Yesterday, Sakura Handa passed away from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident the day before. Today, a community mourns the loss of one of their cherished members and remembers the joy she brought us all.

I met Sakura on Flickr in May. She was a wonderful person online and offline, and she made a profound impact on how I viewed the world around me, and most importantly, how I viewed myself. I gave her my recipe for a chick pea curry; in return she gave me a perspective on the world filled with optimism and beauty. Not exactly a fair trade, but Sakura was selfless and generous like that.

Sakura, your love and light will be cherished. My prayers will accompany you on your way. I will miss you dearly, and I know for sure I won’t be the only one.

Click on the image above to access my favorite photos from Sakura’s Flickr photostream.