more than names
Whenever I think how horrible the internet is, which is often, I’m reminded of how wonderful it is too, because of the people who are on it. I’ve even met some of them, people like Adam, Val, Nancy and even Jim Bosha, among others too many to mention here. They are more than just names and pretty faces. They are people with real lives, and their lives have touched me in different ways. So last night when I said you guys had a lot of problems, please know that I was kidding.
Five years ago, I wasn’t yet on tumblr, only on twitter. I didn’t know anyone. I was basically just saying stuff, mostly nonsense, just like today and probably always. Then one day I decided that I would open myself to the internet and actually meet some people I was reading. I went to a couple of tweetups in New York and in Chicago. When I met Nancy in Chicago, I couldn’t believe how pretty she was. She took my hand and led me around the bar. She introduced me to a lot of people I didn’t know or care about. It was awesome. She made me feel welcome and I really appreciated it, especially since she ignored me in New York. That’s where I met Adam. I remember Shari V. saying I had to meet “jusky.” She took me to his table, and much to my surprise he got up and hugged me. I could really feel it. He was totally genuine. And that’s when I knew we were brothers. I also met “thebosha” there too, who was completely different than I imagined. Jim was very warm and kind, and when he shook my hand, I realized he wasn’t going to murder me or yell at me about something. It was such a relief, I can’t even tell you. And of course, last year I met Val when she came to D.C., but I’ve known her for much longer from tumblr and maybe twitter also, I can’t remember. I don’t know what it is about Valerie. Maybe it’s because she lives in the Northwest where my kids are that makes her feel like home to me. She’s one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met. I always feel her heart, and I smile whenever I know she’s read something that I’ve written. There are many other people on the internet as well as in real life whom I love and who have touched me in many ways. I guess what I’m saying is when we hear so much bad stuff in the world, sometimes it’s easy to think that’s all there is.
