Dad always marvelled at the connections I would make online. He encouraged our passion project, building a safe, billionaire-free, ad-free, algorithim-free community with like-minded people and “floofs” (small fluffy beings we share our lives with, whether literally or in spirit, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits) on decentralized social media (specifically Mastodon; a Twitter/X alternative for those not digging ethical guilt).
A “Zoom Meeting” on Mastodon with floof friends, otherwise known as #FloofCon:
Dad would always seek updates on the guinea pigs, rabbits, and other connections I made with others and the countries they lived in, with a genuine curiosity. Our connections span the globe- particularly across Europe, North America, and Australia. Dad enjoyed hearing stories from familiar places he’d visited or read about and even hearing updates how the weather was overseas in a distant land. A remarkable expansive consciousness occurs when you build relationships with others on the global scale, helping to transcend day to day life and connect on higher planes and on the deepest, heart-t0-heart level.
Despite obvious differences – climates, countries, cultures, socioeconomic status, time zones, occupations, backgrounds, even languages – remarkable bridges have been formed with the most beautiful, kind-hearted people. Although the common thread between these connections has been a deep love of animals, it seems to go a step deeper than just this. The particular types of people who are drawn to, rejoice in, and care for the smallest, most vulnerable creatures on the planet – those that are usually considered prey in the animal kingdom – are the most empathetic, sensitive, kindest, gentlest, resilient, strongest, funniest, most giving people I’ve ever met. And providing a safe social media haven for these absolute jewels of humanity has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.
One of the few lights in July was the kindness the community showed while Dad was in the hospital. Many words of strength and support poured in to him and our family – sending love, good vibes, prayers and well wishes. Dad knew from the time he was in emergency to the coldest, darkest nights of ICU when I would read messages as they came in from around the world that the beautiful people from around the world were thinking of him and wrapping him in positive thoughts and love. Throughout his stay in the hospital he was constantly wrapped in a soft blanket (loved by nursing staff) designed by one of our dearest, most gifted artist friends. The global village kept him warm and wrapped loving protection around him, both physically and in his heart, and for this I will be eternally grateful.
