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A final hug for our dear friend
I know that our Saturday morning Pull Up A Chair post is traditionally light and uplifting but I hope you’ll indulge me in a slight departure. There have been a lot of heavy things going on at the Lake and with some of its members. We all know that SouthernDragon passed away on Tuesday morning and that Scarecrow is very ill just now and of course Jane herself has had some cancer scares. Suzanne sustained a very serious injury several months ago and oldnslow and myself had some bad health scares, though in both of our cases it turned out to be annoying rather than serious. Some of us are getting up there in years and probably most of us have seen more days go by than we have to look forward to. There are also our northeastern brothers and sisters who have endured a major storm recently, some of whom may very well have thought the end was near. Having experienced more than a few hurricanes myself and some really close calls with tornadoes, I can tell you truthfully that one does come face to face with how fragile life can be.
I think we have all learned to face mortality in our lives. Some of us have done it alone, some of us have had the great good fortune of having loved ones to assist us. Let’s face it, as human beings, we are probably the only creatures that we know of who are aware that we are going to die someday and how we face that defines us in a fundamental way. Some people use religion or other forms of spirituality, others don’t need that kind of balm, but I think we can all agree that how we face death is at least as important as how we face life.
I’m not the best person in the world. In fact, I am pretty far from perfect but I’ve never intentionally hurt another, at least not seriously; and though I often fail, I do try to treat the people I encounter better than they treat me. I love you all to one degree or another, though I’m sure that I don’t love some of you as well as you deserve. I’m just an imperfect soul in a harsh world. I have no religious faith so my salvation is not an issue to me, but I always try to be a better person tomorrow than I was yesterday and I think that’s all any of us can do.
So what I’m thinking about this Saturday morning is, why don’t we post our last messages for SouthernDragon and our get well wishes to Scarecrow here? I’m sure there are other pups currently facing health challenges that I’m unaware of who we can also include. We could share fond stories about our friends past and present as well. The people who changed our lives and made us who we are. I’m not trying to hurry anybody into an early grave, but wouldn’t it be nice to pay tribute to them and to share strength with each other?
I don’t know much about Scarecrow personally but I know that SouthernDragon was a Vietnam combat veteran and had probably stared at death more than any ten of us. I think if he were here to comment, he might tell us that there are no guarantees in life, no promises, no minimum amount of time that we get here. All we can do is our best and to keep on doing that as we’re going toward the end of the line. Namaste and goodbye my wonderful friend and inspiration. You’ll be missed on this Earth but you’re with your departed four-leggeds at the Rainbow Bridge now. I love you, man.
As you’re listening, keep in mind that George Harrison is also no longer with us and that Roy Orbison died while that video was in production. This is a very special song to me and I think it really nails how I feel.
***
Photo by Mitch Groff, used under Creative Commons license.
211 Comments
Good morning pups. I hope I don’t bring you down this morning but I want reiterate my best wishes for Scarecrow to get well soon and my fondest goodbye to Richard.
Thanks, Margaret. One quality I have found really admirable in the friends here is an ability to take the wrong tone sometimes, usually unintentionally, we meet here, and keep our feelings warm and welcoming. We all have moments we just don’t get it rights, and we make the effort to get beyond puzzling times, without losing friendship. It’s worthwhile to be here, and hopefully it adds to the lives we touch.
Now I’m crying. The Dragon Gone ? He lived life fully to the end, a fine example of what a MAN can be.
Been without power or computing for four days missed a lot of news.
With the turmoil the storm has caused I’m seeing the best and the worst people as their masks have slipped a bit. We’re all in this together . My best to those still without from the storm.
Great ideas/nice post. I had mentioned on Om’s thread that I’d like to keep it going. In your intro about humans knowing they’ll die…a few years ago there was a book The Denial of Death that set out a contrast….talking about cows in the line to die where one gets clobbered and the neighbor has no idea, let alone knowing the fate of all the next ones. That imagery has really stuck.
Nov 1st is All Saints day; it will be celebrated in many churches on tomorrow. I do “church” at a hospital today, and Im thinking about
getting the kids to talk about people they admire. For myself, I think most of the non-family folks Ive admired have been teachers…
some outstanding, some living very interesting lives. Thanks for a great topic. There is a song, “I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true….” We wish.
Do you mind saying where you are?
Yeah, I know I’m guilty of that too. There are reasons for that but not excuses. One thing about Richard I’m going to miss is his ability to tamp down some of those flare ups.
I’m glad your power has been restored. ChristinaEdmunson just got hers back last night too. I remember the three days I was without power in the wake of Hurricane Alicia. I was swelteringly hot. Some neighbors and I put together our food, bought an enormous brisket at the Kroger for a bargain price, (it was without power too), and stood in three feet of water and cooked it outside. It was great when the power went back on but I lamented the loss of that comraderie.
Good morning everyone, and Margaret, I was hoping today’s PUAC would be something like this. Beautifully written, my friend.
I am also hoping OmAli’s husband is out of the hospital and recovering from whatever that ugly virus is. She was our main point of contact with Richard at the same time she was dealing with her husband’s illness.
I am so grateful we have this place to gather, and I have sure missed the Diner this week.
Without the net, and without other sources of news, I always feel lost, then a bit relieved. I hope you are able to get through without harm, and know you’ll find yourself a little bit closer to the neighbors going through it with you.
Yes, tjbs, here’s the lovely obituary Jane posted on Tuesday.
http://firedoglake.com/2012/10/30/rip-richard-de-berry-aka-southern-dragon/
Bucks county Pa, North of Philly by 25 miles, on the Delaware. Sat through 30/40 minutes of pure terror as the storm blew through ,after dark, at 90 mph without let up .
Lost three huge trees and our last live Christmas planted 15 years ago. Working my retirement in a hardware store It was like an invasion of locusts stripped the store bare.At one point we had over 100 people in line in a mom and pop small store. Sold 300 generators and loaded them in 8 hours. Crazy days are here for sure.
Thanks Molly. I missed that diary somehow.
Wow! At least you had 300 generators on hand!
And of course thanks again to OmAli and best wishes for her husband AbuAli, (I think I have that right)
Glad it went by without harming you, sometimes it’s okay to be out here in flyover land.
Wow, thanks for the details, and I am certainly glad you are OK. What a mess, and Im sure for many people. Good luck to all.
Things I have thought alot about SD…I liked him almost from the beginning. Ive given alot of thought to what made him so special..well, he helped me alot with my sick cat, he created Caturday that turned out to be very social, I really liked his name for whatever reason, many, many qualities came through. Ive also wondered how much he knew about being sick. He had withdrawn from Caturday and several times said he was tired. I hope he was comfortable and at peace. I think he knew he was loved.
He was simultaneously gruff and gentle. Most people lose that paradox. But watch out when he pulled out the “Sparky” tag. Then he was in no b/s mode!
I’m sure his cat friends are being cared for but does anybody know the details? I’d like to contribute to their care if possible.
Good Morning, Margaret and AllPups
Yes, it has been a challenging week, for sure.
It’s struck me how hard Richard’s passing has hit me and so many of us. What was it that Obi Wan said? A disruption in the force? Was that it? That’s how it felt this week.
Thanks, Peg….well said. Im out; look forward to checking back in.
(It’s foggy out there; maybe in San Ant, also)
I had a year….1999 where about every 2 month,I lost someone dear to me, including a cat who was born in my closet and I bottle fed because his mother wasn’t producing enough milk.
I’ve been disabled for about 1/3 of my life in sometimes unbelievable pain. Most of what I’ve been through, I’ve been through alone.
Sometimes it’s scary. Sometimes I’m just glad there’s no one around to tell me my suffering is all my fault.
I’ve seen the sunshine and I’ve seen the rain.
Sometimes I think the people who go before us are the lucky ones….they don’t have to mourn us or see what the monstrous men are doing to this world, and yet…..such a beautiful life; such wonders and miracles. And I’m so glad I’ve lived through the times I have; watched the social movements and human creativity flourish in hope and watched the fascists slowly take away our underpinnings.
All this makes me so grateful for each morning and each moment and every cat I’ve ever known.
Morning pups,
In tribute to Richard, using Margaret’s words above there was an over-riding theme and cause and mission behind his every moment, that came through ever so clearly to me, and it was his ceaseless effort to help each and every one of us to understand that we are never without power and that it is up to us to “restore,” our own power individually and collectively.
Thanks for a very touching diary Margaret.
It surely did..along with the storm and the election highs & lows.
Good Morning….Later.
Owe you a drink, sister.
Somebody (was it Yellowsnapdragon?) wanted to adopt Nagi.
I believe his friend who is a vet tech (with the veterinarian he used for the cats) was with him in the last hours, holding his hand and talking to him. Since he died at around 4 a.m. I’m not sure she was there then. But I think his friends and his vet were going to look after his cats and find them homes.
IIRC he had a half brother who was going to get there on Thursday, too late as we know, but they weren’t close. Hopefully he will be able to see to some of the final details.
It’s been a feeling of loss, that always strikes me when realizing that an opportunity has gone by, and won’t be back. Things come up that we know we are wanting to share, and there’s no one there anymore to share that one with. Part of us has gone missing.
Hi Nonny. I think a hot chocolate sounds good. It’s so chilly here this morning, I just lit a fire in the fireplace.
*
You know, I just loved it when SD would fire “Horseshit!” from time to time.
Good morning all.
Peg,
Your humanity is almost overwhelming. What a wonderful, thoughtful and beautifully written post. Thank you for this opportunity to say;
Goodbye Richard. It was my unequaled privilage to study at the feet of such a wise, gentle, powerfull and caring soul. Rest In Peace Brother.
Caw, Caw ‘crow. Please get well. We miss you. Know that the CBL and I are willing, with all our might, all the healing and comfort the universe has to offer straight at you.
Life is at it’s very best a fragile and fleeting thing. Having managed to survive much longer than I thought was possible several decades ago, I have come to realize that the best I can hope for is to be thought well of after I am gone. I strive daily to leave all of those I encounter with a decent impression. Failing more than succeedin but trying ever more determind the next day.
I agree. The world has felt wrong since I read the news.
It was nice to see Scarecrow on the boards a bit this week. I hope that means positive things about his recovery.
Good morning demi and other firepups. Thanks for the post and host Margaret. Beautiful words for a beautiful man. He elevated all of us.
How good that you have that ability to recognize the precious life we have, even when it’s hard to get through.
I kind of had to disassociate myself from my family who said they supported me but at the same time made it incredibly clear that it was all about “them” and so forth. Recently my sister and I have communicated more and she seems to genuinely feel awful about the way she handled it. I forgave her immediately of course. I think my circumstances forced me to grow up much faster than my siblings. I was emotionally middle aged in my twenties.
Yes, that Never.give.up. theme was always a lift.
Margaret, Thank you for the post. This type of post was definitely needed for a lot of us.
Now back up to read the comments from the top.
Part of us has gone missing.
Oh, Gosh, Ruth, just when I thought I’d run out of tears. Nope. I still have some.
I’d kinda like to know the names of all his kitteh friends so I can do a tribute to them at Pull Up Your Cat but he had so many and I know some have gone to the rainbow bridge as well over the past couple of years. If I was in Florida, I’d take one on myself.
I’ve been working days at a site with no Internet, and wasn’t aware that SouthernDragon had passed away. He was one of my favorites at this site, and I’ll sorely miss him.
About a quarter inch of snow fell overnight. I’ll fill a large thermos and head over. The fire sounds wonderful.
Yeah. I told my boss that he left a hole in my heart that a greyhound bus couldn’t fill. Just wandering around in a daze most of the week. Tejanarusa informed me of his loss via email because I can’t really access blogs and stuff at work. I appreciated that and I thought I was prepared for his loss but it was like having the wind knocked out of me. Soooo glad I have this community during times like these.
SD was a rare soul indeed, blessed with humor, compassion, and wit. His gentle spirit is sorely missed.
Peace to you, CatMan. Yours is a great loss, to a great many.
Sorry, it’s something I run into, to my surprise, occasionally.
Most of you who visited the Diner witnesses SD and me being at fisty cuff a time or two, but we had know each other on at the Lake for a long time and that was not symbolic of our relationship. I believe he was one of my first “friends” here at the Lake and I felt we got to know each other fairly well.
One time, back when CHS was hosting PUAC, some of us started hanging around afterward and that’s when we got to know each other. One morning it was Richard, DWBartoo, Petrocelli and me. We got talking about spirituality and other groovy things and I still remember the camraderie we created for ourselves that Saturday morning.
I wrote this post prior to SD’s death and one of the saddest things I’ve ever had to do was to go back and change all the references to him to the past tense and add the last paragraph. Damn it, now I’m crying again.
((Margaret))
I don’t know that Richard and I ever got into a real argument. He did turn me into a Socialist after all.
Beautiful comment sir. Please take care of yourself and the inestimable CBL.
Thank you for sharing that story of the vet tech. That’s comforting to know. I hadn’t read that before and makes me smile.
Oh, join the club, he never let any of us get by with what made for discordant notes, and of course, made up as quickly.
Maybe fistycuffs was the wrong word, because we never actually argued. I’m just sometimes inappropriate and when I’d get on my high horse, he’d knock me off it. :) We’re both varly stubborn people. Er.
I hope someone let his friend Janis know. She used to show up at Caturday, but hadn’t recently and I don’t know that I saw her there once Caturday stopped. She is in CA, I think, and I don’t know how to reach her.
I guess that’s what Real Friends do.
We are taking care of each other. The CBL was hit very hard by Richard’s passing. She considered him the most important teacher of her life. Often the leason was taught not with words but with the words not said. The very essence of wisdom.
Never.
Give.
Up.
Apparently she and his friend Joe were with him some of the hours he was “sleeping deeply” (probably a coma) toward the end, but he roused enough to respond to them. Clearly his being moved to the hospice floor was a lot more final than most of us knew. I do know that by definition hospice is for those not expected to live more than 6 months, but people there continue to be treated and can get well enough to leave for at least a time.
LMAO! Wouldn’t know anything about that!
((((Tim&CBL))))
Happy Story: I think it was three years ago, right before my sonny’s birthday and christmas. I had mentioned our disasterious finances at the time. The afternoon that my family was coming over for a birthday party, I had gone to the store to get food to serve and had about $23 in the account. I got a few things but felt bad that I couldn’t provide more. I stopped at my mailbox and guess what was there? A love gift, folded into a piece of paper that said Christmas Be Merry. I figured it was from Dragon because he was the only one who had my address. I had mailed him an autographed copy of Greg’s Best Democracy, so that’s how he had it. It moved me so much! Tears of Joy then.
Geez louise, if we can’t be honest with our friends, what would we do?
Love ya, Peg.
No, wait. It said Christmas de Merry. That was it.
We were talking about Socialism one day and we got into a bit of a debate. A few days later, a copy of Sin Patron came in my mailbox. I knew who it was from ’cause he told me he was going to send it. I feel all special that he thought enough about me to believe I was redeemable. We fought in two different wars and I was just an airframe mechanic but we shared a common distaste for slaughter, especially slaughter in the name of greed.
As he was Richard de Berry, I think we can make a safe assumption here. What a sense of humor he had. *sigh* The world is a smaller place now.
Oh my, that’s lovely. And not surprising.
He said once in an email to me (we didn’t exchange emails often) that he had done counseling for 20 years. I didn’t know if he was retired from that and working for (I think) a property management company in recent years. Unfortunately I didn’t know a lot about him.
And demi, I just downloaded Greg’s latest book, Billionaires and Ballot Bandits. You can get it free for a limited time (may be over now), but I made a donation to his investigative fund.
seems like it is some kind of devine intervention, whenever I can get on line for long enough to read, I am directed to a commemoration for one of my favorite members here at the lake
My neighborhood was slammed this weekend, my health and my immediate family are fine
However my distant family, those I care about here at the lake, there is the rub.
Southern Dragon, you and your thoughts will always be a part of my life.
Scarecrow, there is nobody I run to read faster then I run to read your posts, get back here pronto
PEACE
seems like it is some kind of devine intervention, whenever I can get on line for long enough to read, I am directed to a commemoration for one of my favorite members here at the lake
My neighborhood was slammed this weekend, my health and my immediate family are fine
However my distant family, those I care about here at the lake, there is the rub.
Southern Dragon, you and your thoughts will always be a part of my life.
Scarecrow, there is nobody I run to read faster then I run to read your posts, get back here pronto
PEACE
Or “The Great, Capitalist Cesspool” as he called it.
Glad that you made it through safely! And really glad that there is somebody qualified in the FEMA post!
Exactly. And, what a mind, he had. Brilliant, really, and so well read. Do you think there are many at the Lake who were so well self educated and in so many various areas?
Thanks for this opportunity, Margaret. I do more lurking than participating here at the Lake, but still feel a part of the community. Richard’s passing brought tears to my eyes–something that has not occurred in a very long time. Richard helped me solve a computer glitch once upon a time . . . and he introduced me to Marx in the Morning. I deferred to and respected his judgment when a flare-up occurred in a discussion arena; if he actually jumped on a troll, I considered it a ‘learning’ moment . . . a way to recognize the trivial or disingenuous and a guide to finding one’s voice.
Because we both live in Florida, I always imagined a time when we could meet for a cup of coffee in a non-virtual diner. As with most things, we always imagine that we’ll find the time SOON. And soon can quickly pass us by, leaving words unsaid, thoughts unshared.
I’m grateful for having “known” this kind and committed soul, and for the community that shares the sorrow of his passing
At some time he mentioned leasing equipment, I tho’t vehicles but don’t remember particulars.
If they exist, they’d probably be here at the Lake.
Good bye, Southern Dragon. I know by now you’ve met all your old friends at the Rainbow Bridge.
Glad you all are well, and hopefully coming back into more functioning of the world around you. Of course, you’re welcome here any time you can manage it.
I was privileged to help him out with a computer problem he was having when I first became a regular commentator at the Lake, after I became less enamored with Americablog. He said his computer was shutting down randomly. It would work fine for a bit and then it would quit. As I had personal experience in this phenomenon, I pointed out that smoking, combined with animal hair tends to stop up the heat sinks on his computer. Actually, making that discovery was one of the things that led me to quit smoking. He cleaned all the tar and hair out and was able to keep using the machine.
Thanks Peg. That was lovely. I have missed you all since the fizzle of our database project. I only had a comments exchange with SD once but we were in sync. Glad to know the kitties will be well cared for. Whatever we do or don’t believe I think we all pray, however silently. My thoughts and prayers go out to Scarecrow and everyone suffering. We were amazingly lucky to escape storm damage, for which we are grateful. In the discussion of a life well lived, I would recommend “Searching for Sugarman,” which I have not seen but my husband has. Never one for baseless sentiment, he described it as really touching and the subject as “the real deal.”
Namaste.
I could be wrong about property management, but I thought once on a Diner thread he mentioned that “rents are due” and he had to be at work.
Heya, Perris. I still miss you liveblogging your breakfast! Funny what one remembers, isn’t it? And I also remember your moving tribute to your friend who died a couple of years ago.
I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in having experienced the anxiety of Not Knowing what was going on with him. It’s occured to me this past week that it might be helpful if we had each other’s emails and phone numbers.
I’d be happy to keep a spread sheet on my computer, and yes back it up on a disc if folks want to share this personal info.
If you want to be part of a email or phone tree, you can email me at
tellblondie at ca dot rr dot com.
He did indeed work as the bookkeeper for a small property management firm.
Mine is a memory that could be wrong. That what he did left him time to comment was very appreciated.
Glad you made it through intact. That was something I didn’t have to change in this post after the fact. When I wrote this, though it was prior to landfall, I could tell it would be a whopper! Buildings in the north are built to handle compression loads, as from snowfall and ice while buildings further south and on the Gulf Coast are built to handle lateral loads from heavy winds. A category 1 up there is the same as a category 3 down here.
PS – As I don’t know everyone’s real names, please leave your handle in the subject line. Thanks.
With an incredibly wingnutty boss. Every day I strive to maintain his example of that relationship with my fundie boss, (who really isn’t as bad as fundies get)
Well, you got both of mine. They don’t change. At least until I pick up a stalker. ;)
Good morning, everyone, and thank you Margaret for this post, it feels right in view of all that’s happened these past several days.
Southern Dragon will be sorely missed, but he will also be continually remembered here for all he did and who he was. He could be gruff at times, but was a softy on the inside, with a heart of gold. He had an ability to teach something to anyone who was open enough to listen.
Best wishes to Scarecrow for a successful treatment and remission. Your presence and wisdom is still required here at the Lake. To borrow a few words from SD – “Never. Give. Up.”
Also want to say goodbye to my cousin Pat in Cincinnati, who battled cancer for 4 years and whose funeral is today. She was a sweet lady, kind and playfully mischievous. Fondest memories as kids of tobogganing down the steep hill at her neighborhood park, and rocking out to Three Dog Night at her HS graduation party. Miss you, Pat.
I only have one of yours. You have two? LOL. I don’t need more than one!
Glad that stalker last week was promptly dispatched!
Demi has my email, as do several other pups.
Thanks for coming bye and goodbye Pat. The fact that you were not a member of this community makes your loss no less keen to those who loved you. Doesn’t mortality suck at times?
I meant she has both my email and phone number. :)
I come to work early each morning.
For many years, after getting the office up and runnning, like today, I would take several moments to drink a cup of coffee and click on FDL to see what was up.
Almost every time I did so, SouthernDragon would be present. I counted on it. Every damn day he was solid as a rock, dependable as the rising sun and quirky enough never to be boring.
But beyond those remarkable qualities, although often disagreeing with him, I recognized there was something about SouthernDragon that was unique and undefinable. A certain rare presence of being that gave me, and I think many others, considerable comfort in this volatile world. We need so much more of that.
SouthernDragon will be missed.
Yup. And, I thought of emailing you the morning Om shared the news of Richard’s passing, but didn’t want you to find out at work. I couldn’t have functioned at work that day.
My bosses are righties as well. Our shop management software allows for a picture of each employee on their login page. 3 weeks ago a GIANT romney/ryan sign sign appeared in the roadside yard of our shop. One boss took me over to the sign and took my picture with the sign and changed the picture on my login page to the romney/ryan picture. (please know that I have both middle fingers extended)
Tuesday was a busy day at work for me and that actually got me through it.
The best karma, reflected upon all here, and focused on Scarecrow. . .
Happy trails, Dragon.
Thanks for visiting, oldgold. I’ve said many times before that Richard was my inspiration. he made me look beyond my own made up mind in many cases. And he did it without rancor and with mutual respect.
Can he do that? That sucks.
LMAO! I’d kinda like to see that.
I can’t be too mean about my fundie boss. He just spent an enormous wad of money upgrading the machinery that I run. I mean a LOT!
Nice touch. Had my picture taken with history’s first functioning oil well much the same way.
He was one of the best, and if it were possible for me to give anyone immortality, I’d have given it to him — and I would have asked him first if he wanted it.
I think that what I liked most about him is that he was an excellent teacher. Simply excellent.
Adios, dear friend. Glad you’re no longer in pain.
I’d want my picture of that taken with me holdng one of those old timey dynamite plunger things!
Trust me when I tell you, I give as good as I get.
The other boss is a “Free Market, Free Market” type. He was bellowing “deregulation” the other day and I quitly said “we’ve been deregulating for 30 years what regulations are left that you would do away with?” He had no answer.
Me too!! LOL!
He was the best. He was a crucible for all of the best of different religions and philosophies to be blended together and distilled into something that each and every one of us should strive for, regardless of personal belief.
From what OmAli said, he wan’t in pain (or told her he wasn’t) so that is some small comfort.
Of course not.
Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone, the paved paradise. Put up a parking lot.
My bosses are great so I give them a lot of room for shit like that. (3 of my last 4 Christmas bonuses had 2 digits left of the comma and the 4th was just shy of making it)
Nice touch your own self!
They have a huge following, yet all they have to offer are talking points and dittoheads. I’ll never forget when in 2005, a co-worker and I were reading a paper one day before work and when I wondered when some service members had been killed in an amphibious vehicle on a highway in Iraq, why they were in an amphibious vehicle in the first place, my co-worker said “Fucking Liberals”. I pointed out that, (at the time), Republicans controlled both houses of Congress, the executive branch and seven out of nine SCOTUS seats, he had exactly no response to give because apparently that topic hadn’t been covered by the conservative talking heads yet. SD loved that story but of course was pissed at more deaths.
Thanks so much, Margaret and friends for your comments and remembrance of our friend and colleague, Southern Dragon.
As for me, I’m much better. Though he and I were same age and served in Vietnam about the same time, I got lucky. A different kind of lung cancer that morphs into a strain that is very treatable, and the medication appears to be working. And there is really no reason it should have been me instead of SD. He was a good man.
So may he rest in peace.
Well, then! He could take a picture of me and a snake for that. :)
My bonus last year didn’t equal that but I did wind up with a top of the line four color process printer and a wonderful digital camera. Can’t complain about that. And we had a shitty year last year. This guy doesn’t spend money unless he sees a use for it to make more money. I’m thinking I’m going to be a busy bee indeed.
Also, we have been mostly standing around for lack of work. They will not lay off, cut hours or take days off. We are actually painting work benches for something to do. 14 families are deeply gratefull for those 2 guys.
Yay! Great news Scarecrow and thank you so much for coming by and sharing our morning with us. Sooo glad that you did. :)
Wonderful to see you, Scarecrow, and so happy the medication seems to be working. I looked it up when Jane mentioned it, and it truly seems like a “miracle” drug (so far).
Best wishes for a good recovery!
I somehow missed Jane’s memorial thread to Richard when it went up (and how fitting that he would choose a time of year when the walls between the world seem to be at their thinnest to make his passing), but I found this comment from Popeye that sums up SD so beautifully:
I just went back to the top to “recommend” so that maybe this can stay on the recommended list and others can share stories.
And, Peg, thanks so much for The End Of The Line. Really good one.
Live and let live and the best you can do is forgive.
Richard would heartily approve, I think.
Best wishes to Scarecrow! Will be watching for your postings and comments. Feel better. Get better.
And SD, would that we could find a way to sustain the Diner. With his picture right over the door to remind us what matters as we head out the door to our days.
Cherish the day.
Sandy, who is thinking maybe it’s time to change her name to Prairie full time….
Sorry to leave this wonderful thread, but if I don’t get my butt to the Farmer’s Market, the milk guy will be out of skim and the last tomatoes will be gone and I’ll be SOL.
I will check back later, though. Thanks again for a wonderful post, Peggy.
Oh, ‘crow, weeping tears of joy at this news. So glad you dropped by to share that.
(((Scarecrow)))
So good to hear that the meds are doing their job.
I’ve always thought that you have been one of the bests writers here and a true inspiration. Looking forward to reading more.
Yep. My boss refused to lay off when times were lean. Maybe one of the reasons that my equipment is still in good working order, despite it’s age is that I have been doing maintenance on it over and over. Hope things pick up for you soon.
(I don’t get why people who make money in manufacturing are so supportive of someone who made his fortune destroying that business in this country!)
Okay…not supposed to be political, Margaret!
Have a great weekend Molly. I’m gonna keep this thread up on my browser all day, which is out of the ordinary. While I have errands and chores, I’m going to remain available to commentators throughout the day.
Scarecrow, get well soon, you hear? We need you here with us.
And more fond memories and tears for SD. He is still much loved, and will be sadly missed.
!!!
scrolled back to read comments that went up while I wrote my earlier comment. What a warm coincidence to see your words. Take care!
Glad to hear the medication is working, Scarecrow! Keep getting better!
I had offered to start up “Richard’s Diner” earlier this week, but there was mixed reaction. Understandable, since we all were reeling with shock. People don’t want to step on Fatster, who is a very gracious hostess, but the offer is still open. I’d need a few people to help, since I wouldn’t be able to do it every day, but I could take once a week, at least.
Give it some thought. I know Peggy can’t do it because of work (plus she’s been hosting the cat thread on Sunday), but even Newdealfarmgirrl said she could help.
Let me know if anyone is interested. msmollynd AT gmail.
I have a feeling he did have some pain, at least early on before he found out what was happening — though he was of the old school in that regard; he would have hated to be thought a whiner (can you imagine SD whining about anything?) and he would have been embarrassed (though secretly glad) to have people fussing over him.
I’m out also. Have a wonderful weekend all and thanks again Margaret for beautiful post and host.
{{{Firedogs one and all}}}
New post up by Phoenix Woman and it’s a dandy as usual. Like I said though, feel free to drop by throughout the day to share your tears, your stories or your laughter. Please join me also in wishing the speediest and fullest recovery for Scarecrow!
Just went up to recommend (I often forget to do that) and saw the tags on the post. Very nice!!
Now I’m out. Poof.
Good to see you, Scarecrow!
See ya later, alligator.
It’s a shame it had to be either of you. I didn’t know you are also a Vietnam vet. I don’t know much about you or I would have written a more fitting essay. Sorry.
Thanks for dropping by, hope all goes well with you for a long, long good time to come.
Here’s to you SD, that’s quite a crowd you had waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
(((firepups and firecats)))
Things are demanding I do them, now, thanks for good company, and thanks, Margaret for doing the very hard job you took on, and doing it well for us all.
Yes. Solidarity.
Take good care of yourself and CBL and kiss those you love.
(((Ruth!)))
Have a great day Ruth. Tell the spud Howdy.
Please hug CBL for us!
Spuds read along, but felt overwhelmed and couldn’t join in.
The pleasure of a real visitor for an hour here, just catching up on the comments and then off to take care of a few errands.
I’m known to several of you, but that’s as public as I wish for the moment. Of course, any of us who regularly visit FDL or have followed any of the Marx In the Morning threads are probably on several ‘lists’ already. Picture me giving the, “oldnslow salute,” here to those folks.
Forgive the political but hardly anything is free from politics. I unplugged the ceaseless robo-phone (Tupelo, MS, Virginia, Montana, Arkansas, Michigan, sheesh) until Wednesday as I’m finding myself reassessing and re-evaluating the micro and macro around me at almost every turn this week. A little unsettling, but in a good way, as most of Richard’s lessons were, “positively unsettling.” Real and genuine LOVE is key in motivating most of us, seems it’s our mutual attraction and our mutual purpose here.
Good Morning Margaret & Pups:
Very moving essay this morning, Margaret.
I’m not at all good at these sorts of things (along with pretty much everything else, actually), but I will say that not having the Dragon around here has left some kind of void in the ether. However, the man was such a strong, brave, tough, larger-than-life, stand-up persona and gentleman, that his presence will continue to resonate – at least for me. Nor did the man suffer fools gladly, a quality which I admired – and admire. Further, if anyone has the slightest doubt about just exactly how tough he was, consider that he was posting on the front page right up until a few weeks before he passed. The links were always smart, timely, relevant and meaty. And every post – every single one (including those that were scribbled before he was actually running the Diner) – always made note of the number of US military personnel and civilians killed in the numerous, misguided, idiotic adventures which, unfortunately, continue to this day. To my knowledge, that exercise was not – and is not – done anywhere else on the electric interweb machine, period. Impressive. Very.
As I said, I’m pretty shitty at this obit / remembrance stuff. However, I gave it a shot, and I like to think that Dragon would have been gentle in his criticism – with a twinkle in his eye.
Rest in Peace, Richard…Dragon. And wherever you are, I know you’re kicking asses and taking names. Very cool. Very.
And Post Script:
I’ve long thought it a good idea for the Lake to have a facility which allows the users to contact each other off-line. Sort of like sending a personal message via FB, for example.
In that light, I believe Margaret and Molly both have my email address. If either of you are listening, please feel free to shoot the name and address around to whomever might request it. And if anyone should happen to write, please be certain to place the Screen Name in the header, so I don’t go all weed-whacker with the Spam filter. KnowwhatImean?
Oh, I didn’t mean I’d give everyone other people’s info. I would never do that, you know.
And, where’s my hot chocolate?
Thanks for this Margaret. I was hoping you’d do a memorial like this today for SouthernDragon/Richard. I was very sorry to learn that he had passed on this Tuesday, and I send my condolences to his family and friends. I will miss him here at FDL.
Sending best wishes to Scarecrow with whatever ails and good thoughts for a speedy recovery.
And yes: all the best to those in the NorthEast dealing with the aftermath of Storm Sandy. Good luck!
I endured Hurricane Hugo in Sept 1989, while working on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. I have always said that I hope that I’m never that scared again! It was a frightening experience, and I did wonder for quite some time whether I would make it out alive. I was staying in a condo complex, and nearly all of the roofs on the buildings were torn off.
I hunkered down the storm with a relative stranger – some construction worker from OK, I think, who was also working there – and we cowered under a mattress in the shower stall for about 5 hours. Whadda mess. And then afterwards, the locals got restless and started driving around with guns ‘n stuff. Not fun! George HW Bush sent in the Reserves, and I have to say that I was mightily glad that he did. Helped prevent the situation going from bad to worse.
Onwards and upwards, my pup pals. Keep on keeping on and shine a little light out there for all of us and all who need it.
Om shanti om
Do you mean emotionally overwhelmed? Oh, poor ((Spuds)).
I think we can relax the non political rule a bit today, in light of who we are remembering. Thanks for coming by.
(((Spuds)))
Thanks for that reminder. I was also thinking this morning about how SouthernDragon continued writing his very very thorough and detailed post right up until almost the end. Wow. I’m sure it helped to keep him centered, too, but still: impressive.
His insights and input will be sorely missed here, and that’s for sure.
Peace
Thanks for coming by, I thought it was very well put. And it shall be as you wish…
Margaret, thank you so much for this thread. I’ve been lurking all morning and it has helped to heal my heart.
John – wonderful to hear you are doing better. I’m glad you were able to gain access to this medication, and I’m glad it seems to be working for you.
All – have a wonderful weekend. Be safe, know that you are loved, and carry the torch that Richard passed. He really was a special and unique individual, a wonderful and kind teacher, and a brave and honest man. He has given each of us a part of that, and it is now our responsibility to live his legacy.
Talk to someone about Marx. Share what you have with someone less fortunate. Love an animal unconditionally, or a human. Live life for those around you, not for yourself. When you see the smiles that these actions bring, know that Richard lives in them, and that Richard lives in you.
We, the lives he has touched, are his legacy. It is a huge responsibility, but we are able. Let’s make him proud, and make the world a better place in the process, as he did.
Rest, Richard. You’ve earned it. I will proudly carry the torch that you passed.
(((firedogs)))
Please see comment # 105. And thank you very much for the visit. :)
Take good care of yourself and your family Kris. Thanks for being a friend.
You’re a good man, (((Kris!)))
It’s a four hour flight, just getting to the first airport.
Hee hee. So close (we are) and yet so far away.
I think I’m going to drive down the hill and get some bacon.
One of the last lines of The Children’s Hour is Cooking always makes me feel better.
Big Hugs, little bro. :)
Late to the thread. Off to read.
Thanks Margaret for the lovely post.
I too felt that a great force had passed. Southern Dragon was that indeed.
And, nonny, thank you for helping me process this loss this week. You’re a good friend.
Jimbo, I’m glad you got here before I left so I can give you a big hug. (((JClausen)))
Seems a bit inappropriate to say thanks for the thumbs up so I’ll say thanks for coming by and sharing with us. :)
Peggers, more than thumbs up, I’d say A plus, plus, plus.
I’ve got to move on now, but, you know how I feel about ya. If I knew how to give you an [infinity sign] like Dr. Dick did, I’d do that. :) See you tomorrow, hon.
Is it possible to love someone you have never even seen? I talked to our friend Richard, aka Southern Dragon, a few times, and knew him through FDL for a few years. I shall always remember him, for he was a terrific human being. He embodied a lot wisdom and helped me through some tough times here when I found myself in conflict with other posters. I hope we can all remember his lessons and be all the better for it.
Let us all hope (and pray, if you are so inclined) that the Scarecrow can overcome his illness and rejoin us soon.
Later sweet Deb. <3
Hello, all. I’m sorry I’m late. Here in bear country we lost power until late Thursday night. As soon as I could I looked to see if I could see any news about SD. I saw none, just my inability to get going properly on the site. So I made a couple of comments on other threads and left. As soon as I could turn on this morning I came back and saw this. It makes me very sad for this community.
I did get to met SD face-to-face once. We had lunch near where he worked. I had a good time and I think he did too. He was quite interesting to talk to. I certainly appreciated all that he did here at FDL. I will certainly miss his comments and major posts.
Here in NJ and NY we lost many people and I am so sad for the families. I won’t recount the various stories because you will be reading them over time, or you have read them already. Some lives were cut so short or in such an awful way that it is unfathomable.
Here at our home we only lost electricity for a few days. Many trees fell on roofs or cars, but in my little community we were spared storm related deaths as far as I know.
Sending hugs to all the community, especially those who need them.
Margaret, thats for this space to remember SD and all who come to this community.
Yes, I think so. Thanks for being here.
Oh, my. Just skimming all the comments…I’ll come back and read them all, but wow.
So many eloquent ones; Peggy: “a hole the size of a Greyhound.” It is really, it is.
Rats, now I can’t remember all the rest I wanted to mention. So many, so many! Such a tribute to a man I began to think of as larger than life. Any human being could be proud to have such an influence on so many people.
Thanks, Peggy, for doing this post. I have expected to see a dozen similar ones this weekend, but you’ve given us a location to put them all.
Remember, all, you can still access Jane’s “R.I.P. Richard de Berry, aka Southern Dragon” from Tuesday. Just keep scrolling til you reach it, because it was front-paged. Click on “previous entries” at the bottom of a page.
Re Richard’s kittehs: OmAli was going to give the names and addys of a few of us who already volunteered to help to Richard’s best friend and leave it up to him to contact us if help is needed finding homes for the cats. I am hopeful that since he rented from his employer, they will not try to clear the place out too soon, and there will be time for finding homes.
Oh dear, thinking about the lonely kittehs, still expecting “the Dad” to come through the door, then finding themselves scattered, is about to break me up again.
I wept, you know, repeatedly, and because I take antidepressants, I almost never cry. The medicine seems to prevent it. But the tears flowed; stopped awhile and flowed again. It was a good thing.
Oh, and anyone who missed OmAli’s thread, “our good friend,” can find it by clicking on “Find people” searching OmAli, then on her listing, clicking on “Diaries” written by her.
More than 150 comments when I pulled this up this morning, having slept late, as usual.
BBL. What a wonderful bunch of folks here. Thank you all. It helps, don’t it?
That last comment was long enough, wasn’t it?
So ((((((SCARECROW))))) here’s a separate one to say how wonderful it is to see your fonts here, (h/t Suzannefor the phrase). So so glad you are getting the “miracle drug” and apparently feeling better.
Come around when you can; you are also a respected fdl person ( I was going to say elder, but I didn’t know you were an elder. You write just like a young person!)
Rest and be well, Scarecrow. We need your sensible voice more than ever around here. But do take all the time you need before you return to the grind.
I could ramble on, but better cut out and do errands. Will be back, though.
Thanks so much for this Margaret, this is lovely.
I spoke with Scarecrow yesterday and he is feeling much, much better. He was finally approved for a drug that is shrinking his tumors and he is in a very good place about the whole thing, much better than he was two weeks ago.
Phred and her husband have been checking in on him and taking him out to dinner. We have an absolutely wonderful community here at FDL that are so supportive and it means the world to know that people here will always be there for you when things get tough.
Thanks to everyone for being a part of that. You’re the best.
Margaret, that last line is supposed to be a thanks.
Margaret, I woke up this morning thinking of you and SD. Thank you so much for this. I had to read all the comments and shed more tears before I got to this point.
This has been a terrible week for so many, and there is no way to really yet measure all the loss. I wish I could do something to help. I am not a fan of the Red Cross, but I am glad to hear that some OWS folk are stepping up and that the aftermath of the storm has inspired people to act collectively.
Will you also host PUYC tomorrow? I really am busy, it is the last day of our business today, and I have a lot to do all weekend. In fact, I will be missing my very favorite event tomorrow b/c I am away from home again.
Thank you again, I have been posting some of SD’s regular words on my FB all week. Of course the few FDLers who are my FB friends know the genesis of these words, but I have been so happy to share them with people who don’t know about SD and have their appreciation for the meaning, and I feel that I am helping to keep that Good Man’s spirit alive. Because it is so needed and I am so sad.
Today I will put up Popeye’s remembrance. It is one I have not used yet, so thanks, Popeye.
Hugs to you and Neko, Margaret. And to all the others here. Sorry I am so late.
And PS, Scarecrow/John, so VERY happy to hear the good news on your health. Truly. Thank you for sharing. Great to see your fonts!
Jane, thanks for maintaining FDL which allows us to have this community.
I mostly lurked Southern Dragon’s posts, but am among those grateful for the gifts he gave here at FDL. If there’s a need for financial support to find homes for the kittehs,or provide care for them in the meantime, I’d like to help. Scarecrow, many wishes for continuing progress with the new medicine. Thank you, Margaret, for providing this tribute and a way for us to acknowledge those whose lives touch ours.
Oh, Bgrothus…you know, seeing your quote of SD’s the day he passed was one of the times that triggered tears for me. Just hit me like a ton of bricks, the realization that he didn’t put that up there, and wouldn’t ever again…but it was his voice.
Keep it up. It’s wonderful. I’ll be sure to check your fb later.
Bear Country! So glad you’re all right.
bbl, really going this time.
Thank you for the place to post, Jane and for beginning this community which I have come to treasure.
Thank you sweetie for keeping me up to date on the situation. I miss too much while I’m at work.
No problem BC, I got it. Thank you for stopping in this morning.
Hey Barb, thanks for stopping in. I’ll do the cat post if you’re too busy but I’ll have to be absent from some of it during the day. I’m sure people can carry on just fine without me though!
And thank you for coming by today Mary. I always enjoy seeing your fonts.
EPU land, but I just KNOW you will check back later.
Sent you my e-mail addy. Could you shoot me a reply if you got it?
Jim C.
Thank you Margaret.
Where ever you are Rich, keep em straight, the whole nine yards.
The kittens above resemble my own Piggle and NoneYa so much that it’s eerie, yet it seems oddly appropriate, finding them here today.
Thanks for stopping in Spud. All any of us can do is be strong for each other.
Made me lol.
I’m late to the gathering as usual.
The way things seem to be crashing down makes me aware of the stunning reality of each day the moment I wake. Nowhere in my timeline has this been so obvious as it is now, turning 75 not long ago. And yes, it is all right. And that’s all that matters.
Time is a construct. Our processes go on no matter how it is measured.
It is rather lonely though, figuring it all out again each time someone I know or know of, leaves. Now each snap of the shutter, or a nailed down result in Photoshop, or a well cooked meal or….is significant and all right unto itself.
Wonderful Diary Peg!! You did fine! Many great thoughts about our dear friend!
SD will be remembered by all the Pups for all he did for every one of us!
I sure hope scarecrow gets well soon!!
Very late to the thread—I don’t often have time these days to even get to the threads though I lurk when I can.
FDL has been a tight community from the beginning and seeing so many familiar names is heartwarming. Losing dear friends, some of whose real names we don’t even know, is truly sad. Making personal connections offline is a rare but wonderful thing. For those who really knew Richard, for those who knew him as SD, for all those in his life that will miss him, blessings be upon you.
For my and our friend John, I am wishing and praying that those miracle drugs do what he and we hope they will. We’ve shared a lot of joys and frustrations together and I want that to continue, both selfishly and for the sake of this nutsy country that needs a barrel-full of Johns to help set it and us straight.
Peace and light to all.
Watching that video reminded me of a trip on Amtrak 22 years ago. Our car turned into a music festival, starting with a musician from LA who played rather spontaneously, joined by others who had their own instruments, and participation by anyone else in that car who cared to join, mostly vocal.
That car was in the pathway to the diner, so we had traffic, and as time went on, people would stop, watch, listen and join in.
The conductor first was circumspect about it worrying about traffic jams but then figured out we were doing pretty well.
Thanks for posting it, Peg.
Thanks for coming by Starbuck!
Hey pups, hugs to all of you.
I don’t comment as much as in the past, but I certainly will to send hugs to all of you. Southern Dragon is one of my most favorite people and always will be. A big strong guy who was willing to fight for ME and for US and for the things we both believe in. He fought for life and peace, not for power and oppression. Such a great man. I will miss him tons.
I miss Raven, too. I saw on Jane’s obit that he’s around and kicking. Peace and hugs to him.
And Scarecrow…please hang in there. There is a scarecrow-shaped hole in the blogosphere and we need you. Selfish of me, I know. But there it is.
Sending love and light to all my firepup friends. Peace.
I’ve only contributed to Firedoglake for a relatively short time but when I heard of SouthernDragon’s passing I felt I’d lost a dear and close friend. He was a man of vision, idealism, sincerity, humor, and a charming quirkiness. I once unfairly got angry with him for criticizing the lack of sourcing in one of my comments, and he responded with a sweetness that I still feel within me to this day. I don’t believe the energy of our spirits, particularly a great spirit like Southern Dragon, can ever possibly be lost, only transfered. Good journey Southern Dragon, until we meet again.
wonderful post and thread margaret. (((the fdl family)))
Hi Suze and thanks for stopping in. Also a big shout out to all of the lurkers and the old timers who have come to pay their respects to our lost friend and our recovering one. Thank you all!
I got email from OmAli a bit ago, and she reports that her husband is out of the hospital and making steady progress although still tires easily. So a happy footnote to this emotional PUAC.
And I came up from my sewing machine to check on my simmering soup, peeked in here, and now I am teary again. Oh my. Hugs to everyone.
Good afternoon, pups. I’m late to the thread, too, but wanted once again to pay my respects to Richard. I will miss him, as I would miss so many of you. Thanks, Jane, for the platform that created a community. I honestly believe that it is making us stronger, more courageous persons. God knows we will need that strength and courage in the years to come, and if we’re lucky we will be able to pass it on to those who follow us. Good-bye again, Richard. You were the best.
SouthernDragon was one of the special ones and is dearly and will always be dearly missed. He sure did good while he was here.
Scarecrow, wishin you the best of all outcomes and thanks for all YOU have done in your time on this rock with us and for us. I always read your postings and comments, and give them an extra look because they ARE so special, you too, hoss, are one of the special ones on this rock.
Bless them both, and all the others, in this lil part of the cosmos that Mz. Hamsher set up for all of us to meet and share and more.
*sniff*
And now onto the day’s chores . . . all y’all be as well can be, and turn up the music and dance like ya don’t care. Then, go sip, sup and love like the dickens. And get up tomorrow and do it all over again . . . with VERVE!
Thanks Knut. Well said.
Hey Larue…what more needs to be said? Thank you.
Well, Im back from a day of work and have not read all the comments. But so happy at the response and gathering. From Christy on PUAC has been one of the best. Thank you, Margaret, for holding us together in a sacred and gentle space…many of us have spent alot of time with SD, Dragon that is. Many thanks; glad to be back.
Gotta go, but, thanks Margaret for such a wonderful diary about such a sad occasion.
And You Pups, wow, what wonderful collection of grand and find hearts and minds, all showing some love for others in the pack.
An honor to run with such Pups N Kittehs.
*bows*
I was late finding Caturday, but when I did, SD and the other folks were helpful to me when my Max Kitty had hip surgery. Late finding this sad news too. It was in Caturday that I first heard of the Rainbow Bridge and now there’s Southern Dragon making his way there to meet all the fine furry friends.
Peace, Everyone.
Oh damn, this is the first I’ve heard about SD–off-line for the past 5 days due to Sandy. I’m really sad–those in our age group know well the toll the VN conflict has taken on the health of so many over the years–it’s after-affects are still hitting those who served. Hope his furry family can be adopted out in the various social groups I’m sure they’ve formed over the years.
Best wishes again to Scarecrow. Anyone know if he’s started his new medication?
Yes he has, and it’s working to shrink the tumors. He chimed in upthread, and so did Jane.
Thanks, that’s a bit of good news to help relieve the sadness.
Thanks, Margaret, for this lovely post. (((SD))) (((Scarecrow))) (((FDL)))
Yes, Margaret, I clicked submit and then couldn’t edit to say thank you for this diary.
Up here around Sparta, most of us were back on line by early Friday morning. The gas station lines are sometimes over a mile long.
When I came back on line I checked for news of SD, but I didn’t see it until this thread. Somehow I missed everything else. So SD’s passing occured about the same time that the storm hit here.
Thinking of you in the next life, SD! I’ve got a kitty in my lap right now.
Wishing Scarecrow all the best in recovery.
He actually went out with the storm! Sometime after 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. I like to think he would have liked that symbolism.
Yes, kinda like the chariot coming to carry him home.
Sorry you had to find out so late. Thanks for coming by and lending your fonts though. :)
Thanks for coming by spurious.
Beautiful post, Margaret. Clearly, I’m late. Been crying reading all the comments. It’s so sobering that he’s gone. I just want to keep yelling, “No, no, no.”
Scarecrow, I’m so glad to hear you’ve got the medication and it’s working.
(((((Scarecrow)))))
Margaret, thanks for the super hosting today, it was good to see so many of our community stopping by.
I’ll try to drop by the cattur-wall tomorrow. Thanks for doing double duty, I can do it next week.