post from a person whom you have never met, and may never meet. I know that there are no words that I could offer that can provide you comfort or strength. I know that I struggle to find the words to say that can convey how much your family’s journey over these last many months has profoundly touched my heart and made me think about my life and my children and what needs to truly be cherished and coveted in life. While I can not be there in person, I will be wearing purple for your little spark on Thursday. My deepest condolences, prayers, and love go to you all.

  42. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so, so sorry for your loss.

  43. I am so very saddened to hear the news of Rebecca’s passing. I extend my deep sympathy for your loss. I cannot bear to even imagine the loss of, not just a child, but such a fiery delight as Rebecca. Fly with the angels dear Rebecca!

  44. I am so saddened to hear of your daughter’s passing. You and your family have my deepest sympathies.

  45. My condolences Eric.

  46. Eric and family, I’m truly sorry for your loss.

    You guys and Rebecca were always on my prayers every night from the moment I knew about this situation. You’ll still be in my prayers every night.

    Rebecca is in a much better place, and from there she is going to guide you through this process and for the rest of your lives.

    God and his angels descend upon your souls for being the awesome parents you are.

    My deepest sympathies.

  47. So very very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences for you and your family.

  48. There aren’t words for the depth of sorrow that comes from Rebecca’s passing. I will wear purple on June 12th and will be crying with you for the loss of that lovely sparky child. Peace be with you all.

  49. I’m so sorry for your loss, Eric. Thank you for sharing Rebecca’s story with us. While her loss is heartbreaking and your suffering is terrible to witness, I can’t help but smile through the ache when you describe her spark and the delight she brought to those who knew her. I feel encouraged to be more kind, brave, grateful and loving when I think about the fierce love your family has for her. Sending you and yours heartfelt wishes for strength and comfort and peace.

  50. So sorry for you and your family’s loss. There are just no words.

  51. From stardust we come, to stardust we return, with the brightest, briefest flare in between.

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, and thank you for sharing her with us.

  52. So very sorry for your loss and that a life has been cut so young. I can’t imagine the sadness. My deepest condolences.

  53. Hi Eric,

    I feel very sad and sorry to know your loss. It must be a very difficult time for you and your family and although it’s unfair that all the wrong things must happen to the best people, I pray that may God be with you in this difficult time!

  54. Eric and family,

    Just wanted to say sorry for your loss. Like many of us, I’m someone who has long admired you, and more recently, followed your story with anguish and fear. Though we’ve never met, I’ve cried about Rebecca. I can’t imagine what you are all going through. I’m so sorry.

    I also wanted you to know how much I appreciate you sharing the story. I’ve constantly hugged my daughter since hearing the news. I’ll never take her for granted again.

    My deepest condolences for you and your family.

  55. Rebecca, shine on!

    Eric, thank you for sharing your deeply personal story with such grace and candor. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

  56. Passing this on from a friend ….

    What a beautiful child. One of the reasons I believe in God is because there has to be a reason for something like this happening. Otherwise, life would be unbearable. He knows even if those her loved her don’t. I pray they find comfort in knowing that and trusting Him. From a friend of a friend.

  57. We’ve never met — I started following Eric’s twitter because he authored on of the most-referred to books on my shelf. I found something completely different — a record of a struggle and heartbreak that permanently altered how the lens through which I see the world. I am more sorry than you can know for your loss, but I’m nonetheless humbled by and grateful for the clarity and grace with which Eric shared both the encroaching darkness and the rays of light that sometimes broke through it. I wish the best for you and your family gong forward from this. I’ve made a donation to St Baldrick’s in memoriam.

  58. Like many here, I started following you some time ago in light of your excellent books, and feel like I’ve been on this journey with you all this time. I heard the news today and it broke my heart.
    I know from everything you’ve written that Rebecca’s time here may have been shorter than most, but it was brighter than most, too. It’s very clear that she knew she was deeply loved by her family and friends.
    Stay strong in this time and seek comfort in each other. Live every day to make her proud.

  59. I’m so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and yours. I have tears in my eyes, and wish I could do something to relieve the pain you must be feeling.

  60. (Just another web developer/big fan of Eric who stumbled onto this sad story months ago via Twitter.)

    So sorry Eric and family. Thanks so much for sharing your story, though. I know I’m not alone in feeling that I have your family’s story to thank for my renewed sense of gratitude for the health of those I love.

    I hope that you can find some comfort in each other, in the evidence that so many people obviously care so much for you, and in knowing that your amazing child touched so many lives.

  61. Sending our love to everyone. We will miss her terribly.

  62. Eric, I have been following your odyssey for quite some time. I have been reading, crying, hoping with you, even though we have never met in person. I have a 3 year old girl myself and I cannot even think how I’d feel if she’d die. I am so so sorry for you loss and I which you and your family my upright condolences. I am sorry.

  63. Feeling so sorry for your loss.
    On 12th, at 11:00 (Paris time) i will light a purple candle and be with you in my thoughts.

  64. Cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

  65. Deepest sympathies

  66. Eric, please accept my sincere condolences. This was so fast, I can’t believe it.

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  68. I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss, Eric. My thoughts are with you and yours.

  69. I’m so, so sorry, Eric.

  70. I’m so sad that this star has gone out. Rebecca was a joy to be around. My heart goes out to you, Cat, Carolyn, Josh and the rest of your family and community.

  71. Eric, I am so very sorry. My sympathies to you and your family. I cannot imagine the pain. All of you will be in my thoughts.

  72. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have been following everything through your Twitter account and barely know how to process what you are going through. God bless you and your family.

  73. Over the past few months, I have kept you and your family in my thoughts more than you can imagine since we barely know each other. I join the others in extending my deepest sympathies.

  74. Eric, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. As a designer, I have read your books, followed your updates and hoped for the best for your child. It is saddening to find out these news. My deepest sympathies and support in this time of mourning.

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  76. heartbroken, I have no words, I will never forget Becca.

  77. My sincere condolences to you and your family, Eric.

  78. Remember that you’re loved.

  79. Dear Eric and family, there are no words. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your girl.

  80. Dear Eric:

    I hope you will all find comfort in all of the wonderful memories you made together. I’ve rarely read such loving words so beautifully crafted from a father to a daughter; the one thing that really resonates is how much Rebecca was truly loved.

    We planted a tree here at the ranch in Rebecca’s memory. Rebecca was one of the 3 kids who inspired our goodybox program; and we will never forget her.

    I know you will find a way to keep her memory alive and if there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

    Much love to you all, now and always, M

  81. So sorry for your loss. My sympathies for you and your family.

  82. Eric,
    no words can make a difference, especially not today. While you say good bye, please know that we are all with you, showering you with all our love from afar ~ wishing it could help…

    May Rebecca’s spark continue to shine in all our hearts x

  83. I am truly, deeply sorry for your loss.
    My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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  85. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

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  87. Eric, I’ve been following your work from the earliest days of Evolt and, more recently, on Twitter, where I have watched this tragedy unfold. As a father of a small boy my worst fear is losing him, no parent should have to bury their child. Please accept my condolences to you & all your family.

  88. Hugs. And keep on.

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  90. Oh my heavens. I am so terribly sad for you. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and pass them on to your family.

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  92. Eric and family. So sorry to hear such sad news about Rebecca. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  93. My deepest condolences. While I can’t imagine what you’re all going through, this has been such a heartbreaking journey for us who you’ve allowed in via your blog posts and tweets. Joyful, too, at times, poignant always, and so incredibly strong. I never met Rebecca, not in person, but I will never forget her.

    All my love is with you and your family, Eric.

  94. Eric and family, my sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you all.

  95. Hi Eric and family, Be strong. Prayers. Best, umd

  96. We’re all with you Eric, Kathryn and family. You’re such beautiful, meaningful people. Much love

  97. Mr. Meyer and family, my heart and prayers go to you. I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I’m a parent too.

  98. Going by the photo, she looks to have had a beautiful energy and spirit and I’m sure she was a joy of your family’s life. We must be grateful for the time we have together..

  99. i’m brokenhearted of reading these words. my condolences, Eric and family

  100. Our daughter Clodagh shares was born on the same day as Rebecca. I gave Clodagh an extra special hug on her sixth birthday and I will make sure I give her a special ‘Rebecca’ hug on every future birthday.

    Love, tears and compassion.

  101. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

    to you and your family.

  102. My deepest condolences. I’ve lost family to cancer as well but a child this young? Even at this remove I’m heartbroken for you. I participate in St. Baldricks and will do so next year with her in mind. I wish you strength for your journey back to joy.

  103. As a parent I have lived with the occasional yet terrifying thought of something terrible happening to my little boy – yet always assuaged by the knowledge that whatever fears I had where not a reality.

    I truly hope your love and belief in each other as family and human beings will see you through the agony of your loss.

  104. I just found your blog. I struggled with cancer five years ago. It was a most miserable year with a couple of very close calls. But I always felt, I’d rather have it be me than one of my children. I was lucky.

    For a parent, there is no greater pain than the loss of a child. When my daughter was born, I suddenly realized that I was not any longer a leaf or out branch on the tree of life, but had become much closer to the trunk. It was not about “me” any longer. And I suddenly understood the previously unfathomable, willingly giving your life for somebody else.

    I am atheist. But as humans we have to seek purpose. No life lived is in vain, no matter, how short. If lived consciously, it is meaningful. And children tend to be so aware at an early age. My experience almost dying and being in the company of people, who died, has made me believe that there is more. Familiar with science, I am very conscious of the limits of our knowledge. It gives me hope that there is more in that vast space of ignorance we have, that realm of wonder.

    Meanwhile, reading your fragments I grieve with you. With your loss, all of us parents lose. But I hope, you can find light past your sorrow. There are your other children to be cared for, there is more life to be lived until we all go that same path into the light.

    Heartfully,
    – Harald

  105. Heartfelt condolences to you all… so very sorry for your loss.

  106. So sorry for your loss.

  107. So very sorry for your loss, tears poured for your pain thru the post I read.
    I’m a new website designer have only built 3 so far and it has been such a challenge. My favorite colors have always been red, white and black, but a college professor steared me against using that in a logo, saying it makes people think you’re going bankrupt, so I started designing it anyway and changed it to lime green and purple. Other designers were against purple that I seemed to accidently use for my college projects. Iin memory of your daugter, I’m changing my twitter & facebook profile to a clown I designed that is on my website . As a child I loved clowns. I wasn’t scared like some are. I hope your daughter likes it…

    Many blessings for you and all your loved ones at this time.

  108. so, so, so very sorry.

    “Thank you, whatever comes,”
    and then she went swiftly from me
    like the sun on fading flowers
    when the wind hath lifted them aside.
    Nay. Whatever comes, one hour was sunlit
    and the most high gods may not make boast
    of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed.
    – Ezra Pound

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  111. My heartfelt sympathy.

  112. My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family.

    I can’t imagine the grief and sorrow you and your family is going through, I pray that the Lord takes that pain and turns it into something positive.

    With much love

  113. I just found our about your Family’s Loss. I am so very sorry & offer my very deepest of sympathy. I am sending my prayers and thoughts to you & yours. May you always cherish the time you had with your little angel.

  114. I’m so sorry for your loss. We don’t know each other but after reading about your story today it sadden me immensely and I felt the need to reach out. I’m also a father of a young daughter and I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. I share a birthday with Rebecca and even thought it is very small I will think of her on my birthdays in the future. My sincere sympathies

  115. I simply don’t have words strong enough, or deep enough, to express my sympathies over the loss of this incredible, beautiful child. Our hearts go out to you and your family, in so many ways.

  116. I’m so very sorry for your loss. As the father of a six year old daughter, I can barely imagine what you must be going through. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

  117. Deeply saddened by this loss. Condolences from me and my family.
    May she be at peace.

  118. Eric, I have tried reaching out in official places, but I strongly disagree with the movement to alter CSS standards to memorialize your daughter. Please consider the logic of the matter and leave the emotion out of it. I do think this is an inappropriate place, but these web CSS standards changes have been discussed and decided in inappropriate places (as bugs in bug trackers).

    Leave personal tributes out of web standards, keep things neutral.

  119. Joe, my daughter died less than two weeks ago. It is impossible for me leave the emotion out of it. I retain just barely enough rationality to know this, and be able to act accordingly. That is why I placed the decision in the hands of the Working Group, and have refrained from commenting on the various debates and positions taken. This is the limit of what I can do now.

  120. CSS is not more important than life Joe. Leave the poor man alone and get some class

  121. Having started reading this blog for the purely technological posts, I have continued to read it off-and-on for the personal posts. I have been deeply moved by what you have been willing to share, and my thoughts go out to you and your family.

  122. Love you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.

  123. As a grandfather it stuns me as that awful awful thing takes another young life. Clearly there is work to be done.

  124. May the Almighty comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

  125. Hi Eric,

    Being a web/frontend developer myself i stumbled about this tragic story and wanted to share one little thing… my birthday is on the 7th of June. My Dad died also because of cancer on the 7th of June 2010 (it was my 30th birthday). Dont know what that means, but i think its just weird. And guessing “why that date?” keeps going on …

    I cant and dont want to imagine how that must feel, being a father of two little ones. My deepest condolences to your family from Germany.

    Timm /sideburnjim

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  128. My thoughts are with you and your family. Reading about your little, beautiful Rebecca and her tragical story made me feel so sad – I can’t even imagine how you and your loved ones feel now. I am so sorry. The hearts of me and my family go out to you!

  129. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.

  130. You don’t know us, but our family just wanted to let you know we are very sorry for you loss, we will offer our prayers for you and yours. – Tom McCarthy and family

  131. my sincere condolences.

    when cancer hits, whether to oneself or to a loved one, neither reason nor emotion is adequate. A #color is a wonderful token of remembrance.

  132. Eric and Family, you also do not know me but you have made countless contributions in my life with your vast technical experience and knowledge in general, Every time we give we also impart a part of our selves to others.
    My heart goes out to you and your family cause beneath the exterior that we present to the outside world we are all human. I will definitely pray for you and your family for healing and strength.
    God be with you.

  133. So sorry to hear of your loss. You have done so much for the online community that I wanted you to know that many of us who do not know you personally are thinking of you.

  134. Sincere Condolences. May God give you and your family, the strength to bear this tragic loss.

  135. Glad to see Rebecca Purple has made it to the spec and is already implemented in webkit.

  136. To the Meyer Family,

    I just saw the article about Rebecca in the most recent Heights Observer. I am so very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed having Rebecca in my summer and winter programs. Her lively spirit made her stand out among all.

    In the most recent camp, I was stunned with Rebecca’s calm nonchalant attitude regarding her diagnosis. She arrived on the first day of camp with a partially shaved head from the surgery. I was so impressed when I overheard Rebecca and Carolyn explain to other children that she was recovering from brain surgery…As if they were talking about something completely ordinary and plain. We all react to trauma in different ways…but it was truly amazing to watch the level of poise that your children demonstrated. For an instance, I thought that I was listening to an adult conversation.

    Rebecca loved her Carolyn and vice versa. They were inseparable. One instance, we went on a field trip to the Euclid Creek Metropark. Halfway up our creek hike Rebecca decided to climb up a the side of the creek to explore some area above the creek. Rebecca was so excited about the upward climb that she didn’t realize how steep the descent would be….Which is typical of her adventurous spirit. Carolyn was the first on the scene to help her little sister down and together they rolled down through the dirt, and likely poison ivy.

    It was a true pleasure to know Rebecca. She will surely be missed within all of her circles.

  137. Pingback ::

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  138. I am so, so sorry.I would give you a hug right now if I could. It’s just not fair. Why these things happen, I don’t know, but, it’s just not fair. My little girl has been fighting cancer for a year now. She’s 10. You, your wife, and kids are in my thoughts.

  139. Pingback ::

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  140. I just read of your loss. Like others, you contributions have been so meaningful to me.

    We will use and use the color “rebeccapurple” with the respect it deserves

  141. Pingback ::

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  142. What a gorgeous little girl, and apparently such a beautiful and loving soul. Be happy, you were so fortunate and blessed to be graced with her for 6 years. I only read about her story just now on a Facebook post about the year in review; I’m sorry I wasn’t lucky enough to know her.

    I hope some day I might have a daughter even half as lovely as her.

    Shalom.

  143. I’m so sorry for your loss. Mine just popped up this week with the first picture of our baby sister who died. It was extremely upsetting. Once I figured out they were just picking random pictures I couldn’t blame Facebook, but myself. It was a good reminder to pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones.

  144. Rebecca was an absolutely beautiful girl. I am so sorry for your loss. Peace to you and your family, somehow, someway. Love, Linda

  145. We’re so sorry to hear about the death of your gorgeous, smart and endearingly cheeky daughter. We only read about it through an article written on the unfortunate effects of the Facebook feature. Our deepest sympathies.

  146. I found your story about Facebook’s Year in Review snafu, and my heart sank. As a father of four little ones myself I cannot imagine the pain you must have felt at losing Rebecca. She’s between Shoshana (my oldest daughter) and Gilad (my oldest son) in age. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope the coming year brings healing, and may the memory of your daughter continue to touch others, reminding us of what’s really important in this world.

  147. Pingback ::

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  149. Dear Eric,
    I am so sorry for your loss,I lost my sister,about 5 years ago,and i still miss her so much,so I know what you must go trough. <3

  150. Through the link in the article about Facebook’s Year in Review I found your blog and spent the afternoon meeting Rebecca. Thank you for sharing your family’s journey. I’m so sorry for your unimaginable loss but so glad you allowed us to be touched by the joy of Rebecca’s spirit.

  151. So sorry. For your loss of your child.. She seemed so sweet and innocent. I am sure she is in a better place now! :)

    Ps. Btw. speaking of “. The family will observe Shiva..” giving tribute/or observing to the hindu god Shiva, god of death, destruction and rebirth what will you gain? Is that something to worship when you can worship the God of life and resurection: Jesus? I don’t get why westerners get so attracted by such religion.. I guess it’s through being lulled by spiritual practices like Yoga who aledgedly brings peace, while not thinking on many parts depressing religious teachings who lay behind it.

    People saying that Hinduism and New Age is more optimistic than Christianity should think about the hindu concept of the afterlife is just that the karma life flows will pass on to the ether and aventionaly to another lifeform, who will pass on and that is a negative thing.. So basically life as we know it where we life with our loved ones is a bad thing according to most forms of Hinduism..

    Merry christmas! I hope you may come to Gods peace the creator through his son Jesus Christ he gives rest to the burdened!

  152. Pingback ::

    Facebook le amargó la Navidad a un padre con su “revisión del año” y tuvo que disculparse

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  153. I’m so sorry that your daughter died. I look at the picture you posted and I feel a loss of her potential in our world. Much love you your family.

  154. Eric, I’m terribly sorry for your family’s loss. A good friend of mine also lost her child this year to cancer. It’s a cruel disease. I am additionally sorry that Facebook’s algorithm caught you off guard with the year in review. Algorithms lack empathy. Finally, I’m sorry that at least one person took your child’s loss as an opportunity to proselytize. I will ask my Friends of all faiths to keep you family in their thoughts and prayers.

    Thank you for sharing Rebecca’s story. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Thank you for being so open and honest about everything. Professionally, I’m an avid follower and fan of your work. Personally, I’m a fan of you and your family through the posts you’ve shared. Keep being awesome.

  155. I’m so sorry.

  156. I have no words to comfort you and your family. I can only offer my prayers that you may find strength and peace in the days ahead.

  157. First of all, my heartfelt sympathy to Mr Meyer and his family. I am truly sorry for your loss. aleha ha-shalom.

    Now I do not want to turn this into a war of words but I read the comment by ‘Andreas Bengter’ above and I honestly do not know whether to laugh or cry at such utter display of ignorance.

    Not only Mr Bengter got his wires crossed by confusing the Jewish rite of grievant (Shiva) with a Hindu god, but the sole intent of his comment was to look down on other people’s faith and spread his view of religion and ‘his saviour’ JC.

    Whether one is a Jew, Muslim, Christian, Zoroastrian or Buddhist, I am hoping that people can learn how to respect other people’s faith, in particular the faith of the author of this post at such difficult time. Nobody deserves to read such nonsense in such trying times.

  158. Eric (and Kat, Carolyn and Joshua). Of course I’ve stumbled into your story from the FB stuff, but as a parent myself, got caught up and spent the last two hours learning about Rebecca and being a time traveller of sorts.

    Since I’ve read everything all I’ll say is I’m very sorry, and there are no words. I’ll also add that even though I’m a stranger (though being a web geek since 96 not entirely) I’ll also venture that if there’s anyway I can ever help, let me know — and though I’m too far away for laundry and the like, just know that your child still touches others one way or another.

  159. Only 6 years old… oh god.. why?

  160. I was brought here from an article: The problem with algorithms. I don’t know much what all to say, I’m never too good at that, but I’ve lost people very close to me. I know it can be hard, but keep moving forward for the ones you’ve lost. It will get better, maybe not exactly the same, but it will get better.

  161. Je suis sincèrement désolée du désagrément qui vous est arrivée sur Facebook
    Allah yerhamaha, may Allah bless her soul, amin

  162. I came here to learn about CSS, and scrolling down learnt about your unbearably untimely loss. We don’t know each other personally, but I offer you my condolences. I pray to God to give you and family strength.

  163. Dear Kathryn and Eric and family.

    I’d like to pass this on, without any airs and graces or “I know something you don’t”, without dogma, religion or psychic intent.
    In the midst of a deep, deep personal near-death journey a few years ago, I found myself asking about death, life and beauty, and a very quiet inner voice answered,”Nothing is lost. Nothing is wasted.” That’s all…nothing is lost.

    Love to all of you.

    John

  164. Pingback ::

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  165. Pingback ::

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  166. Pingback ::

    My Newly Adopted Color: Rebecca Purple - GeorgeAppiah.com

    […] ALISON MEYER passed away on her sixth birthday. Having survived rounds of treatment for cancer, the little girl, the adored […]

  167. I’ve been working with CSS for the past 5 years professionally. Never really browsed Eric Meyer until today. I am so sorry for your loss. Watch over us from heaven, Rebecca.

  168. Dear Eric ,

    I am very sorry for your loss.

    Much love from Athens Greece,

    Leonidas

  169. Bye Rebecca. So sorry you didn’t get to spend more time with us, here. You have been loved, I am so glad of that. You are resting and in peace. My thoughts are with the ones who must miss you so much, every day.

  170. May her memory be a blessing

  171. Dear Eric,

    I am very sorry for your loss, I only found about this when I was writing a website and the color it suggested me was rebeccapurple. This is such a nice memorial of rebbeca. May her soul be in peace

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