Celebrating Michael Spencer, iMonk

I’m grieving the loss of a friend today… a man I never met face to face nor spoke with. Michael Spencer, the internet monk, or the imonk, passed away April 5, 2010 after a four month struggle with cancer. Mike and I corresponded now and then when he started using some of my cartoons on his site. He interviewed me back in November of 2008. This interview and the cartoons he used on his site helped to promote this one, nakedpastor. He was also involved with the site, boarsheadtavern, which also used my cartoons, as well as some of my t-shirt designs. I always found him very friendly, generous and helpful. I am very grateful to him for all he did to help me as a blogger. His energetic output was incredible and inspirational. He’ll be missed.

Sometimes I hear people saying that internet relationships aren’t real, but virtual and superficial. I would argue against that. I’ve made some very good friends online. And the passing of this one, with all the sense of loss and grief, are just as real as if I knew him in person. The loss of Michael is keenly felt.