MeFi helped me through the darkness.

June 16, 2014 2:20 PM

Five years ago today I lost my wife suddenly and unexpectedly. MeFites came out of the woodwork with words of support, hugs, shipments of books, postcards, notes, and even pie!
I got advice from others who had been through similar tragedies; new friends and penpals; all together, it was an awesome show of love and caring. I made it through the darkness, and since then have also been able to help others who have had the same thing happen to them.
I just want to say thanks, again, to everyone. If this seems disjointed, it's because I can't find the right words to express how I feel.
posted by mrbill to MetaFilter-Related at 2:20 PM (53 comments total)

((HUGS)) if you want them.
posted by Michele in California at 2:38 PM on June 16, 2014 [3 favorites]

You really are treasured here mrbill.
posted by Blasdelb at 3:00 PM on June 16, 2014 [33 favorites]

Blasdelb: "You really are treasured here mrbill."

Seconding this. It's so great to hear you're doing okay, and able in turn to help others.
posted by zarq at 3:07 PM on June 16, 2014 [4 favorites]

(hug) So glad to hear you're doing well.
posted by ifjuly at 3:51 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

I'm sorry for your loss, and glad you've made it through. Take care (hugs)
posted by billiebee at 4:07 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Sorry for your loss, and so glad to hear that this community has brought you comfort.
posted by radioamy at 4:08 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Glad you're with us, man.
posted by cortex (staff) at 5:14 PM on June 16, 2014 [2 favorites]

((hug))
posted by sarcasticah at 5:16 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Hug hug! I'm glad you're here on Mefi.
posted by mochapickle at 5:31 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Big vodka soaked hugs from Tisbury, my good man.
posted by vrakatar at 5:40 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Hugs to you, mrbill, you've long been one of my favourite MeFites. Glad you're here and doing OK.
posted by arcticseal at 6:07 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Those were some of the first threads I remember reading here. I remember how impressed I was at the outpouring.
I'm glad you are doing well, and glad we are all still here.
posted by SLC Mom at 6:11 PM on June 16, 2014 [2 favorites]

Glad you're doing well and that the internet helped so much. I love the internet. <3
posted by Deoridhe at 6:30 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

I'm so glad you're a mefite, mrbill!
posted by ocherdraco at 6:37 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Hugs
posted by Dip Flash at 6:38 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

((Superhugs))
posted by bitter-girl.com at 7:50 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Glad you're still here, mrbill.
posted by notsnot at 8:05 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

I remember that vividly, and glad you're doing OK...
posted by HuronBob at 8:57 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

You really are treasured here mrbill.

nth-ing this. hugs mrbill.
posted by sweetkid at 9:15 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Yes I too remember that initial thread very well. All the best xoxo
posted by cranberrymonger at 9:42 PM on June 16, 2014 [2 favorites]

I send you hugs, mrbill.
posted by rtha at 10:09 PM on June 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

♥ Your whole life changed, but you have survived to help others. Well done MRBILL
posted by Cranberry at 12:27 AM on June 17, 2014 [3 favorites]

Hugs to you. :)
posted by kimberussell at 3:37 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

((((((((((Hugs))))))))))
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 3:52 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

You're a constant inspiration and example, and one of the pleasantest people on the site. I think even if you weren't an inspiration by way of your conquest of adversity, you'd still be an all round top bloke by virtue of just being an example of how to conduct oneself online. I'm not normally one for the schmoopy, but in your case I'll always make an exception. You're a rock to, I'm sure, way more people than you can ever know. Thanks.
posted by GeckoDundee at 4:01 AM on June 17, 2014 [6 favorites]

Glad you're doing ok, mrbill. Glad you are part of the community!
posted by pointystick at 5:29 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

Has it really been so long? Wow. I remember Amy from the mailing lists, popping in occasionally to whack someone suffering from Clue Deficiency. :7)

I miss her, too. I'm glad you're doing better these days.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:57 AM on June 17, 2014 [4 favorites]

I wasn't around in those days except as an occasional lurker, but I'm glad you're here, mrbill, and I'm glad this community was able to comfort you when you needed it. Keep on, sir.
posted by gauche at 6:09 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

"I made it through the darkness, ..."

Really good to hear.

"and since then have also been able to help others who have had the same thing happen to them."

Truly amazing, and also really good to hear.

Also, someone sent you Pi? A number? That's cheating, surely. I can do that - here - have an e: 2.71828.
posted by marienbad at 7:00 AM on June 17, 2014 [3 favorites]

Hugs to you mrbill. Glad you're still around.
posted by Sophie1 at 7:52 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

I'm really glad that you are doing okay. I wish you peace today as you remember your wife.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:20 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

Right on, mrbill. Glad to hear you're keeping on.
posted by klangklangston at 8:46 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

I'm really glad to hear you're doing well. Tragedy sucks. Surviving is awesome.
posted by rmd1023 at 9:19 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

I'm still moved whenever I think of that MeTa thread.

Strength!
posted by painquale at 9:20 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

All the best to you!
posted by BibiRose at 9:36 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

I'm so glad the site was helpful to you, and I'm so glad you're here!
posted by xingcat at 10:09 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

I feel bad having favorite mefis, but you are definitely one of mine. I am so glad that you got the support you needed, and so touched that you keep thanking the community for it.
posted by bearwife at 11:52 AM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

*******SUPER-MEGA-HUG*******
posted by Pendragon at 12:23 PM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

Your story still haunts me. So sorry for your loss but so glad you are still here. Hugs from me too!
posted by biscotti at 1:41 PM on June 17, 2014 [2 favorites]

I'm glad you're doing better. I'd like to think that I'd handle a tragedy like yours with the same strength and grace, but I know I wouldn't.
posted by double block and bleed at 2:09 PM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

Mrbill, I am so glad to hear that you are doing well. How great that you are able to help others through difficult times after what you have gone through yourself. You are an amazing person to give back in that way.

I remember that Metatalk 5 years ago when you had all that to deal with, and how Matt surprised you, and how it made me feel proud to be part of a community wth good people like that.
posted by misha at 3:03 PM on June 17, 2014 [3 favorites]

I am not a very vocal part of the community but sometimes, like today, I have to pipe up and say how glad I am that Mefi is how it is.

That MeTa thread still makes me cry. I'm sending you hugs, as well as my admiration for how you have handled such a terrible thing. I am so glad you are doing all right.
posted by beandip at 3:21 PM on June 17, 2014 [3 favorites]

Every day I see you dorking around on facebook, it makes me happy. I am glad you are okay. I am glad MeFi was helpful.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 4:08 PM on June 17, 2014 [11 favorites]

Proud to call mrbill a friend.
posted by ColdChef at 4:52 PM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

I am glad you are doing well, mrbill!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 6:22 PM on June 17, 2014 [1 favorite]

RIP Amy.

Thanks for helping me through my mom's and my cousin's deaths this spring, Bill.
posted by IndigoRain at 1:44 AM on June 18, 2014 [1 favorite]

Glad to see you here mrbill. Your presence is a gift to all of us.
posted by Lynsey at 8:15 AM on June 18, 2014 [1 favorite]

I remember you. I remember that thread. I remembered when Mathowie stepped in to help cover some of your unexpected costs for the ambulance and ER. I cried.

And when Metafilter was in trouble a few weeks ago, I remembered what Mathowie did for you. I'm sure many of us did, and I'm sure that's why so many of us stepped in to do for Metafilter what Mathowie did for you.

SCHMOOPY FOR ALL.
posted by HeyAllie at 11:29 AM on June 18, 2014 [7 favorites]

Big massive hugs Bill. You're loved and don't you forget it.
posted by dabitch at 4:03 PM on June 18, 2014 [1 favorite]

I think it helps that, in addition to being Metafilter's very own Mr. Bill, you're a pretty amazing, kind and generous guy yourself so, really, everyone should be sending you pies.

(hugs)
posted by Gucky at 9:33 PM on June 18, 2014 [1 favorite]

I am not adverse to that. Have not had pie in months.
posted by mrbill at 10:32 PM on June 18, 2014 [1 favorite]

mrbill - we don't know each other, and I've not been through what you have, but I have experienced the loss of friends and the outpouring of support that the MF community becomes at times like that, and what a wonderful thing that is to support you, and to treasure in your memory. So, I'm terribly, terribly sorry for your loss and yet inexpressibly happy that you had this community to rely on and they have warmed your heart the way they did mine.

If you're ever in San Francisco, you have a place to stay, and Mrs. allkindsoftime makes some flippin fantastic pie. Good on you mate, keep dorking around.
posted by allkindsoftime at 12:31 PM on June 19, 2014 [3 favorites]

Glad you're doing better. I was a new Mefite when your wife passed away and I was so touched by the sympathy expressed. It's part of why I love this place. Hugs to you!
posted by xenophile at 6:47 PM on June 30, 2014