I know the importance of friends and the sense of community, but last night just confirmed it all for me. A while back, I found my way into the YouTube Gaming community and, though I'm not an avid or talented gamer, I made friends and discovered connections I had no idea were there for the taking. I've spent hours watching my favorite streamers play a variety of games and just as much time chatting with and forming relationships with the other spectators in chat. These people have changed my life. They have made me laugh, brightened my day when I was having a bad one and supported me through some hard times. I am truly thankful for their roll in my world.
Yet, sometimes, I don't feel like I can talk to others about this circle of friends I've fallen into. I don't feel like those who are not in the YouTube Gaming world, my circle or otherwise, can understand the bond that we manage to forge from miles apart. But last night what I witnessed made me more proud then I have ever been to have found this community and be accepted into it.
Yesterday our community was shaken by the devastating news that our friend, known as Sam Koopa from the YouTube channel Team Koopa Gaming which he created with his friend Professor Sir, had been involved in fatal car accident (I believe on his way to church). We have lost one of our own, and we were all left shaken, huddling together to mourn such an amazing person who we had all thought would continue to be a part of our daily lives.
I spent most of my time with Sam during my sleepless nights of a newborn's mother about a year ago. He teamed up with some of my friends which is what originally drew me to him but I quickly found myself looking forward to his late night streams. Sam was a bright light in a world of dark anger. He was always nice and welcoming, embracing all new comers as his own community, never allowing a division of "yours and mine" attitude come into play while viewers from his companion's channels made their way into his chat. He brought smiles to the faces of those around him and extended an unparalleled hand of friendship to those who needed it. He could wiggle into your heart in a matter of moments.
Our hearts cried as we learned of our community's loss. We spread the word, tears in our eyes and wondered what was to come now. We sent our condolences to his friends, who universally told me that the person who needed the support the most is the Professor, which, to me, speaks volumes of the love that Sam spread, to leave us to continue to think of others above our selves in his name. Some streamers chose to go silent to grieve the community's loss as well as their personal tragidy, while others took to YouTube to honor him in the best way they knew how; streams.
Last night I watched as number of YouTubers took a deep breath and honored our fallen friend. They played games that Sam loved, we shared stories of our time with him and we spammed Koopa emojis in the chat (or turtles if we didn't have access to koopas). We handed out virtual hugs and shed tears together in a safe place. But what touched me most of all was the generosity shown.
A number of Sam's friends embraced the opportunity to give back to Sam's family and made the heart felt decision to collect donations during their stream to be given to help pay the expenses his family now face. Over the course of last night, the community banned together to share stories, love and money to honor our lost companion. Even those who had not experienced the joy of knowing Sam found themselves so touched by his legacy that they opened their hearts and wallets, resulting in thousands of dollars being collected among a handful of streams and hours of on camera time.
What I witnessed last night proved to me that all hope is not lost. Humanity still shines bright and while we my be just one when we stand individually, when we come together we are a force to be messed with. Love and goodness holds the power to change the world and change lives. Together we are mighty, and I am truly thankful to Sam for reminding me of this powerful lesson.
So with that, I say good bye, Sam. Thank you for the hours you shared with me. You will be remembered with the greatest things this life has to offer. "Remember to stay Koopatstic, and have a fun time doing so!"
Art credit goes to Jason Paul, who you can find on YouTube.
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