The internet – especially social media – can be a den of cruelty. 

We are regularly reminded how it can stoke hatred and division. 

But it can also connect people and be a source of joy. I was reminded of that this past week by a package I got in the mail. 

I recently wrote a LinkedIn post about my 98-year-old father’s homespun wisdom. I included some sayings, such as:

“You can’t learn to swim without getting your head wet.” 

“If you play with the bull, you get the horns.”

The post inspired a woman in Austin, Milena Milano. She enjoyed it so much she decided to embroider them. She sent me a DM asking for my address. 

I was surprised and delighted by the offer and floored when the package arrived in the mail. 

I thanked her and we jumped on Zoom to share thoughts about life and work. It reminded me of the best part of social media: connecting with people. 

She shared that she loves creating things for other people and the more she creates the more it helps her professional work and mental state because it triggers positive thoughts. She creates art, jewelry and food.

Milena and her husband may be in New York this fall and if calendars align,  we will get coffee. Alternatively, we may get together next year when I plan to be in Austin for South by Southwest. 

I framed the two pieces of art on canvas and gave them to my dad, who immediately thought of where they could hang. He was so proud. 

My father isn’t on social media. He retired before the creation of the World Wide Web and I don’t think he’s ever used a smart phone. 

Still, he’s aware of the criticisms of social media. 

Today, Milena reminded him it can also be a source of kindness.