Today, the blogging community is mourning one of our own. Leslie Sisti of A Blonde Ambition passed away on Monday night from a heart condition that worsened over the last few months. When I saw the news on Tuesday morning, I was in shock, and I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. I’m just heartbroken.

Leslie was one of the first bloggers I started following on a regular basis, even before I started blogging myself. I’ve been following her for so long that I can’t even remember when I started reading her blog. A few years ago, back when blogging was just about sharing your life and meeting new people, I stumbled upon Leslie’s blog.

One of the things I loved about Leslie was that in a sea of mommy bloggers, she was a single girl about my age that I felt like I could relate to. She was a great writer, honest and funny, and her posts always brought a smile to my face. I loved her style posts and beauty posts, but I also loved when she just blogged about what was happening in her life. It was evident that she had a heart for God, and I love that she talked openly about her faith. She loved life, and she was one of the nicest, most genuine girls I think I’ve ever known. We started following each other’s blogs, chatting through comments and emails, and we eventually started talking on twitter and instagram, and I considered her a friend.

I remember being so excited for her when she first talked about Stephen and how they met. I cried tears of joy when she announced their engagement. They seemed so happy together, and I love how the world of blogging brought them together. I loved following along through their wedding planning, and she was one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever seen. I’ve loved watching her become a mother to Caroline and Ainsley, and I have looked forward to seeing their lives as a family of four.

Leslie’s death hit me pretty hard. She shared about her health problems and that things weren’t good, but I never expected to wake up to news that she was gone. It doesn’t seem fair that such a sweet wife and mother was taken so soon. My heart aches for Stephen and the girls and Leslie’s whole family. I can’t imagine what Stephen is going through, and I feel sad for Caroline and Ainsley to have to grow up without their sweet mother.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to start a college fund for Caroline and Ainsley. Please consider donating if you are able. The link is http://www.gofundme.com/d53bgd5p8s, and I know it would mean a lot to the family. Also, please keep Leslie’s family in your prayers as they have a very difficult road ahead of them.

As hard as it is to lose a friend, I’m thankful to have known Leslie through the blog world. She was a light to all of us that knew her, and we will miss her terribly.

Leslie always ended each of her blog posts the very same way, so it seems fitting to end my post that way today.

Be Blessed Lovelies!