On behalf of the entire TNB community, I want to send love and appreciation to Cynthia Hawkins, our longtime Arts & Culture editor, who is battling cancer with uncommon grace and determination. All of us here–and of course I’m referring to our far-flung tribe of writers and editors, both past and present–are deeply moved and inspired by you, Cynthia, and we want you to know how much we care about you and your family.
With this in mind, we figure a good old-fashioned, comment-heavy post here at TNB will cheer you up and give you some more good energy. (All readers are invited to join me in offering positive thoughts on the board below.)
The Internet is often criticized for its tendency to keep people isolated from one another—or “alone together,” as Sherry Turkle likes to say. The best thing about this site is the fact that it has so often worked against this notion. Real friendships and deep correspondences have formed here over the years. This is attributable not to the site itself, but to the quality of the people who create it. Cynthia, you embody this spirit as much as any of us. We’re all grateful.
Keep fighting. Keep being a light. And know that we’re thinking of you, and sending you our hearts.
xo
BL