Vim, the iconic text editor, remains a cornerstone for developers decades after its creation. For one user, it’s more than a tool—it’s a deeply personal extension of thought, used to draft this very article and countless other works. The editor’s creator, Bram Moolenaar, passed away in 2021, leaving a void felt globally.

Though never meeting Moolenaar, the author felt a connection through using Vim in the Netherlands, where the funeral was held. Moolenaar’s altruism, particularly his focus on Ugandan children’s healthcare, underscored his humanity.