The Space Unicorn Was Caitlin

The Space Unicorn Was Caitlin

This blog post wasn’t supposed to be about our late daughter, Caitlin.

This was supposed to be a lovely list of awesome things we’ve published in the 10 years of Uncanny Magazine.

But right now, and honestly for quite some time, everything for us is about Caitlin.

For those of you unfamiliar with us…

A decade ago, Publishers/Editors-in-Chief Lynne M. Thomas and Michael Damian Thomas (that’s us) launched Uncanny Magazine, an online science fiction and fantasy magazine that features passionate SF/F fiction and poetry, gorgeous prose, provocative nonfiction, and a deep investment in diverse and inclusive SF/F culture — a magazine that believes there’s still plenty of room in the genre for tales that make you feel.

And Caitlin was with us every step of the way.

Caitlin passed away in April due to complications from Aicardi syndrome. Caitlin lived a lifetime of adventures, and she loved stories. Caitlin was a phenomenal person, existing entirely without malice — full of joy in everyday things. She was the best of us, and she touched many lives.

Caitlin especially loved science fiction and fantasy stories: TV shows, films, and books. She was a giant Doctor Who fan and loved meeting other fans. She literally grew up at conventions. As our careers in SF/F grew, Caitlin was there also making lifelong friendships. So many SF/F aunts and uncles! Caitlin loved people fiercely and unconditionally. She loved belonging to this weird world of writers, editors, publishers, actors, directors, and fans. She went to writers retreats, writing cruises, awards ceremonies, and attended more panels than one could count. She loved telling people at school about her aunts and uncles and their books and media. One of Caitlin’s happiest moments to share at school was the time she was on stage with the Uncanny Magazine staff in San Jose accepting the Hugo Award for Best Semiprozine. (She is so giddy in the video!)

All of this was possible because of Uncanny, and Caitlin was the heart and soul of the magazine.

Over the last few years, Caitlin became very ill with numerous complications from her Aicardi syndrome. The Covid pandemic made it extremely difficult to go to public events. But Caitlin continued to help with Uncanny Magazine. She joined us in our Kickstarter videos, acceptance speeches, and online convention appearances. She listened to the works of so many Uncanny contributors (especially her aunts and uncles). She provided moral support and encouragement from her numerous hospital beds as we created Uncanny Magazine from her children’s hospital.

And we read her all your messages of love and support during her hospitalizations and palliative care. Every Tweet. Every card. Every gift. They all meant so much to Caitlin.

Now Caitlin’s adventures here are over. There is an unfillable hole in the center of our lives. Nobody we know would have faulted us for shutting down Uncanny Magazine under these circumstances (not to mention due to the issues over the last few years: the Large Online Retailer trying to destroy periodicals, AI nonsense, and the splintering of social media).

Except Caitlin wouldn’t have wanted that. She believed in the Space Unicorn community — the community that showed us and her so much love and support. She believed in the power of art and stories and beauty. Caitlin, like us, felt that Uncanny is important and needed in this magnificent community.

Uncanny Magazine is currently running the Uncanny Magazine Year 11: This One Goes to ELEVEN! Kickstarter. We need your help, Space Unicorns! There are SO MANY awesome Backer Levels! (Hangouts! Critiques! Signed Books! Tuckerizations!) If you’ve already backed the Kickstarter, THANK YOU. If not, please consider helping us continue Uncanny’s mission.

The Space Unicorn was always Caitlin.

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Frank

God Bess her…and you and your wife…I lost my daughter at age 3 and I feel for all the lost children

Rowena Alberga

I always read the tweets about Caitlin’s adventures with lots of joy. She was such a sparkly person.
I felt so sad to see her getting so ill and in the end dying.
I am very sorry for your pain, she must have left such a big hole.

[…] (2) UNCANNY PERSEVERES. Lynne M. Thomas and Michael Damian Thomas explain to Black Gate readers, “The Space Unicorn Was Caitlin”. […]

K. Jespersen

Caitlin sounds like she has left quite the legacy– thank you for continuing with what brought her such joy, and I am sorry for your loss. Hoping she can now be one of your treasures in heaven.

Cheering on your Kickstarter! Space Unicorns forever.

John E. Boyle

I’m sorry for your loss.

Piet Wenings

I always listen to Uncanny podcast and was very sad when you told about Caitlin passing away. It is only right that Uncanny goes to eleven. For her and for every space unicorn out there. I love the art and joy that you bring. Go, Thomases!

SELindberg

Inspiring and heartbreaking. Peace and strength to you.

Jeff Stehman

My deepest condolences. I’m glad you’re able to continue in her joy.

Adrian Simmons

I’m so sorry for your loss.


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