Xzavia Yifu's Memorial Service

 

 By Bixyl Shuftan

 

On Saturday March 11, people gathered to pay last respects to Xzavia Yifu. Most noted for being a content creator, trading her wares under the brand Timeless Textures, she had passed away on February 1 due to complications from Covid, which she had been hospitalized for around Christmas 2022 and did not recover from. She is survived by at least one son.

A "Celebration of Life" service was soon planned, and as 1PM approached people began gathering high above the Suri sim at Eagle's Memorial. The event was held in a chapel area with numerous seats. As more people came in, additional seats were placed just outside the opening. Leading the service were Wyv the FloxMonster™ (Wyvern Dryke) (sometimes still called Wyvvy) and Kitkow.

Wyv would greet everyone, "Welcome, everyone, and thank you all for coming out today.  I am so glad to see you all. I want to give a special thanks to everyone who has helped make this happen.  I won't try to list you, because there are several, and my brain has been mush for the past several weeks.  You know who you are, thank you. ♥ (I know if I try to list you, I'll forget someone) Thank you all for coming today.  I am deeply honored to deliver this eulogy for our dearest Xzavia. . . . Seeing you all here now, I suspect that if Xza -were- here, she would blush furiously and demand what all this fuss is about.  She was as humble as she was talented, and never wanted the spotlight for herself. Yet here we are, to remember and love her.  So let's begin.

"Xzavia was a remarkable person, who touched many lives with her kindness, creativity, and generosity.  She had a unique talent for creating beauty that nearly everyone could appreciate, right away.  Her textures are varied and colorful, bright and dark, lively, somber, and everything in between. Most people knew Xzavia for her art, but I was privileged to know a more hidden side.  For one thing, she was a fierce and determined provider for her child. Like many of us here, Xzavia had ongoing health issues, and that meant her SL store provided much of her income.  It was an endless battle.  There was never a thing such as 'time off.' However, that experience made her a competent and talented entrepreneur.  She taught me many things over the years, and for that I am so deeply grateful.

"Another thing most people might not know is, Xzavia had a tremendous sense of humor.  She did not always show it in public, but it bubbled always under the surface.So many times I recall, while we might be talking seriously in group chat, she and I would be giggling like kids in private IMs. She brought me so much joy, so much laughter and happiness.  I miss that terribly, but I am so, so grateful to have known it while she was here.  Thank you, Xzavia.  I miss you, sweetie.

"I want to talk about remembering her, before I go. Xzavia's great skill with textures has inspired and enabled others to create new things.  In that way, she spread new beauty and joy throughout Second Life.  That effect continues even today. Although we may be devastated now by her loss, we can honor Xzavia's memory in many ways.  For one, we can carry on her spirit of giving and creating. Remember Xzavia's generous soul.  She gave freely of both gifts and assistance. Furthermore, Xzavia taught us to create beauty and joy--not just through art, but through our friendship and camaraderie. So as we say goodbye to Xzavia, let us remember her legacy and the impact she had on our lives. More importantly, let us carry forward her spirit of generosity and creativity, by using our own talents to make this world a better place. Go forth!  Create, give, and love. Thank you. ♥"

Kitkow would comment, "To add to what Wyv said, Vel (velcon.ethaniel) created the dress I and others are wearing today using Xzavia's textures. That's how far and wide her reach hit."

Others were invited to make comments. AutumnVenus would say, "I didn't know her personally, but I love her textures, you can tell she put a lot of hard work into them I think I speak for all of us when I say 'Xavia you will be missed, rest in peace.'"

Star (astarrynite Resident) commented, "I was in a Post Apocalyptic world for a few years, and I asked Xzavia if she had anymore post-apoc textures, and boy did she make a lot of 'em.  A ton over the next few years. She always was so eager to help. Eagle too." She would later add, , "Did anyone ever cheat in Xzavia's store for the Twisted Hunt?  Derender the walls?  I did one time and wow! Talk about Wicked." Elixia commented, "Only one time, star? You have self control!"

Roshy Aura spoke, "I can still picture in my head her very old store way back on 2010. She used to have two huge cubes near the front center just next to the group gifties and MM board. She always sat on top of one of them, so cute, and never ever refused a casual and friendly chats with us the visitors to her place - anyone remember that? It will always be the way I see her."

 

She would later add, "Her amazing textures are all over the world here and will always be, she is still with us. And speaking of this I just realized the other day that the house I am working right now (my last project) has her textures all over the floors. And I did not do this intentionally.. They were just the best set for this project."

'Kins (Olliekins McAndrews) would say, "I've known Xzavia for over a decade, first meeting her in one of her shop locations as many of you may have done. A casual conversation here and there in passing led to longer chats about everything from pumpkin pie recipes to the ups and downs of our lives over the years. Like Wyv, we joked in IM while chatting in group or working. I've moved through various shop locations for both of us over the years, laughing as we set things up and tore them down again later. I've been pretty reclusive the last couple of years, trying to find my footing in both worlds again. Xzavia was always an anchor here, and I'm sad to lose both that solid connection and the typist behind the pixels. She will be sorely missed."

Elixia Writer spoke, "There have been others who have mentioned laughing in IM with her along chats. Even in the face of her great creativity, generosity, and other many strengths. I, for one, will miss her positively WICKED sense of humor. It's what I will remember most about her aside from her unselfish love for others, particularly those she considered part of her pride."

Penny Dreadful (Gothicmuse Resident) spoke, "X was a very good friend. Like her, I have severe depression, and and I could always count on her to understand and be supportive. I will miss our hours-long chats about our kids, men in our lives, and everything else under the sun. She was a wonderful and kind person, and while I will miss her always, I'm very grateful for the time I got to spend with her. Thank you for listening. Miss you, X! (heart)"

 

Kitkow would read a notecard from ShellyAnn Jun Lefavre (mshellyann), "Xzavis was my auntie in this world for over 16 year.  We had a very loving and private relationship.  I feel blessed to have been able to talk to her the day before she passed.  I i will miss her beyound words. Your words and presence here today have touched my heart. Thank you for being here and honoring her today. Please keep her memory in your heart as you play her kindness forward. Shelly."

Beth Ghostraven commented, "I'm wearing a dress that I made from one of her textures, to honor her memory."

 

Larree Quixote would say, "More important than her amazing work, was her kindness. She will be missed. Her huge heart will be missed."

Pieni Resident spoke, "X was one of those people who I feel I should have been close with. The ones here who are in Second Life for a lot of hours and have been for a long time, know, how SL is, we come and go. (It) does not mean we do not care. I was so close with Eagle, that he became one of my Uncles. I spent years in his store and so saw X around, too. She always made people welcome. Not just ones who were like her, but everyone. Seeing her textures in every possible hunt and charity thing made me feel better. Me and Eagle were not as close (in) the last years. Not for lack for caring, again, but just different paths. But we sent real-life cards and were always family. I have to tell you how good it felt, when X was so kind to me in his memorial and how she honored him. I was surprised, that she went so quickly after that. I do think they are in peace now. And I thank you X for all you did for the community here, for the outcast and the insiders, and for me. Thank you.

 

"We heard lot about Eagle here, but I think for good reason, I'm so happy he had a friend like X (heart)"

The last sizable comment would be from Kitkow, who had been saving it for last, "I met Xzavia shortly after I was 'born' in 2011.  It was during a hunt that I found her store. Her store was being hosted on Eagle Wilder's (USC Textures) region.  I got to talking to both, but really got personal with Xzavia.  When Eagle passed, I told X anything you need and I will make it happen to my best ability. I promised her before that that anything in regards to her or her store I have her back.  We became friends on Discord and I joined the TT group on there.  I chatted her a few days before her passing (on Feb 1), but found out she was gone on Valentine's Day.  I was the first person who learned of this because her son went on her Discord account and I was up at 2:30-3:00am.  I passed the news to one person, and she created a chain reaction that got the message over to Wyv.  Wyv and I were able to talk and coordinate with the other fine folks here.  I miss her so so much.  I would also like to say thank you to Leslea Aldrin in helping to find our Videographer."

"Thank you to MaKenna for providing the venue and beautiful decorations, and to Wyv for being so helpful with all this. ...Thank you Jackson Redstar for being our Videographer. And thank you Wendi Linden for helping with crowd control"

There would be other smaller comments. Elixia Writer would say, "Thank you to Kit for spending hours working on notecards to update us all on those we've lost." Fyre (fyreflower Resident), who was lightly dressed, would say, "Xza wouldn't have minded that I'm not appropriately dressed for a memorial, she used to joke that she at least asked bits be covered if possible. ... for me just seeing her staring at her walls changing things out, talking real talk and love, will be my memories to live on, just like every place I ever eagerly bought and used, and will continue y=to use her artwork." Wendi Linden was there, but would say nothing, other than her wearing of a black dress as a sign of respect. 

 

After a few more chances at last comments, the tinies in the audience would do a riverdance, with Wvy and a few of the "biggies" joining in.  Soon after, people began to go their separate ways, "it was a beautiful ceremony." "Thank you all, this was lovely,"

 

People

Looking Back at ComCat Fenstalker

ComCat Fenstalker has died.

Yours truly knew her as an occasional visitor to the Happy Vixen and Club Cutlass, and some other Sunweaver events. Standing out in a bovine avatar when most everyone else was a fox, bunny, wolf, normal human, etc, she was certainly a unique personality around. It was unwelcome, sad news when word began getting around on the evening of Friday May 15. Her real-life age was 70, something not revealed to most until after her passing.

"Came as a shock," Dusk Griswold told me, saying she and Violet Solano, "were both good friends with CC. We were almost a team. I think I first met her at Amaranth. Amaranth was her home club, but I'd invite her to Happy Viven or Cutlass if nothing was happening there. One of those people who stand out. And very creative when it came to themes. We'd always look forward to how she'd dress for themes. Might show up at 'Come as your are' as an av of a U and and R, and an R, too.

"Always had a dance chim, I'd always wait for her to show up at the club before dancing, and she'd invite me and usually several others to the chim, so we'd all dance together. Her and Vi and I were kind of an unofficial team.

"One thing I know her player liked to do was give phone scammers a hard time. Her thinking was, the longer they were on the phone, the fewer people they could scam. So she'd waste as much of their time as possible.

"She was also good at modding, I learned some of my modding skills from her. Remember my Gazelle from 'Zootopia' av? That would not have come about without her help.

"Also, could always count on CC to attend RFL events. She was very popular, a lot of people will really miss her. ... overall, we have lost one of the nicest, most creative and funny furs I have ever known. We don't know what happened, and Vi does not plan to find out. ... It has really hit the Amaranth family hard.

"Know how sometimes we meet what we realize are special people? If that makes sense. CC was one of those special people."

I would later talk to Violet Solano. She told me she had known her for seven or eight years, "It's amazing how many people CC knew. FullAuto posted a notice in Raglan shire chat, and there was 15 minutes of river dancing and mooing. ... "It's amazing how many people she touched. I have people I never knew IMMing me, thanking me for the info."

Violet would tell me they met, "at a club in a now long gone vintage Los Angeles sim. I used to go to listen to swing music. (I) met her there, brought her back to Amaranth, and she was just part of the family in very short order. There was no place where she didn't get along."

As a member of the Relay's Meli's Maniacs team, she did much to keep spirits up, "and sadly there's no possible way to tell all her friends of her passing. And that's the saddest part of it. To a lot of people, she is just going to be one of the vanished."

She would go on to say she had fond memories of her, "running battles on the sim surface between her and her power shout and me with my dubstep. Or with tanks, guns, or getting a few of us in jex avatars and big game outfits going on the great jexpidition on the old Grendal's jungle sims. CC was  a silly old graymuzzle who only wanted people around her to have fun and be happy."

"As one of our other club staff, Kulara Darkstone,  posted in Facebook : "

In loving memory of ComCat Fenstalker aka CC. Our beloved bovine avatar friend. CC was a great friend to everyone. She was Funny, Smart, Clever, Kind, Generous and loved a good PUN and loved silly gadgets in Second Life. All she wanted was a "stable" home, and she was "udderly" bodacious 

Sadly, the story of a resident whom just wanted to make others happy, has come to it's close. What are left are the screenshots, tales, and memories.

Bixyl Shuftan

When A Friend Passes Away

By Deaflegacy

Most of my story will be about real-life, but it's one I need to tell.

October 27, 2018, was one of the hardest days I had in my life.  It was the day that my best friend of nearly four years passed away.  Her name has been changed to give her friends and family privacy so I will settle on Yvonne.  My other best friend, Larry (name changed for the same reason) texted me.  He wanted me to call him.  So I called Larry.  It was then Larry told me that Yvonne had passed away.  At first, I thought Larry was kidding and Larry said no.  We made an arrangement to meet. Larry's girlfriend, Beth (name changed for the same reason) and Larry pick me up.  We stopped by Yvonne's house.  It then hits me.  Yvonne is gone.  She's not coming back. 

We knew it was going to happen because Yvonne kept falling asleep.  She passed away in her sleep most likely from a heart failure.  I miss Yvonne very much.  Even when Beth told me that I have to move on, I still miss her very much.  If there is one thing that never will change, it's that Yvonne will still be my inspiration.  She was one of the few people who inspired me to write in my journal every day.  Even when Yvonne is gone, I will continue to write in my journal every day for Yvonne. 

But I know Yvonne will not be forgotten. I remember last year when Bixyl and Gemma told me about their SL friend Breezes Babii passing away. Her friends came together to give her a funeral here in Second Life. They still talk about her once in a while. A few weeks ago, Akea Grommet, another of Bixyl's SL friends, passed away. Akea's friends gathered at his partner's house here in Second Life to share stories about him. Some hadn't seen him a long time, but still they came to pay their respects.

At least, I know that Yvonne is at peace.  She is in a better place and that's why I'm tell you all about my best friend of nearly four years.  Yvonne was a wonderful and kind person, who cared very much about me.  Even though I know that Yvonne is in a better place now, it doesn't stop me from missing her.  From the day I left her house, carrying a large teddy bear, I know right now that Yvonne is with me.  Best Friends Forever.

Deaflegacy

"Your Mother Has Cancer"

By Deaflegacy,


“Your mother has cancer,” I was told one day.  “It's too late.  They're moving her to the hospice.”  That was what I heard in 2013.  That was the year I was living in Langley before I moved somewhere else. 

My best friend was still alive back then.  We would take a trip to the Langley Hospice so we could visit Mom.  I remember wanting to spend as much time as I could with Mom and at the same time, I can feel that I'm starting to lose her. 

On August 15, 2013, we visited the hospice.  I saw her on bed.  She was asleep.  I didn't want to wake her up.  The nurse told me to talk to Mom.  I talked to Mom.  I told her that everything will be fine.  As I was talking to Mom, I knew it would be the last I'd see of Mom.

 We left.  According to my best friend, Mom passed away fifteen minutes after we left.  I remember arriving at my best friend's place and the phone was ringing.  My best friend answered the phone and immediately started crying.  I just knew.  Mom passed away because of cancer. 

The same thing that took my Uncle away earlier when my Grandmother was still alive. 

At the same time, I was in shock.  Mom was my best friend.  Even though we have had really hard times when I was growing up, we were still best friends. 

Sometimes after I joined Second Life, I found out about Relay for Life.  I wanted to join and offer support.  I did join Relay for Life. 

I did move on, knowing that Mom is with my Uncle and Grandmother.  I know that one day, I would join them.  Yes, I do miss them, and yes, I do resent cancer in every possible way, knowing that cancer did strike four times in my family – my Grandfather, my Grandmother, my Uncle, and my Mother got cancer.  My grandmother survived cancer (it was skin cancer).  I don't know about my Grandfather.  All I know is that my Grandfather did not die of cancer.  It would be my Uncle and mother who died of cancer.  I miss them very much. 

One day, I asked Bixyl Shuftan if I can write about my family having cancer and how it affected me, seeing that my family had been hit by cancer.  I can honestly tell you that each time, it's the same thing.  A hard cold blow, knowing what would happen in the end with my mother.  Do I hate cancer for taking my family away from me?  Yes, I do, very much hate cancer. 

I just know that later on, my best friend got cancer.  She would later die of a cardiac arrest.  I miss her, too. 

Do I think that I might one day get cancer because my family got it?  Yes, it scares me.  But is it possible?  No.  My father's family doesn't get cancer.  When it comes to my uncle and mother, both their parents got cancer. 

Now, I'm a little sad, missing my family.  That's the reason why I joined Relay for Life.  It's so I can offer support to people who have been affected by cancer in any way.

Deaflegacy

"Your Mother Had Cancer."

By Deaflegacy

"Your mother had cancer."

I just looked at the interpreter before looking away.  Later on, I met with my Mother and my best friend.  My mother had been spending some time in the ER.  It had something to do with her stomach so my best friend spent some time with her.  That day, we found out that the doctor can't do anything for my Mother.  It was too late.  It was then recommended that my mother go to the hospice.  We agreed on that. 

Later on, I saw my mother in the hospice.  It was like a home, but these who were about to say good bye to like.  I remember the day before and my mother was doing just fine.  We talked.  We have had fun.  I will never ever forget that day I said good bye to my mother.  My best friend and I went to see her. 

She was in bed.  One of her eyes was closed, and another was open.  I knew right then that I have to say good bye to her.  The nurse stopped by and encouraged me to talk to my mother.  I did exactly that.  I told my Mother that everything will be okay.  My best friend and I will be all right.  We will do what we can for the family dog.  The family dog's name is Gracey.  I said good-bye and we left. 

When we got home, my best friend received a phone call from the hospice.  Fifteen minutes after we left, my Mother passed away.  While my best friend wept, I was in shock.  I knew that my Mother was going to join my Grandmother in Heaven.  I just wasn't expecting that soon.  It still is very painful for me to think about it, especially when we have to give the family dog up for adoption.  I have no idea where Gracey is right now, but I hope she is doing well. 

So many things have gone by and I still think about my Mother.  To me, she was everything.  It is true that there had been bad times, but there had been good times as well.  She was not just my mother.  She was my best friend.  Cancer took her away from me and I did say good bye to her that day, August 15, almost three years ago.  I'd say that this coming August 15 would be the three year anniversary since my Mother passed away.  Not a day had gone by that I don't think about her.  All I can say is that she is in Heaven with my grandmother and uncle.  I didn't tell her this but I might as well say it out loud.  My Mother was much more than just my mom and best friend.  She was my mentor. 

Deaflegacy

Memorial For Riko Kamachi

By Bixyl Shuftan

A few days ago, I was contacted by Vickie Maidstone. She told me she had something to show me. I accepted her teleport request, and after a moment for they grey shapes to take form and color, I saw what looked like a shrine in front of me.

"This is a memorial shrine for Riko Kamachi," Vickie told me, "she passed away last year a year ago this month. It was a shock to the relay community. She was a member of Team Strange Journeys and a very sweet person to be with, I met her in the Dublin sims a few years back. Always out going, a kind word to all she met. ... She fought her battle and was tough to the end. But sadly we lost her before relay started last year."

I asked if it was know she was ill. "Yes," Vickie told me, "We gotten updates from her team and we kept her in our thoughts and prayers. To me, it was personal, to know somebody like her, gone but not forgotten." I asked what she was best known for outside being a Relayer for Strange Journeys. "I don't really remember much but she was always a party goer, she always knew how to make times together fun and she was very well respected no matter where she was. ... she was very much into Hogwarts according to what Cuddly Waffle and others told me. The last I spoke with Riko was in April 2014. She may have been in after that but I'm not sure."

She directed my attention back to the shrine, "But today, I had been working on this and it all came together and I made this for her team, and told them this is a gift of love from me to them. It will serve as a reminder of WHY we relay. ... honestly I cried, because it meant so much to me. ... Some reason, I did this this morning and it all came together in a way I didn't expect."

"My sharing something like this is only the

beginning yet to be," Vickie continued, "This year into 2017 I am making it a mission to talk more about what as a survivor it means to me, I will been relaying 10 years in 2017. So this is special. When I even first joined Second Life, the average time was 2.5 - 3 years, think I lasted a bit longer. If it wasn't for Relay, I (would have) been long gone before now, but I have a mission yet to finish. So I (have) been around."

When I expressed my opinion that the Relay teams would have plenty in store for the season, Vickie responded, "Yes we will. Everybody is getting fired up and its gonna be a year for sure. ... I'm trying very hard to stay upbeat and positive, I know that last weekend was a bit rough in a number of areas we had concerns with. So, I'm just gonna stay positive and go like crazy to do my part and raise what my team can. I think the most important thing is being positive and knowing we're giving our all. So, $300,000.00 is our goal this year to make 3 million USD. ... We're gonna do it."

Vickie drew my attention back to the shrine, "So anyway, I thought I share a little something with your readership. ... it's a labor of love ... As a foot note, I will present this to Team Strange Journeys. ... I will be talking with them soon."

Harbour dAlliez (103, 132, 21)