Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

In this age of information, networking with people whom we’ve never met tends to create a virtual community with both real and unreal dynamics. We don’t always know first names, we don’t always know faces, we don’t always know personal circumstances and sometimes the life behind the post gets convoluted with our computer and our replies and tones lack human nature, or we purposely keep it light hearted and superficial. We only know what appears before us in text or posted pics and must extrapolate the life of the person behind the user name from small bits and pieces gained through this virtual community. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to make a connection with some and be within traveling distance where we can break down the virtual wall between us and realize the humanity that bonds all of us together, our laughter and love of all things good and cool in life, above our hobbies and interests, despite any differences of opinion or cultural norms.

There is a higher level of humanity in this forum more so than any others I’ve been involved with. I believe it lies in the nature of our shared interest and genuine quest for what is provisionally good and wholesome as a hobby/lifestyle, and it lies in the unselfish willingness of us to be open to sharing our ideas and thoughts, as well as bits and pieces of our personal lives (so greatly appreciated) which fosters respect and trust. And there is a great deal of support and positive reinforcement going on and for these reasons, the AP forum a better place than most, even in our own real communities. Though we are separated globally, the AP community is small and close and today (for me) it got even smaller and closer.

When the forum (thanks Joel) came back up online and I logged in October 31, the first thing that caught my eye was the birth announcement of King Edward 14’s baby boy, Jedidiah. Previous posts of our children in the Kinder section warmed my heart (loved it!) and brought a real human touch to this forum, but I really thought it was touching that King Edward 14 thought highly enough in AP members to share such a real life moment with all of us, most of whom he’d never met, by trusting that the humanity within us would receive the news as joyously as he posted it. I along with other members chimed in with their cheers, as the good people we try to be. There was genuine happiness.

Within the same hour I was PM’d by Dave Donley and received equally heartfelt news about Aquamad’s (David’s) daughter, Cheyene introduced to us here http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/vie ... 07&start=0 I was extremely saddened and somewhat surprised that I could feel such empathy and loss for the family member of an AP community member given the limited virtual nature of our acquaintance, but the feelings were (and still are) real because this community obviously values its children in every respect. So it goes without saying that David’s loss is deeply felt amongst all of us and it’s hard to understand why children who are so special and precious and just so incredibly awesome to us are suddenly taken away. It hurts me to even type these words and begs the question that I know must be going through everyone’s mind. So….. There was genuine sadness.

I apologize if this comes a little belated, perhaps there are others who have not yet posted but I really just wanted to get this message out to Aquamad (David and family) and everyone:

“We are here sharing some parts of our lives that will indelibly forge this community despite our best efforts to keep it virtual and impersonal. Today I received news that weighs heavy on my heart, and to David and his family I say this…..

"May you find peace and solace and come back to us soon."

michael_ferrini

THAnks you Michael - it is through the amazing help and support of my school, friends (virtual and other) and the greater community of Cairns, (and all aroung Australia) that we have been able to get this far...

huge hugs

I can only imagine David. It's good to see you back.

Hi AM, many times I tried to put the words to your loss but it allways seem to read wrong.

Michael has done a wonderful job and I concur, nice to hear from you

Les

David, I am so sorry about your loss. Our prayers are going up for you and your family. My husband and I lost our first child at birth, he only lived 5 hours. It was hard but through prayer and the help of many we got through it. Even though we are so far away, you and your family will be close to our hearts.

David, I moved my post from the temp. site to here. I have shared your loss with the household here, and we are all praying for you. Michael is so right about this family of AP folks. Along with Michael I could not contain the tears and emotions that were felt when reading of your news. You are not just a person out there some where, you are part of our family. My conversation always includeds the lives of the friends from this group. Please continue to share the life of your family and the lives of the children you teach. We are all enriched by the love you show for the children and your family.

well said.

Joyce...awesome

Well said Mike and Joyce, you've summed up all of our feelings superbly. Terribly sorry for your loss AM.

AM - so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Chey - lost for words, I'll go and look for a new star in the evening sky.

Thank you to all of you - the PM's and posts here are much appreciated! Getting from day to day is my primary focus right now and I understand the feeling people have when they want to console but cant seem to find the words - it is a deep gnawing fear every parent faces till they themselves pass on - because no matter how old our kids get, they are still our little boys or little girls...
All I ask is that evey parent give their child / children a kiss and a cuddle as a way of remembering Cheyenne - all she ever wanted from people was kisses and cuddles - the words "kiss cuddle" were the first thing I heard from her in the morning and the last thing I heard from her at night - give your kids of all ages a kiss and cuddle For Cheyenne, because no matter who they were, that is what she would have done...

Wanted to send you a message, but I've been having trouble putting my words together. It's hard to compare the absolute joy that is in our house, with what you and your family are going through right now. I enjoyed reading Michaels words, which encouraged me to send just a simple and personal hello. And as you have just written, every night as I kiss my kids goodnight, we give a thought to you and your family, and thank the Lord for every minute we have together.
David, Athena, Hannah, Madeline, and Jedidiah.

K14 - thank you
AM- you can place all our faces in that frame because that is how we feel......love n light
From the F-J's(family name)
C1

THank you - and you have a beautiful family

well said michael. you summed up nearly exactly how feel.

aquamad you and yours have my deepest empathy on your loss. it somehow feels like i have lost a family member. i didn't think i could feel so much for someone i have never met. i'm sure Cheyenne would be proud of how you have faced this transition in life. you will be in my thoughts. keep strong my friend.