• Why Community Matters: On Life, Loss, Love and Pie

    Posted on August 22nd, 2011 by and currently 11 commenting.

    Pies for Mikey


    “A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You, the people, must get it this soul.” | Pope John Paul II

    Once in awhile you come across an unexpected story that really puts everything in perspective. I had one such experience last week when I clicked the link to a video titled “Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey.”

    After Jennifer Perillo lost her husband of 18 years to a sudden heart attack, she made one simple request: that those wishing to celebrate her husband’s life make a Peanut Butter Pie (his favorite) and then share it with those they love.

    From Jennifer’s blog: ”As I spend Friday reflecting on the love and life that was gone in an instant, I’d like to invite all of you to celebrate his life too. Mikey loved peanut butter cream pie. I haven’t made it in a while, and I’ve had it on my to-do list for a while now. I kept telling myself I would make it for him tomorrow. Time has suddenly stood still, though, and I’m waiting to wake up and learn to live a new kind of normal. For those asking what they can do to help my healing process, make a peanut butter pie this Friday and share it with someone you love. Then hug them like there’s no tomorrow because today is the only guarantee we can count on.”

    Along with a outpouring of peanut butter pies, came an outpouring of love and support by way of Twittersphere and blogosphere…

    Just spoke to the GM at @BlueSmokeNYC and they only had one slice of #apieformikey left at the end of the evening. How awesome is that?

    I didn’t blog it, but I did make #apieformikey, and I shared it with the people I love.

    Just made #apieformikey after reading the very sad story. It’s date night tonight, and I’m feeling very appreciative of what I have.

    See how Yvette in San Juan adapted my #apieformikey cupcake recipe. Love is an international language!

    My friend made the pie and printed Jennies post to hand out at her dinner. #apieformikey is impacting lives.

    I just found out some of the students on campus have even been baking #apieformikey .

    “In full force, with fierce love and commitment, the online food community banded together as one family to celebrate Mikey and everyone dear to us. Under the twitter hashtag #APieforMikey , a beautiful explosion of peanut butter pies came pouring out of all our hearts to be shared with our loved ones.” (via White on Rice Couple)

    After discovering the video, I spent a couple hours exploring hashtag #APieForMikey on Twitter. It introduced me to people from all walks of life around the country (and world) sharing their own stories of love, loss and life celebration. People brought together by a tragic loss, a simple request and a social medium – in order to feel and heal together. Strangers surrounding one grieving family, lifting them up with love.

    Take a few minutes to watch the video, and then go forth into your week. Whether you bake a peanut butter pie for Mikey, or just share a few minutes of conversation with a colleague over a peanut butter and jelly sandwich – be thankful for this day, and the communities you are a part of.

    SHARE | How has social media (or the relationships you nurture through social media) impacted your “real” life?

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    Want to learn more about community building and the lessons we have learned igniting powerful, sustainable movements? Check out The Brains on Fire Book.

  • http://twitter.com/TheRootedMan Derek Horton

    Great story… thanks for sharing.

  • M Caves

    Each time I come to this site, the thought crosses my mind that the blog post today can’t be as good as the last and that at some point I am going to be disappointed. However, this far that as not happened! Each time I am drawn into the story and leave feeling refreshed and inspired. Thank you for posting!

  • http://twitter.com/NoMeatballs Amy

    Glad we’re keeping you thinking and inspired! :)  

  • http://twitter.com/jennifergerlock Jennifer Gerlock

    I can’t express how beautiful this post is. I am a simple blogger, not a foodie, but somehow I discovered Jennie and Mikey and have been touched their story. I came to your site today for a completely different reason (professional) and was taken by surprise that you two were also touched by #apieformikey What a beautiful project. Thank you for sharing this video creation and filling my heart once again with their love story. 

  • http://twitter.com/NoMeatballs Amy

    Jennifer,

    I am a blogger and a foodie (but not a foodie blogger) and was also fortunate to have the story of Jennie and Mikey cross my path. I think it just goes to show how strong the kindred connection really is. Thank you for the kind words on the post – and for visiting our blog. We’re glad you’re here.

    xo

  • http://twitter.com/NoMeatballs Amy

    Jennifer,

    I am a blogger and a foodie (but not a foodie blogger) and was also fortunate to have the story of Jennie and Mikey cross my path. I think it just goes to show how strong the kindred connection really is. Thank you for the kind words on the post – and for visiting our blog. We’re glad you’re here.

    xo

  • Mary Helsel

    Very inspiring Amy.

  • Lizabethgray

    My son is coming back from Hanoi on Friday and there will be a peanut butter pie waiting for him on the kitchen table. Thanks. This has made a rainy day beautiful.

  • http://www.brainsonfire.com/blog Amy Taylor

    Lizabeth,

    What a wonderful welcome home. Thank you for the beautiful comment – glad my post could bring some sunshine to a rainy day. I hope your son’s homecoming is spectacular. Enjoy being together. 

    xo,
    Amy

  • http://www.abundatrade.com Tracy

    I always love reading a week’s worth of Brains On Fire posts as you never know what you’ll find.  I went to the grocery store this morning before work and at first debated about picking up NY Strips that were on sale this week.  We already have a few other types of meat in the freezer, but then I decided that since it’s my hubby’s favorite cut of steak I should definitely pick it up and surprise him.  I am sure it will make his day and after reading this, hopefully it will also remind him of how much he is loved.  

    Thank you for the inspiration. Now I may just have to make his favorite dessert to go with the NY strips.  ;o)

  • Amy Taylor

    Tracy,

    It’s the little things. Thanks for sharing your moment of love with us.

    xo,
    Amy