I live in an amazing community.
Just a little more than a year ago we learned about a little girl who was battling a rare form of cancer. My community came together at a benefit concert to raise money for her family. My community was also there a few months later when this little girl lost that battle, and her family mourned. For many of us it was the first time we met face to face.
I’ve also seen my community come around one another in celebration at the announcement of an engagement, a wedding, the announcement of a pregnancy, and the birth of a baby.
My community was also there to offer support to a young woman as she went through the loss of her unborn child, and to stand along side a young widow as she grieved on the one-year anniversary of her husband’s passing.
The members of my community have been there to offer parenting advice…when asked. They’ve laughed at stories of discipline gone awry and potty training. And shared the joy of what often comes out of the mouths of babes.
My community also helps its members find jobs, cars, and in fact one member of our community furnished her entire apartment with hand me downs from other members.
They give each other rides, help each other move, and offer a helping hand without even being asked.
They are quick to tell one another about a great new restaurant or business in town. They welcome new members quickly and make them feel at home.
Is your computer broken? Ask the community…they’ll help.
Got website trouble? Did your calculator die right before an exam? Lose your pet?
Yep, my community shows concern and offers to help.
If I need help with my lawn, or just want to know where I should take my family out to eat, I know I can turn to my community for advice and recommendations.
We support one another’s endeavors, whether they be artistic, athletic, or business related.
They’ll even find you a babysitter in a pinch.
And if there’s a good cause, they’ll pitch in…both with time and money.
We share, we talk, we get together for coffee, or meals, or just to go sledding. We talk about music and go to concerts together. We discuss…and argue…about sports, and attend ballgames together. We create culture and visit galleries together.
We even share a lot of jokes…
Oh, we don’t always agree. Particularly on religion or politics, but we ARE a community after all. What binds us together is stronger than what can tear us apart.
I LOVE my community. Wouldn’t trade it for the world. And I’d trust my life to any number of its members.
Where is this community, you ask?
Well, my community has a name: Twitter.
And THIS is why I love Social Media; why I love what I do.
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s what I’m talk’n’ about Ken! Big hug from here :wiping a few tears:
Awesome Blog! Don’t forget, when you watch the Olympics, mute your TV and let our Community do its own twisted commentary! LOL.
Giddyup & Amen.
Awesome post and so true
I really enjoyed this post Ken. It somehow emanated within me. If that is a proper word. THANK YOU! And thank you for being a part of my community.
Ken,
Excellent! I feel the same way.
Shawn
I loved the blog, it helps for those of us who are unsure of this giant mass of words they call “social media”. You have just made the muddy water a little clearer for me. Very Cool!!!!
Thank you all for your wonderful comments, and thank you Jayme for your words of affirmation. If you have any more questions or just care to chat, feel free to email me at inklingmedia@gmail.com
Wow. That’s all I’ve got. Wow.
Thanks, Laura.
All I can say is, this post was a long time in coming, and I’m glad I waited. It literally came from my heart as I recalled all that my community means to me, as I see it working in the daily lives of so many around me, as well my daily life.
Ken, well said; pleased to be part of the same community, my friend! Because of my academic schedule, I can’t be connected as much as I’d like right now – and I am most definitely missing my friends. I’ll be celebrating my one year anniversary on Twitter soon; can’t imagine life without it and all of you!
So true. Thanks for reminding us how amazing and authentic our communities on Twitter can be!
Awesome blog! What a great community!
WOW. Great goosebumpy, warm-fuzzy, bring a tear to the eye, heartfelt, happy post. The best part about this….is that it’s not fiction, but true.
You can be a part of any community you choose, but I’m lucky to be a part of this one in Lancaster. This is why I love this hometown — because there are such good, genuine people here who make us laugh, who offer support, who are there, no question, when we need people most, no matter what that might be. I like to think that everyone was hiding before Twitter came along because suddenly there you are, my neighbors, when I never knew you were there. Pretty cool thing about it.
I love the community of people I’ve met through Twitter outside of Lancaster, but home is where the heart is, after all
Great post, Ken!
Thanks, Susan. In part, the local community on Twitter is one of the reasons we sold our home and moved into Lancaster. Now we get the best of both worlds.
Ken, this definitely sums up what I love about Twitter! All the local people, the bond, the instant friendship with others in the area. What a great post, and what a great community I am blessed to be part of!
I never read this post — (I think I was vacationing at the time).
But this was so heartfelt. I am so glad I found my way into this community (6+ yrs ago). I love these locals! ♥
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