It's been a little over two years since Dinna [Paperbuff] passed away, leaving us so suddenly. Do you remember her? Do you remember her contributions, her positive attitude? Do you think of her often? Every time I open a 3D model, every time I think of models I want to work on, every time I think of Paperpokes, every time I think of my friends at Paperpokes; I think of Dinna and remember her, and it still hurts.
Now, I know I wasn't as close to her as many were. We did talk often, and I considered us friends. So when I received a text message from Brandon that she had died, my first reaction was stunned disbelief. Next was to go outside in the cold air with my laptop [as my only internet connection at the time was to be outside, leeching off my neighbor] and talk with Brandon, confirm it. I just couldn't believe that she had been taken so suddenly, so early. You know what one of the things that still hurts is? Dinna lived only about twenty miles from me, and we talked about it once or twice, but I never got a chance to visit her.

But, I wanted to thank her again. She was a driving force behind me in the thriving time of Paperpokes when we were all a tight-knit group. She was the gooey sweet stuff [caramel!] that held everyone together; she networked and made it easier for everyone, cheered us up when we needed it, gave us words of inspiration when we were at a loss.

Do you remember the Arcanine papercraft? Without Dinna's pestering me to change it, it would have never been the model it is now. I was so ready to churn it out and work on more and more that I wasn't going to edit the face at all; it would have been super-derpy. Thanks to Dinna, I realized that quality takes a little more effort but makes it all worth it. Making something you're proud of.

When she passed away, there were tributes to her on Facebook, deviantart, Paperpokes.. I never said a word. This wasn't apathy; I tend to react.. quietly, withdrawn to losing someone. I tend to support others who need it. This happened with my aunt, recently. I never posted anything because.. I was afraid my words wouldn't do justice to how I felt. To how she meant to me, to everyone. I didn't write anything because I was too stunned still, to formulate the words to give her a proper tribute. I know even this won't be enough, but every bit helps, and it's about time I finally give her a tribute. Sorry, Dinna; I know I'm a little late here..

Do you remember her? Do you still think of her?


When you remember, do you still cry?



Always in our hearts, you will remain. Thank you, Paperbuff.