This all started when I found out my friend Laurie was too ill to make it to this year’s Ottawa ComicCon. Over Skype we plotted a few ways she could visit the convention safely – I suggested we get her a functioning biohazard suit with mask – a cool *and* functional costume.
While that would likely keep her safe, it wasn’t worth the risk, so she reluctantly stayed home.
Working the Ottawa Browncoats booth is fun; we basically hang out, promote our big fundraiser in September and generally just talk to Browncoats and sometime encourage people who haven’t seen it to watch it. I promised to take plenty of photos; which I did do, but I had an idea.
I started asking people who stopped by the booth if I could take their photo and record video of them wishing Laurie to get well soon.
This is where I was impressed with the ComicCon community. Every single person or group I asked immediately said yes, and I rapidly accumulated over seventy videos plus a few that Tracey (my wife) and Gailene shot.
My goal was to surprise Laurie, so I had to construct a bit of a ruse at the beginning of the video so she would think that it was just a bunch of photos set to music, then started the get-well videos. If you want to jump straight to the well-wishes, here you go.
I’m pleased to report that the video worked as I’d hoped. She was surprised and moved.
As a community, I thought it was important point out that a bunch of people spending a two minutes each of time can really help someone going through a tough time. Thank you all for saying yes; it reaffirmed my confidence in people.
Sometimes, it’s the little things, right?
We love and adore her!! Great idea on your part!
It was so uplifting to see so many enthusiastic well wishes. Everyone I asked jumped at the opportunity to wish Laurie well. Warning… this video is funny, fun, moving and may cause eye leakage. Thank you Tom for thinking of it and for letting me contribute the little bit I did. So much fun!