Connectors and Connections

 just a few of my rock treasures that sit in a tray on my coffee table

A few years ago I read Malcolm Gladwell’s book The Tipping Point: how little things can make a big difference. I really liked it…it made me think and I’ve thought about it a lot since then.  One of the things Gladwell discusses in the book is "The Law of the Few", or, as Gladwell states, "The success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts."  He divides these people into three groups:

The Mavens…the information specialists or those people we rely upon to connect us with new information and new people. They accumulate knowledge and know how to share it with others.

The Salesmen…the "persuaders", the charismatic people with powerful negotiation skills. They tend to have an indefinable trait that goes beyond what they say…which makes others want to agree with them.

And the third group (and the point of this post…yes, I do have a point ;) are the Connectors. Connectors, are the people in a community who know large numbers of people and who make introductions. They usually know people across an array of social, cultural, professional, and economic circles, and make a habit of introducing people who work or live in different circles. They are people who "link us up with the world ... people with a special gift for bringing the world together.

 

My turquoise glass heart from Mexico hangs in the window by my front door.

 

The most amazing "connector" I've had the good fortune to meet is Patti Digh, author of six books, including bestsellers Life is a Verb and Creative is a Verb.  I, along with many others, have been honoured to have my art work featured in several of her books and met her at a book signing in Seattle in 2008.  Patti also teaches creative writing classes, but more thant that, she teaches people how to live fully, love well, let go deeply and make a difference.  And how does she do that?  By example.  It's how she lives her own life.

I’ve been following Patti’s blog, 37 Days and her Facebook page for many years now and I’m always awed by her commitment to inclusiveness, how she reaches out to support and how she brings together so many in community.  In June Patti shared her concerns and worries about her beautiful nine year old daughter Tess and when a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome came a few weeks later, Patti also shared that with her usual openness, bravery and desire to inform and educate.

And then last week, after a difficult few months, Patti and her husband John (aka Mr. Brilliant) and daughters Emma and Tess, took a well deserved holiday at the beach.  There they received the news that changed their lives in an instant...John has Renal Cell Carcinoma. With their usual bravery and good humour, John has named his tumour “Spot” as in "heal, Spot, heal"! (I'll admit that I fell a wee bit in love with John the day I read this five years ago) and Patti has announced to the world that she has officially pulled on her “big girl warrior panties”.

 

 Finding wisdom everywhere...San Pancho, Mexico

But here’s the thing….as devastating as all of this is, it get's even worse...they are uninsured.  Patti and John are both self employed and recently haven't been able to pay the $1400 a month required for health insurance.  As a Canadian with Universal health care, I can’t imagine what this must feel like.  Everyone deserves good health care, regardless of their economic circumstances.

For those of you who know Patti, for those of you who know how much she does for so many, for those of you who have ever been touched by her words in any way…and even for those who haven't, a website has been created to accept donations and help them through this. The internet has it’s problems, but connecting people, especially in a time of crisis, is where it shines! 

If you feel drawn, please take a moment to read a few of the links I’ve included here and watch this video. (Her blog is a motherlode of beautiful, heartfelt writing). Any support will be appreciated…a prayer, a healing thought, a supportive comment on Patti’s blog or Facebook page.  Some of her friends are also selling artwork with the proceeds going to John’s healing fund. I know as this wave of love rolls on, so will the support.

In Patti’s own words…let us love more.

Comments

[olivia]

I know that this online community support of love for Patti and her family has blessed far more than just them, kate. Me for one! It is a privilege to be able to join in this to help them get through this time. Thank you for this beautiful post, xoO

[Trish]

Fantastic post. I wasn't familiar with Patti, but I will rush to check out the website and facebook page. Thanks for the info!

[Patti]

Thanks for the links kate, it feels good to be able to help in such a concrete way.

[Chris O]

Oh Kate that quote speaks volumes. It cannot be written or said enough. The feeling you get when you help someone is so overwhelming! I just stumbled across your address and realized I hadn't dropped by in awhile. Actually, the motherboard in my laptop tanked and I lost all the blogs I'd been following on my Favorites bar. Your photos are always so beautiful. Thanks for sharing!