It's Alive!

Two days ago, my dad William “Bill” Cowern passed away somewhat unexpectedly. I flew last minute to Hawaii to be with him and my family for his last days. I feel incredibly lucky to be healthy enough I could finally see him after years of missing him. My dad was joking, and swearing, and crying until his last moments. You asked how he was doing and he replied with a smile, “I’m dyin’ here!” His humor and warmth were a gift he gave until the very end. Some of you might know my dad from my videos talking about getting hit by lightning (twice!) or interrupting our filming to ask me why his PDF was printing small. (Holiday time was always dad tech support time.) But I knew him as a 6’3 gentle giant. He gave the biggest bear hugs as he welcomed anyone and everyone into his home, and into his life. He was curious about people and the universe. He’s the reason I love science, math, qnd scifi. He’s the reason I’m curious about the world. He was a Vietnam war helicopter pilot in the Marines. But much of the island of Kauai (where I grew up) knew him as “The Tree Man.” He was a tree farmer, and true tree lover his whole life. He could talk to you endlessly, and humorously slowly, about trees, vitamin D, Larry Bird, or one of his many other obsessions. He just loved to share. He shared his knowledge, his kindness, his stories, and his warm love with everyone. I will miss him every day. He was the reason I went into science communication. I hope even half of his warmth and greatness lives on through me, my 4 wonderful siblings, and my amazing mom. I love you forever, Dad. 🖤💔🖤

I made a new video about the status of my health. I’m finally talking and walking! And thank you to my friend @992tobias for letting me share his ME/CFS story, too. youtu.be/vqeIeIcDHD0