MY TRIBUTE TO DOOCE

My tribute to Dooce, (Heather B. Armstrong), the American blogger who sadly died at the age of 47 is long overdue, but I feel I simply can’t let this tragedy go unmentioned. So my apologies that it’s so late, but better late than never.

She leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of blogging, and her influence will continue to be felt for years to come. As a fellow “mummy blogger”, I’m grateful for the inspiration she provided in the early years and the connections she fostered. She was one of the first bloggers on the scene and started her blog “Dooce” in 2001. She soon had 8 million readers a month and went on to write several books.

I will never forget the power of her words or the art of her storytelling. She was a brilliantly clever, funny and compassionate writer and wrote so beautifully, mainly about her girls. I’d like to remember Heather, celebrate her remarkable contributions and offer condolences to her family, friends, and to her loyal band of readers, of which I was one.

A snail with her daughter in the background, taken by Dooce

The blogging world has lost a true pioneer and an inspiration to many. I, like many,  felt a deep connection with Heather’s journey and her impact on the blogging community. She was BRAVE. Her journey in the world of blogging began in the early 2000s, and she quickly became a trailblazer in the field of mummy blogging. Her candid and humorous approach to sharing her experiences as a mother resonated with countless readers worldwide. She tackled motherhood’s ups and downs with an authenticity that made us all feel a little less alone in our struggles. She also wrote about addiction and mental health issues with wit and unflinching honesty. I’m quite sure she helped many of us along our journey’s but in the end, she sadly couldn’t save herself.

Her willingness to discuss issues like postpartum depression, mental health, and the challenges of parenting was groundbreaking. Through her openness, she helped break the stigmas surrounding these topics, fostering a sense of community among her readers who could relate to her vulnerability.

One of Heather’s greatest talents was her ability to capture the ordinary and extraordinary moments of motherhood in a way that made us all stop and appreciate the beauty in the chaos. Her writing and photography skilfully documented her family’s journey, reminding us that even the everyday moments are worth cherishing. Her photos were astounding, the light she found…and she loved her dogs too.

Through her blog, Heather created a space where mums from all walks of life could connect, share stories, and find support. Her comment sections were often filled with heartfelt conversations, making her blog more than just a platform – it was a community. We owe a debt of gratitude to Heather for the path she paved. She showed us the power of vulnerability, the importance of sharing our stories, and the impact it can have on others. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of writers and bloggers to come. She was the Queen of the mummy bloggers and whilst it’s strange to feel such a strong connection with someone you’ve never actually met, that was the power of blogging back in the day.  Although she also was voted Forbes’ most influential woman in 2009.

To Heather’s family, especially her daughters, who we all felt we knew to a certain extent, I extend my deepest condolences. Heather’s love for you shone through in her writing and her life. She touched the hearts of many and it’s truly heartbreaking that she’s gone. She will be dearly missed.