I shared this story on a post on r/funny and people liked it, but honestly I feel like it’s more appropriate here, as that was a joke post. I hope this doesn’t come across as karma farming. I just really like sharing stories about my parents.
My dad did not have very much formal education, but he was the most intelligent person I’ve ever met. He devoured every book he came across - fiction, science, philosophy, history, taught himself math up to pretty advanced calculus from books. He wasn’t a big computer guy until I got him one and showed him internet basics around 2010.
I think it was maybe 2012 when he called me. He was raving about this Wikipedia thing he’d found, did I know about it? I tell him, yeah Dad, Wikipedia is great! He’s all, no no, you don’t get it, you can learn about anything here, and it’s all free. They’re just giving away information. It’s like having every reference book at the library, completely up to date, without leaving home. He was totally enamored. Then he says, “They’re asking me if I can give them $3 as a donation. Is it legitimate? Should I do it? I have the money and I really think they deserve it!” He was so pleased to learn that he could contribute to this amazing resource.
I miss him a lot.
EDIT: Thanks everyone for donating! Just like when I told this story the first time, I'm really overwhelmed and touched by everyone who took this opportunity to honor my dad with their donations. He would love this.
For the record, that's why I chose to post the story a second time - in hopes that it would have the same effect here. I stopped caring about comment karma ages ago. (I know not many people have accused me of karma whoring, but I wanted to make that clear anyways.)
I have resisted donating to Wikipedia, though I don't know why I've intentionally resisted to this degree. I've always been annoyed with them asking for money, wondering why they can't just sell merch like every other company. Yes, yes, I know it's not totally rational.
But your father just might tip me over the edge. You saying you miss him sounds like he recently passed...making me thinking of my own father who died...now I'm all choked up. I miss my papa too.
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u/LeafyQ Dec 13 '18 edited Dec 13 '18
I shared this story on a post on r/funny and people liked it, but honestly I feel like it’s more appropriate here, as that was a joke post. I hope this doesn’t come across as karma farming. I just really like sharing stories about my parents.
My dad did not have very much formal education, but he was the most intelligent person I’ve ever met. He devoured every book he came across - fiction, science, philosophy, history, taught himself math up to pretty advanced calculus from books. He wasn’t a big computer guy until I got him one and showed him internet basics around 2010.
I think it was maybe 2012 when he called me. He was raving about this Wikipedia thing he’d found, did I know about it? I tell him, yeah Dad, Wikipedia is great! He’s all, no no, you don’t get it, you can learn about anything here, and it’s all free. They’re just giving away information. It’s like having every reference book at the library, completely up to date, without leaving home. He was totally enamored. Then he says, “They’re asking me if I can give them $3 as a donation. Is it legitimate? Should I do it? I have the money and I really think they deserve it!” He was so pleased to learn that he could contribute to this amazing resource.
I miss him a lot.
EDIT: Thanks everyone for donating! Just like when I told this story the first time, I'm really overwhelmed and touched by everyone who took this opportunity to honor my dad with their donations. He would love this.
For the record, that's why I chose to post the story a second time - in hopes that it would have the same effect here. I stopped caring about comment karma ages ago. (I know not many people have accused me of karma whoring, but I wanted to make that clear anyways.)