I found the PWB Community entirely by accident. I don’t think I had been here more than a few weeks. I was still trying to decide if I really wanted to be here or not. With that in mind I was exploring DK.
It was a Saturday afternoon. I had found diaries on gardening, art and home repair while skimming main page and other diaries. Then I saw a blog with strange words in the title. It had strange words in the title, like “Pootie” and “Woozle.” I wondered what subject matter was being referred to in that diary.
I clicked on that diary. It was one of the better clicks my mouse has made. I found a pictorial diary about cats and dogs and music videos. I was ecstatic. I said so. Tricia even responded.
OMG, she responded! Up till then, only a small number of people had responded to me. I’ll never forget when I returned with photos of my overlord, Tricia greeted me with warmth and generosity. The peeps commented about my overlord. I never looked back. I made it a point to show up as often as I could.
The PWB diaries was the first place I found my Daily Kos community. Under her aegis, I met the rest of Daily Kos. Suddenly, Daily Kos did not feel so cold and remote anymore. That’s what I will remember most about her diaries – warmth, humor, funny pictures and secure place where people could talk about their grief at losing their furry friends or ask questions about how to post a diary or photos or share funny animal stories.
Her diaries appeared every day. I tried to make it in every afternoon. She had that quality about her posts. It made you want to visit and hang out. In those diaries I saw Tricia offer support and welcome, unreservedly.
Only two rules were maintained: no outer-blog politics and no advocating cruelty or violence to animals or persons.
Sometimes, when I presented a new photo of my overlord — Rookie Wookie, she would request that I give him some extra love and scritches on her behalf.
She built a safe space to visit. I know I keep saying that. It bears repeating. She built a collective where all were welcome. A safe zone where n00bs like me were shown the ropes and felt welcomed.
Tricia Wyse built a real community within Daily Kos.
Many people knew Tricia better and longer than I did. I never met her. That opportunity ceased to exist this morning. I knew her merely in the context of the PWB diaries and yet, I feel very sad today, that I will never have the opportunity of meeting her in person. Nevertheless, I will miss her humor, strength and comforting presence here at DK.
Mostly, I won’t forget that she represented the best aspects of Daily Kos for me -- community. She created a space for camaraderie and community based on our love of animals. That love is a powerful bond. Good bye, Tricia. Thank you for everything. Journey well over the Rainbow Bridge. I will miss you.