Winter will again give way to spring…

[Sapphire Blue]

As a few of you may know, I have some serious health issues (A little insight on that); today I was diagnosed w/yet another… and this one is particularly deadly. Additional treatment may extend life… along w/much discomfort. So, it’s time to move on... wherever, whatever that may be.

As I look outside, I see the signs of spring giving way to summer… blossoms have given way to leaves… the days grow warmer. The seasons, as always, continue… summer will give way to autumn, autumn will give way to winter… the trees will once again be bare, snow will fall. Then winter will again give way to spring…

I suppose I am now in the winter of my life… and a good life it’s been… hard at times, but always good; love has made it good. As winter again gives way to spring, life goes on… as, I believe, will my life force, my soul… I will blossom elsewhere.

[ComerPerro]

1. I think its gonna be a long, cold winter...

[Catrina]

48. What a beautiful, poignant and courageous post ~

You are an inspiration, Saphire Blue ~ I know you have sewn seeds here that will blossom, even in what may sometimes seemed at the time, to be barren soil ~ your passion for justice, love and forgiveness in this sometimes vengeful, unforgiving and brutal world is like water in the desert ~

Your post made me cry ~ :cry:

But your spirit makes me smile ~ :-)

The world is a better place because of you ~ :hug:

[Botany]

2. and so you will!

"...as, I believe, will my life force, my soul… I will blossom elsewhere."

But when you are up to it please continue to blossom here @ DU.

All the best,
Botany

[ulysses]

3. Sapphire

All peace and happiness to you. Anything we can do? :hug:

[senseandsensibility]

4. So sorry to hear what you're going through

Your attitude is postive and uplifting, and I wish you the best.:hug:

[displacedtexan]

5. We're all here for you, Sapphire Blue.

Every day... as you've been here for us.

You're not finished teaching me about life yet.

[Sapphire Blue]

42. Life's lesson...

[leveymg]

6. The snow can be beautiful.

Peace.

[villager]

7. bloom by bloom, Sapphire Blue...

we're all, utimately, on that same journey...

[Name removed]

8. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[roguevalley]

9. lovely words, my friend. All good things to you.

[spanone]

10. The ever awaiting threshold....peace.

:grouphug:

[JeffR]

11. Sapphire Blue

Your posts are always an inspiration, and they touch my heart. Amid all the ugliness humankind has unleashed on the world, there is still so much beauty. And you too are beautiful, though I've never met you and know you only through your words.

May love and courage and hope light your steps on your hard journey.


:patriot:

[bigtree]

12. plant some things

watch them grow

[nofurylike]

13. Ceaseless Gratitude

for ALL you DO, Sapphire Blue!!!!!


:hug:

:loveya:



:grouphug:



Peace and Solidarity, always!!!

[Sapphire Blue]

43. ...

:hug: :loveya:

[nofurylike]

47. *

cherished

[nofurylike]

14. oh, and kick and recommend. eom

[Nicole]

35. And again

:kick:

[Stinky The Clown]

15. May I hold your hand .....

.... in the hope of gaining from you some strength for me?

Thank you for your thoughts. You touched me.

[babylonsister]

16. Oh, my friend. I hope with your huge heart and optimism you

can beat this new threat back. Your convictions have defined you here, but I'm glad you have love in your life, for that makes it worth living.:hug:

[BlueJac]

17. Love

:grouphug:

[YellowRubberDuckie]

18. You sweet, sweet soul.

You moved me. That was beautiful. :hug: I'm otherwise speechless, with tears streaming down my face. You are at peace. I'm terrified of death and would be terrified if I were in your position. I send you prayers and much love.
Duckie

[RhodaGrits]

19. My spiritual beliefs defy all categorization but

I have always loved the pagan words:

"Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet Again, Blessed Be."

For me they best describe this wheel that we circle and the attitude that helps us meet each day.

And from the old hymn set to a Shaker tune...

"Dance, Dance, Wherever you may be.
I am the lord of the dance said he
And I'll lead you all wherever you may be
And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he."

Live all the moments of your life. Thank you for touching mine and many others.

[RevCheesehead]

20. Peace to you.

:hug:

[northofdenali]

21. More love and good karma coming your way.

And my very best wishes for all you need. :loveya::hug::loveya:

[robinlynne]

22. Thank-you Sapphire Blue.

May your days be lovely.

[uppityperson]

23. Peace to you

Good luck and peace in your journey. Thank you for being part of our lives.

[Roon]

24. I have health issues too

I don't know how long I have left on this tour, but I am making the most if it! :hi:

[Mojorabbit]

25. Your spirit shines through in your posts

There is much you can teach us if you would do so. I wish you a heart filled with joy and peace.

[fooj]

26. I wish you peace, Sapphire.

Thank you, above all, for helping humankind make peace its most urgent and noble aspiration.- Wiesel.

Peace to you.

[Oversea Visitor]

27. We were meet

for time move on and winter will always come for all of us
It is Autumm for me winter yet to come
And I always love this little phrase

" I pass this way but once, so let me do what I can, for I never pass this way again."

:hug:

[madokie]

28. Sapphire, remember first there is the blossoms then the fruit

and within the fruit the seed. positive thoughts coming your way, not to mention the love.

[niyad]

29. the poster in #19 said it all for me, as well. Peace and ease to you,

sapphire blue, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you on your journey.

[Festivito]

30. Enjoy the budding of spring.

My trillium have finally grown healthy by my hawthorns, next to a jack-in-the-pulpit preaching to onlookers, flanked by the finished moon flower's lily-pad like shape. Or, is it called blood-root. I don't know. Never could remember flower names. I lift dandelions by the root because I don't like spreading poisons on the ground my two cats walk. Spoiled creatures. My neighbor's estilbe ventured under the fence. It's bigger than mine she says. 83 and nursing her heart, recovered from chemo, a late husband, and her one son's fatal heart attack. I'm about all she has left in the world, except for our two yards. Hers rich in varieties. I tease that all those poppies might invite visits from the DEA. She laughs, but secretly she'd like that. Tulips take turns reaching their peaks. My black ones are perfect even after the rain. The yellow forsythia wane, and for once they are pruned at this right time. Next, an unusual bounty of purple lilacs will fill the air. She reminds me the white ones have the best odor and admits reaching over the fence to cut some for her house last year. I laugh. My garden square is a sea of violet. Violets. She tells me she would like to see them, and as though it is a special date she enters my yard, takes sermon from jack and gives a hug, the kind given by good people leaving church service in spring. Not just any spring. It is this spring. It is now.

I hope you enjoyed a tour through my garden. If you were here, we'd walk and hug. In case you're busy, I'll send it.

[oneold1-4u]

63. Neighbors of the world

I am thinking of what you have said here and like you, find the one next door more important than even our government. We, too, have shared flowers and plants and the strawberries just seemed to creep over the fence and take root.
The country and the world needs to become neighbors, with sharing, first of all, the beauty and fruits of this world! That certainly had to be the "original plan" for all of humanity! So simple and so good.
By the way, the trillium (blood root) and the dandy are both medicinal plants. I am, at the moment recovering from a medical drug bad reaction, I may be using the dandy to recover damaged liver tissue.
I have always loved the trilliums in the woods and will never try to get rid of another dandy. I will even share them! LOL

[DeepModem Mom]

31. Thank you for your lovely words, for your wisdom. Bless you...

Sapphire Blue.

[lvx35]

32. Peace be with you on your journey.

I have no doubt that you will be missed in this form. But sleep well friend, for there is still much work that needs to be done. Love and light!!!! :hug:

[Hekate]

33. All peace and blessings attend you, Sapphire. Thank you for being...

...my teacher in this moment. We all have need of this teaching. I will hold it, and you, in my heart. :hug:

Hekate

[Nicole]

34. Sapphire

I have no doubt that you will blossom elsewhere. That place will be enriched by your presence as we have been here.

Peace & love to you on your journey.

[Blue Diadem]

36. You will blossom elsewhere

just as you have done here. Thank you for being you..thank you for teaching us and sharing your wisdom.

Peace be with you on your journey. :hug:

[Horse with no Name]

37. Sapphire

I hardly know what to say except that I wish you peace and good days throughout the rest of your journey.
:hug:

[Keseys Ghost]

38. Godspeed

[bear425]

39. Sapphire Blue, you inspired me to take the road

less traveled and support a cause that was less than embraced here, too. You have touched many and I want you to know that. I will send healing thoughts your way and I know that you surely will blossom here and forever. :hug:

[Catherine Vincent]

40. :(

:hug:

[renate]

41. having made the most of your life...

... may you find the next part of the journey even more beautiful.

I know that your next blossoming will be an even more blessed and happy one because of the wisdom you will bring to it.

:hug:

[walldude]

44. Winter is a great time to snuggle up with a good book....

That was really beautiful Sapphire, sad, with a ray of hope. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. :grouphug:

[Triana]

45. You WILL blossom elsewhere. We all will...

...that is the cycle of life, death, birth, and rebirth - it is all only a transformation. I wish you health, happiness, comfort and peace.

[LeahD]

46. Sapphire Blue, through your words, we feel the power of love.

Thank you for your life.

[gardenista]

49. Oh, thank you for your words. They are what I needed to read tonight.

We are all gardeners. What we choose to cultivate and how we nurture the earth and each other really is the only thing that matters.

Your wisdom truly held me up today. Thank you.

You blossom in my heart and the light from that blossom gives me strength.

I send healing thoughts for you and promise to cultivate what blooms for me with gratitude.

[salin]

55. what mdgecombe said

beautifully expresses my thoughts and wishes.

Sending additional healing thoughts, care, concern for SapphireBlue and all who have been deeply touched, and will continue to be so, by Sapphire's blossoms of wisdom, insight and compassion.

[nicknameless]

50. Oh no, Sapphire Blue :(

That is heartbreaking. Please blossom again soon... close by. :grouphug:

:hug: Peace and Love to you.

[TBreeze]

51. peace and love

:hug:

[sweetheart]

52. lovely surrender

When it comes down to it, it was about the love... indeed.

Figure all of us have a final post-count, where the writer departs,
and between the current post count and then, are a finite number
of posts, a few thousand, a few hundred, a few 10's.

Every post could be the last... you are having a good death,
conscious, aware of love's immortal soul and giving back
finally our rental car to return to the source.

May love blossom in 10,000 hearts, a great and noble warrior.

namaste,
-s

[Peter Frank]

53. You are blossoming here and now - and will continue to blossom...

...in the here and now, regardless of where you find yourself in the future.

You will indeed blossom elsewhere also. If God is love, love must be God. Those who manifest love manifest the the best in humanity.

Those who manifest indifference and hatred are to be pitied, because they don't understand that by acting inhumanely -- they perpetuate the very source of their unhappiness (a different blossom).

Sapphire Blue I (like you) am vehemently opposed to Capital Punishment. How can you teach someone a lesson by killing him/her?

What message does the death penalty send -- other than, "It's OK to kill people, if it's for a just cause." How fucked up is this?

Flawed people convict people every day. Should capital punishment be a part of this equation???

[Robbie Michaels]

54. You will blossom elsewhere

Whatever time you have, I hope they're filled with love and happy memories. :grouphug:

[Lexingtonian]

56. I'm so sorry to hear this, SB....

You have been radiant here, and you will surely take -and meet-
radiance wherever you go.


(....)
The silence of a winter's night
Brings memories I hold inside
Remembering a blue moonlight
Upon the fallen snow

Maybe I am falling down
Tell me should I touch the ground?
Maybe I won't make a sound
In the darkness all around

I close my window to the night
I leave the sky her tears of white
And all is lit by candlelight
Amid the falling snow

And all is lit by candlelight
Amid the falling snow

(Amid The Falling Snow, Enya Brennan/Roma Ryan)

[ScreamingMeemie]

57. Sapphire, You will Blossom here...always.

I will keep hope for you. I am here now a year longer than I could have been. I will hope the same for you. :hug: :loveya: Your presence here is treasured by me.

[midnight]

58. Good morning Saffire Blue.

I hope you are feeling comfortable today. So glad to have come across your piece. I was just amazed at the beauty outside today, and then I found this piece of your writing. I hope you do something very unusual and unique today. Wishing you a bit of fun.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

59. Peace unto you, Sapphire Blue.

:hug:

[NNadir]

60. I hope I can meet the same, when it comes, with such grace.

Peace to you.

[katinmn]

61. Sapphire Blue, I didn't know

and I missed your insight thread.

Thank you for your bravery and for being the kind, compassionate and passionate warrior.

I never see you as a fanatic and I always watch for your posts. You've got something to say! I see you as a good-hearted activist for justice, a fighter for what is true and right! I remember teaming up with you many times on the Activist forum to get some attention for crucial issues. If you're an over the top progressive fanatic, then so am I.

Thank you.

Peace.:hug:

[knitter4democracy]

62. May you feel grace and peace in this time of winter.

May you be blessed with love from all those who surround you, may you be able to breathe easily and without pain, and may all your medical team make the right decisions for your care.

I will be praying for you, if you don't mind. As we pray in our church, may you be in a place of repose, a place of refreshment, and may your memory be ever eternal.

[Czolgosz]

64. I was very sick once (I'll PM you) and Rodney Crowell's song "Earthbound"

was oddly comforting to me for some reason (I don't generally like that sort of music, but I found the song very comforting nevertheless). Here are the lyrics:

I could shed my skin and in the blink of an eye,
I could fly, fly, fly.
Tie my dreams up in a sack, lay my head down on the track,
And die, die, die.
My life's been so sweet, I just can't stand it.
I must admit I've made out like a bandit.

Last night's conversation with a real good friend of mine,
Drinking wine, wine, wine.
He said "Fifty years of living and your worst mistakes forgiven:
"Just takes time, time, time."
One man's lust for life brings world reknownd.
And the next guy can't get two feet off the ground: He's earthbound.

Earthbound: Hear the wind through the tops of the trees.
Earthbound: Summer sun nearly ninety degrees.
Earthbound: Big old moon sinking down
Think I might stick around: I'm earthbound.

I knew love once way back when she had almond eyes and olive skin,
And long black hair.
She was Irish-Spanish mix-breed, I was south-east Texas hayseed,
We were almost there.
Her Daddy did not like my kind around.
Our true love took the next train out of town: Earthbound.

Earthbound: Where there's fathers and daughters in pain.
Earthbound: Mama's boy walking home in the rain.
Earthbound: Like a ship run aground,
Think I might stick around: I'm earthbound.

With each new day that passes, I'm in need of thicker glasses,
But it's all o.k.
Someday I'll be leaving but I just can't help believing,
That it's not today.
Every golden moment I have found.
I've done my best to run right in the ground: Earthbound

Earthbound: See the sky, big and beautiful blue.
Earthbound: Fallen angels come calling for you.
Earthbound: Keeping close to the ground,
Think I might stick around.

Earthbound: Tom Waits, Aretha Franklin, Mary Karr.
Earthbound: Walter Cronkite, Seamus Heaney, Ringo Starr,
the Dalai Lama and Charlie Brown make me want to stick around.
I'm earthbound.



Good luck and take care.

[vickitulsa]

65. Beautifully expressed, Sapphire Blue.

I am near enough to the next major transformation that I've begun to lose my fear, to see the purpose and feel great joy in moving on to whatever comes next. I suspect this peaceful acceptance of our passing comes to most if not all humans as the inevitability of it looms near.

I keep finding myself smiling lately, for no particular reason, instead of frowning and worrying. Isn't it delightfully mystical the way that happens? :)

I am happy to have crossed your path, Sapphire Blue, for these brief moments on the continuum. :hug:

[highplainsdem]

66. Sapphire Blue, I wish you peace, love and joy, here and hereafter.

And as much time here as possible, with appreciation and comfort from all those you've helped, whose lives you've touched and graced.

I sent you a private message with a poem last night, and I'm going to post that poem again here, in the hope it will comfort you and others. As I said then, your wise words -- "I will blossom elsewhere" -- brought this to mind.

http://www.alharris.com/poems/support/deathislifeburstingintobloom.htm


Death Is Life Bursting into Bloom


When I die, I will not die.
I will be a foot coming out of a too-small shoe,
a bird flying free out of a cramping cage,
an astronaut taking off his space suit,
having safely returned home.

When you die, you will not die either.
You are not your body, as I'm not mine.
You will see a brighter rainbow
and hear heaven's ethereal music
which no stereo can capture.

When I die but not die,
I will leave a little part of me
inside your memory.
It will be your key to my door
that is always open in heaven.

When you die but not die,
I will have the key to your door too.
Better to have keys for open doors
than closed doors without keys,
as in this locked-up life on earth.

When I am gone but not gone,
think of me and I am there.
When you are gone but not gone,
I will send you flowers through the air.
Let us celebrate the magnificent safety of death.


From Splashes and Breezes (1988)
by Alan Harris


And a favorite quotation from Rabindranath Tagore:

Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.

[Catrina]

69. How beautiful ~ 'death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out

the lamp because the dawn has come'.

[myrna minx]

67. May greatest blessings and love to you.

May your heart bloom forever. :hug:

[newyawker99]

68. I send positive thoughts your way.

May your journey be peaceful.

:loveya:

[Coexist]

70. “i can be changed by what happens to me. but i refuse to be reduced by it"

You are living Maya Angelou's words.

[UrbScotty]

71. Peace be with you, Sapphire Blue.

O8)

[kainah]

72. my thoughts are with you

Being ready to face the next phase of "life" can make the passing a calmer and more rewarding experience. I applaud you for the grace and courage to accept what must be accepted and to allow the future to unfold in harmony. You will certainly reap the rewards of that.

Stay safe.

[bleever]

73. Unbounded joy, radiating in all directions.

Peace and Love.

[proud patriot]

74. I'm sending strength

:loveya:

:patriot:

[Mnemosyne]

75. You will bloom on whichever side of life you reside Sapphire.

Here's a poem I found long ago. I hope you like it. You reminded me of it with this beautiful post.:hug:

You are a gift, a treasure. You've touched my life and I thank you for it.:hug:


A rose once grew

where all could see,

sheltered beside

a garden wall,

And as the days passed

swiftly by,

it spread its branches, straight and tall...


One day, a beam of light

shone through

a crevice that had

opened wide~

The rose bent gently

toward its warmth

then passed beyond

to the other side.


Now, you who deeply

feel its loss,

be comforted ~ the rose blooms there ~

It's beauty even greater now,

nurtured by

The Universe's own loving care.

Author unknown


I pray you are here for a long time.:hug:

Peace to you my sister,
Vickiss

[readmoreoften]

76. Peace, Sapphire. Your journey will continue. /nt

[suffragette]

77. You embody grace and courage.

Your spirit shines and its light is beautiful.

[Usrename]

78. Love and peace.

Beautiful thread.

[woodsprite]

79. Sapphire Blue, I'm sending many prayers and much love your way. n/t

[helderheid]

80. I had no idea, Sapphire Blue - I extend my spirit to you

Beyond that I have no words

[hamerfan]

81. Great words, Sapphire,

Such dignity is always rewarded. Unfortunately, for some reason the words were getting blurry as I read....
dumpbush

[Sequoia]

82. God bless you. You post in the middle is the heart of a poet.