An open letter to Salmonchantentevening,

[sagetea]

My Dear Friend,

Man I so hope you read this!

I have been at DU for awhile, first as a healing balm for the Bush years, then as an enjoyable habit!

When my little brother died, your LOLCats became my healing balm, I cry as I'm typing this, I'm scared to see this era gone.

I don't talk much, as you can tell from my low post count, but I'm here everyday, sometimes 2 or 3 times, and there are certain people

that I hold dear in my heart on this board,and you are one of them, Please don't leave?

Let me tell you about my brothers death.

4 1/2 yrs. ago, we had an earthquake, here in Wells Nev., big brother went over to little Brothers apartment in the Bay area to tell him in person that mom was okay, a little damage at the ranch but no major damage.
There was no answer at the door, big brother got the super to open it up. My beautiful baby brother was dead.

He grew up with Grand Mal Epilepsy, a week prior, he had a seizure fell and hit is head, and it killed him, he laid there for 6 days, before anybody found him. The guilt and the sadness were/are overwhelming.

That time in my life is a blur, so much to do and feel, but your constituency and heartfelt humor and kindness is the one thing I had to start my life again.

I guess it's too late now, I should have told you this a long time ago, but like I said, I am extremely shy on the internet.
I wish with every fiber of my being that I would have read the comments that fateful Sunday, when you were attacked, I know I would have come to your defense.

Your choice to leave is yours and yours alone, and I am sincerely sorry for that behavior of one ninny for taking you away from me.
I don't mean to sound so selfish,but I have come to love my Sunday mornings with you in them, it's like someone dying all over again.

Be kind to yourself always, and please know that there is someone in rural Nevada that is sending you blessings and love.
In Light,
sage

[intheflow]

1. I'm so sorry for your loss of your brother, sagetea.

[sagetea]

30. Thank you

Boy this has been an emotional day...

[freshwest]

37. I'm still crying over your story. Thanks for coming to tell us here.

[DonRedwood]

74. That makes two of us crybabies. I am very sorry for your loss.

I hope you have beautiful memories of him. Those will always be there for you.

Don

[OriginalGeek]

137. 3

and I'm watching Big Bang Theory!


I don't even know what this is all about tbut that was a beautiful OP and I love SalmonChantedEvening's posts. My daughter and I read them together and laugh and dawwwww all sunday.

[Auntie Bush]

2. Wow! Spoken beautifully Sagetea.

That drew tears to my eyes. If Salmonenchantedevening reads this...I'm sure he'll come back. I don't think he knew how many people loved him and his kitty gifs and what a void his absence would/has caused. Salmonenchantedevening you have broken so many hearts!

Sagetea, I'm so sorry about your brother's passing. I hope you and your family are healing...time be happy!

[LiberalLoner]

6. +1

[2naSalit]

9. +10,000,000

SCE's parting made me dry for similar reasons, and your story does too. I've always been a pretty tough cookie but there are just some parts of life that...

Thanks for sharing your story and bless you.

[trueblue2007]

143. i'm very emotionally gifted.

sagetea story hurt... and salmon leaving hurts too

[monmouth3]

3. A lovely, lovely letter..n/t

[blm]

4. A great acknowledgement of the 'community' that DU has become over the last 11 years.

.

[amuse bouche]

5. I'm with you 100%

There is so much nastiness on this board. Did people already forget that we won the election? Sorry, I just don't get it

I'm still on a cloud from the win

[WilliamPitt]

7. I posted this on his facebook wall.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

11. You can get a hold of Salmonchantentevening???????

Please tell him I miss him and want him back! PLEASE?!?!?!?

[WilliamPitt]

12. Been talking to him all day

and conveying that very message.

[dixiegrrrrl]

39. Bless you Will.

I do not have Facebook, did not even think of it..so glad you could share the HUGE "come back, Shane, come back!!!" that has arisen.

Thank you.

[grantcart]

56. Tell him "If he stops posting cat threads the terrorists win".

[DonRedwood]

76. I've never seen DU rally around someone like this before--not to keep them from going

In times of crisis, or pain, yes...but never to try to keep a member from leaving.

I sure hope he reconsiders. (and learns how to use ignore...it has saved me in here before when I've been attacked...it just makes the yucky people go away).

I hope he stays, understands if he goes, but I hope he stays.

mew!

[get the red out]

149. Ignore is awesome!

It is much better than letting rude people rule and run you off!

[BobbyBoring]

131. You go Will!

We need members like him far more than we need mindless disrupter's!

[sagetea]

38. Thank you!

n/t
Ho
sage

[rhett o rick]

8. Thank you for speaking out. And a lesson to be sure and let those that mean a lot to you

know.

[LiberalLoner]

28. +1!!

[Little Star]

10. k&r

[SammyWinstonJack]

13. ...

[Kurovski]

14. Thank you for stepping up and opening up .

People forget how brave an action that is for many, many people.

let us hope our friend returns.

[In_The_Wind]

15. I'm sorry for your loss, sage.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

16. Now we're both crying. *hugs*

I'm so sorry about your brother, Sagetea. I know that shock all too well. When Dad passed, it was right in front of my brother and Mom. I sat on the stairs and watched in stunned silence as the paramedics did what they could, until it became clear that nothing could be done.

We go through life never knowing how much what we say and do impacts the lives of others. I do now. Thank you, and all of DU.

The hundreds of posts asking me to stay, the private messages I've been sent, and the posts from friends on FB already had me considering my actions hasty to say the least. I apologize for the pain they have caused you to live over again. I know I couldn't have guessed the particulars, but it looks like I have underestimated what a weekly dose of silly and aww can do for people.

What happened Sunday was, as many have guessed, a tipping point. Several things, many not DU-related, have been going on, and this hit me hard, and pushed all the pieces over at once. If I could have foreseen the reaction, I would have never posted that pic. I use Sundays here as more than just a thank you note, it's a weekly cleaning of the head, and time saying hello to people I truly love, yourself so very included.

Thank you for the letter. Shall we say Sunday around 6 AM? OK 9, you're in Nevada.

Love Always
Bob/SCE

[WilliamPitt]

17. (((hug)))

[Lady Freedom Returns]

18. SalmonChantedEvening!!!

Are you staying??? Please stay!!! Don't go! PLEASE!! If anyone ever is a jerk again I will do an imitation of Skittles on them! Just stay!!!!!

[Panasonic]

19. I think that is not a problem

I think we'll get our usual dose of LOLCats this coming sunday.

[pinboy3niner]

21. I'm counting on it!

[Wait Wut]

22. Hi, Bob...

...nice to see you.

Now, can everyone stop making me cry? It's screwing up my psyche.

[GoneOffShore]

23. So glad you're staying!

Sunday's wouldn't be the same!!

[annabanana]

24. Thank you my darling SCE

from
Ann

[steve2470]

26. Thanks for coming back

I know everyone is happy about it

[Flaxbee]

27. Hooray hooray hooray!

Lovely to see you here, SCE.

Like I said, we've got your back. And really, the wonderful thing about this place is that it's true for most members here - in trouble, or worried, or sad, or angry - DUers have your back. And mine. And each other's...

[frogmarch]

29. You're staying! Wonderful!

Like everyone else here, I am very, very happy!

[MiddleFingerMom]

32. !!!

.
.
.

.
.
.

[bluesbassman]

33. Very glad to read this post.

[Surya Gayatri]

34. Most welcome retraction (I hope that's what this is) I've read in a long time!

"We go through life never knowing how much what we say and do impacts the lives of others."

"...it looks like I have underestimated what a weekly dose of silly and aww can do for people."

These are life lessons for all of us. Thank you, Robert...

[sagetea]

35. I don't even know you, but I love you!

My pc broke down after I wrote that, so I am using my daughter's lap top!

I have decided to conquer my shyness and start talking more, or in the very least, let people (you) know that there is always hope, laughter, happy tears, and genuine kindness in this world!

I love how you dealt with your grief by making these Sunday lolcats so special to all of us!

Thank you for staying for coming back, for being you!

Ho
sage/Kelly

Oh yes I'll be there with my coffee all ready for you!

[SalmonChantedEvening]

44. Wonderful. I'll wear my best clown nose. :)

<3

Thank your daughter for me.

I think a nap is in order here, I haven't slept at all with this cold. It's going away, and the brain is demanding time off.

See you soon.

[Marrah_G]

59. Glad you are back

You make DU suck less

[redwitch]

118. LOL!

[2naSalit]

90. Oh THANK YOU, BLESS YOU

BLESS YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Ae least there will be something to give me the courage to face Mondays again!

[KWorth]

163. I'm glad you've reconsidered.

I really look forward to reading your LOLcats this sunday and don't worry what other people think about what you post.
I personally thought that the Superman comic was pretty funny, I certainly didn't take it seriously or read anything into it that wasn't there.

[beveeheart]

89. Thank you, Sagetea, for speaking for me.

"I don't talk much, as you can tell from my low post count, but I'm here everyday, sometimes 2 or 3 times, and there are certain people

that I hold dear in my heart on this board,and you are one of them, Please don't leave? " This is how I feel also.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

36. wonderful day !! ---

[Moondog]

62. I applaud your choice.

Not that I'm surprised. Your musical taste is both apropos and exquisite. Consistently.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

63. thanks and Happy Holidays, Moondog -

[In_The_Wind]

40. Welcome back, Bob!

See you on Sunday.

[freshwest]

41. Thanks, Bob/SCE, I hadn't said how much I looked forward to them but didn't post much.

I talked with someone about how you were one of the people that are 'safe' to talk to here, how you always had something good to say to anyone replying to you. Your threads and replies make the place feel positive, and I need the smiles. Welcome back.

[hifiguy]

42. Thank you, Bob. Your posts are a great source of joy

to me and countless other DUers.

Fire that party cannon, Pinkie Pie!!

[LeftOfSelf-Centered]

110. And let me add...

Sometimes there's a happy ending after all!

[kiva]

43. Hurrah!

Now what are you doing hanging around this thread...you have LOLCats to find

To Sagetea...I am so sorry to hear about your brother and glad that you have found a measure of joy in DU and the Sunday LOLcats. And thank you for posting this.

[Panasonic]

49. And her to thank for bringing SCE back...

Now Bob's battling a cold, and needs to be left alone for a bit...

[Waiting For Everyman]

45. So glad that you'll be staying, SCE!

A little back, fwiw, to you who give so many...

Thank you, Sagetea!

[mulsh]

46. you are very much loved. thank you for changing your mind.

my wife and I will see you on Sunday. take care.

[Jim Lane]

47. Wait a minute.

If you're on the East Coast posting at 6 AM, then in Nevada it's 3 AM not 9 AM.

You're a fucking moron who can't even keep your time zones straight.

As you can see, I thought I'd welcome your return by helping you get right back into the swing of things here on DU.

(Note to jurors: If any of you even needed to look for the tag, you should seriously consider opting off jury service for a while. This post is my way of expressing my delight at SCE's return. Even if he can't keep his time zones straight.)

[Lady Freedom Returns]

51. Have you seen my Skittles impersonation?

Would you like to?


Just keeping my promise to SCE! I see the joke.

[Jim Lane]

57. Your kind offer

I wasn't sure what you meant by Skittles, so I checked Wikipedia and found that it was the nickname of Catherine Walters, "one of the last of the great courtesans of Victorian London." So, yes, I would very much like to see your impersonation.

If by chance you meant something else, then, no, I think I can probably do without it, thanks.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

66. Most of the older Duers know her.

She has a way of making unruly people want to find a place to hide.Some say she is the reason for the wall smiley, , but that is just the legion. Someday soon, she will be kicking ass on many of these want to be bullies. Just use the popcorn smiley and enjoy the show!

[blondie58]

101. i think i need to visit the Lounge more

Sounds like fun

[Lady Freedom Returns]

132. Don't tell me!

You have not heard of Skittles either!

[blondie58]

147. i have seen the name

But I have no clue as to who skittles really is.

[sarge43]

152. Skittles: The Early Years

Skittles: DU Lounge Enforcer

[Skittles]

60. you want I should kick some time-confused ass, LFR?

YOU KNOW I'D DO THAT FOR YOU

[Lady Freedom Returns]

70. Jim Lane, meet the Skittles!

A DU legend! And I will admit a hero of mine.


hehe! I think I got this one! Thanks though!

[SalmonChantedEvening]

54. *snort*

Thanks Jim! I'll adjust my clocks accordingly.

[sagetea]

72. Time doesn't really matter in scheme of things!

That was funny though, and I didn't catch it either! LOL!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

134. Your timing is great!

I know you are hurting. But your willingness to share has help to heal a lot of us here!
And you did it in the nick of time! I thank you so very much!
You do live up to your screen name! For sage is know for cleansing!

[sarge43]

160. Sage is the traditional go-to herb for good health. n/t

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

50. I'm so glad you decided to stay!

Your Sunday LOLcats are such a day-brightener for so many of us. I hope you see now how much you are appreciated here.

[TheManInTheMac]

52. I love your LOL kitties posts. I don't post much, and I hope you'll stay.

[CherokeeDem]

53. So wonderful to hear from you!

We all have bad days when things become overwhelming....been going through that myself. I hope life calms down for you and I love the fact that you might be posting again....Sunday's wouldn't be the same.

Best wishes!

[virgdem]

55. Dear SCE..

I'm so happy that you reconsidered returning to DU. We all missed you and love LOL Cats Sunday. I know that there were other things happening in your life and understand that there is the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back that can push you over the edge. We all support you and hope that you will be here to stay.

[Skittles]

58. you are very valued here, Salmon

more so than any asshat detractor.....simply put, we need you

[Hekate]

64. You answered the can of tuna!!! (someone suggested it)

Non illegitimi carborundum.

[Cracklin Charlie]

65. Sunday at 6 will be...

Puuuurrrrfect!

[maddezmom]

67. so glad you reconsidered

[Lone_Star_Dem]

111. Hey, you!

Miss you around here!

[liberaltrucker]

68. So glad you reconsidered!

Just put *you know who* on ignore, and all will be well.

[mzteris]

69. So happy you're staying.

You are well liked(loved) and valued here.

Your Lolcats are great and I love them and REALLY look forward to them every week. But, it's not that so much as you. You always have a kind word for everyone. One troll shouldn't make a difference. Hell all the damn trolls should not have such effect. Ignore the bastards.

[11 Bravo]

71. Thanks. That's all, just thanks ... for recognizing how truly important you are to ...

so many people. I'm glad you're still here, my dear friend.

[2naSalit]

91. +100,000,000,000!!!

[TexasTowelie]

73. OMG, my Sunday just became 1,000% better!

It would be a bummer to lose you as part of the community.

[Auntie Bush]

75. I knew you wouldn't/couldn't let Sagetea down. (((((Thanks SCE)))))

However, if it wasn't for this whole mishap...I would never have found you!
I never check the lounge and I'm a dog person...so didn't check the kitties. Now I'm a CAT person too! I'll look forward to your future kitty posts.

[Curmudgeoness]

85. No worries, Auntie Bush,

LOL Cats almost always has dogs too. And pandas. And wombats. And Star Trek.

You will enjoy it.

[Still Blue in PDX]

77. I wonder if there is anyone who is NOT crying . . .

DU has its moments, and I'm not part of the "in" crowd, but you have always been a big part of the DU family that keeps me hanging around here.

[OneGrassRoot]

78. Bless your heart...

[DonRedwood]

79. Best news of the day!!!!

Well, wait, that you are staying. Not the rest. I'm really sorry for your loss. But I love that you send sunshine out to everybody just because you...well, because you are that kind of person.

Very glad you are staying.

[bhikkhu]

81. You made my evening!

And I might say, though I always try to think twice and err toward kindness when I post myself, the last couple of days makes me realize how important that really is. I'll not forget that there is a real person with a real heart on the other side of the monitor.

Thanks again!

[Curmudgeoness]

83. Cat Food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was not aware of how much LOL Cats meant to me until I was faced with it's disappearance. I should have known, since I would check DU on Sundays even when I was on vacation....what does that tell you?

I never was one to wake up early on Sundays, and this coming Sunday will be no exception.....but I will be there when I get there. I expect you will have beat me there.

[blueamy66]

84. We need Basset Hounds!!!!

So glad you're back!!!!!!

[MH1]

87. Thank you!

I'm very glad you're back and I'm sorry for all those difficult things you referred to, and hope they all get better for you soon.

Yes we need our silly and awwz here!

[Locrian]

92. YAY!!!!

Me so happy that you're staying....

[blondie58]

94. so you're gonna stay??

Cool. I can't believe that people get all bent out of shape over cartoons??
And everyone knows that superman always saves the day.

I don't know what I would do without my lol cats.
We need the humor.
We need the cute little babies.
We need the chuckles and the awwwss.
Well I do, anyway.
A couple of weeks ago, I went looking for you with no success.
I couldn't believe the size of the pit in my heart.

Turns out it was Saturday, hey I retired a year ago and. Starting to lose track of days of the week.

We need the levity. Don't let the haters win! Can't we all get along? Just ignore if you don't like something. Everything doesn't translate on the internet.

[lunatica]

159. Every once in a while I look for LOLcats on the wrong day too

The wave of relief when I realize it isn't Sunday is huge! LOL!

[meti57b]

95. Thank you, thank you!! ..........

It wasn't just the thought of losing LOL cats. It was also the thought that maybe you didn't know how much we all care and how much we would miss you.

The work that you put into bringing us LOL Cats every week, ....you have such a kind and generous spirit, to do that. When I read them, I truly feel I have been given a very nice gift.

Thank you again!

[nolabear]

96. (((SWAK!!))) Good to see your shining font. I hope you felt some major love.

[hlthe2b]

102. I'm sorry I haven't commented more on your LOLcat threads..

This is one dedicated "dog woman" who still loves the kitties. So, please let me welcome you back and extend a long overdue thank you for your contributions.

[awoke_in_2003]

104. I will drink a celebratory beer tonight. nt

[SidDithers]

106. Welcome back...nt

Sid

[Lone_Star_Dem]

108. Just what I wanted for the Holiday! SCE came home!

Time to head out and take down all the "Lost LOLCAT - if found please return to DU Lounge" posters.

I regret not letting you know how much I appreciate you. I won't take you for granted again!

I'm so glad you're back!

[Renew Deal]

114. Welcome back

[Chellee]

115. Yay!!

Oh, happy day.

Welcome home.

[redwitch]

116. Yay!!!!

I am overjoyed!!!

[LeftOfSelf-Centered]

119. Yay!

I also don't post a whole lot, but I always read your LOLCats threads.

I'm very happy you decided to stay, Sundays are much better with LOLCats!



On Edit: I just noticed this is my 500th post (only took me three and a half years) and it couldn't have come at a better occasion...

[BlancheSplanchnik]

120. Oh gosh!!! Now YOU'RE making me cry all over again!!

Salmon!

I'm SOOOO amazingly glad to see this. Wow, I knew I loved your LOCats, not to mention YOUR kind and gentle personality, but I didn't realize how much of a place you held in my life. Until I read sagetea's letter, I didn't realize what a loss it would be to see no more of you.

I'm looking forward to Sunday.

[kentauros]

121. Woohoo!

Glad to see your decision to stay! And now to celibate! Celebrate, even!

[font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font] [font color="white"]SCE!!![/font]

[snappyturtle]

125. Thank you thank you. Yes! I click on your Sunday posts are religiously as

some attend church! You've brightened my life!

[Atman]

130. (C)Atman thanks you!

[rosesaylavee]

133. Yay!

I can imagine putting together the pics for Sunday can be burdensome at times and that it must take a few hours to put together each week. I enjoy them and don't always say so. Will try to be more appreciative of the effort. And I loved Sunday's posting ... I do NOT get what the hubbub was all about but am very glad that it has worked out this way.

Blessings to sagetea for this post - we love you SCE and are glad you have come back to grace this silly forum again.

r

[csziggy]

135. SCE, "silly and aww" keep the world sane!

for you loss.

And for coming back!

LOL Cats are one of the joys of the Lounge and one of the few parts of DU that I regularly share with my husband. I don't comment often enough on the enjoyment I get from your posts - and MFM's posts. I'll try to do so more often in the future so you both know how much you are appreciated.

[tilsammans]

139. Me happy kitteh again!

Thank you, SCE!

[jmowreader]

142. Thank you for returning.

[lillypaddle]

144. Okay, I can breathe again

Haven't said anything until now because ... well, I was hoping I didn't have to.

All is right with the DU world again.

[chuckrocks]

146. Awesomesauce

[babylonsister]

150. I love you, Bob.

[stlsaxman]

151. YAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!

(i have no other way/words to express how happy i am for your decision to come back!)

[sarge43]

153. Welcome back, Darlin'

The Lounge wouldn't be the same without you. Understand the meanness and pettiness can be too much at times, but old saying, "The dogs bark; my caravan moves on." applies here. big ole

[Speed8098]

154. I'm a dog person but........I love your Sunday LOLCats

It's become somewhat of a ritual to me to sit here, drink my coffee and smile, laugh, or cry at the images you are so considerate to post for us each week.
See ya Sunday.

[lunatica]

155. (((((((( Bob/SCE )))))))))

[bunnies]

162. !!! * happy dance * !!!

You just made my day!!!

[Hopefully Foward]

165. Thank you thank you thank you

I have been reading the DU for years since my son introduced me to this.I have never posted till now.You have made my Sundays a day to look forward to.I didn't get to see the posted that injured you to the point of deciding to leave.But thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing with your wonderful posts.You are loved by so many.

[hrmjustin]

172. Welcome to DU!

[valerief]

166. Hurray! **Tossing kitty litter in joy**

[WillyT]

167. (((((((SalmonChantedEvening)))))))

& Rec !!!

[union_maid]

168. This is very good news

I have to tell you that your LOLcats Sundays got me through election season. I didn't really know who was doing it. I'd taken a few years off of DU myself and was never a presence on here anyway. Upon returning, I noticed the LOLcats threads right away and they were just what was needed. I know the internet is full of LOLZ, but your specially *curated posts were just exactly right for a stressed out political junkie. A very belated thank you for them.

*absolutely everything is "curated" these days. Seems me that terms is more appropriate for the LOLcats posts as in a lot of cases I've run into lately.

[TDale313]

170. Woo. Also, hoo.

Such great news that you're staying, SCE. This gives me a happy. Thank you for reconsidering.

[we can do it]

173. Sorry that I hadn't said thanks and I love you before

[GoCubsGo]

174. Basement Cat is purring with delight!

We'll see you Sunday morning. Glad you decided to stay!

[hedgehog]

20. To 99.9999% of Duers

To the 0.0001% of you: chill out, take a dip in the pool and join the party!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

25. +1

[Surya Gayatri]

31. Sagetea, thank you for daring to share your painful experience with us all.

SalmonChantedEvening has obviously been touched by your post and may have reconsidered his decision. (see post #16).

[antiquie]

48. Thank you

[malaise]

61. Great post

[japple]

80. Dearest sagetea, may your brother's name be praised and

may his spirit soar with eagles. May your memories of him be filled with sweetness and light. Peace to you and your family, and thank you for sharing your memories with DUers.

[Still Blue in PDX]

82. I am so sorry, Sage.

I have a son with grand mal epilepsy and there is not a day that goes by that I am without fear. I cannot imagine the pain of the reality.

[sagetea]

179. Dear still blue,

My mother had 2 fears, earthquakes and her son dying with nobody around. Dan, graduated From Berkley with a doctorate in archeology he participated in digs in China, South America, and the middle East, his life was rich in just about every area imaginable!
Towards the end,he was on medical marijuana and his seizures went from over 400 a year to less than 100, Berkley actually did studies on his growth. My heart goes out to you, but please know that you are not alone, and I know very much how that fear is all consuming, and I wish there was some magical word I could say that would erase your fears.

With Love and compassion,
sage

[progressoid]

86. sagetea

I too lost a brother recently. Well, actually it's been over two years but it feels like yesterday.


As I sit here with watery eyes, it's odd to think that a website of people I've never met could help me get through tough times. I've often cursed myself for spending too much time here. But strangely, it is a comfort.

Peace.

[MH1]

88. sagetea ...

very sorry for your loss. I deeply appreciate your posting about it here.

[Locrian]

93. beautiful post sagetea... hugs (nt)

[sellitman]

97. Thanks for the heartfelt letter

Ive never seen such an outpouring of love for a DUer leaving before.

Makes you wonder if there is hope for our species after all.

[blondie58]

98. sagetea that is so very sad

I am so sorry for your loss.
My stepson has epilepsy. He has the mentality of an eight year old, imo because he was so heavily doped up when he was little.

Life is just not fair sometimes. People need to stop being so petty and self centered.

Take care of yourself, my friend.
I don't post a lot myself, kinda shy that way. Always afraid I am gonna say something stupid. We have so many smart people in this board.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

124. you can be as smart as a Rhodes Scholar, but

if you have no heart, then it's no good anyway.

I've always wished life were fair.

I'm glad you posted

[Scruffy Rumbler]

99. Dear Sagetea....

From the tragedy of your brother's death, your sharing has brought about a wonderful moment here on DU. Thank you for this powerful sharing that has touched my heart. SCE's LOLcats have been the balm for me as I have gone through some very rough times over the past few years. And it seems your post may have been the tipping point to bring SCE "home" again. Thank you for that!


And welcome back SCE!!!!!!

[Pool Hall Ace]

100. Many hugs for you, sagetea.

[hlthe2b]

103. Beautiful, sagetree, simply beautiful.

[jerseyjack]

105. Sunday Mornings will continue to be special.

[awoke_in_2003]

107. Losing a family member is tough...

My mom died on thanksgiving day 1981. I was 13. It never gets better, but it does get easier. You need to remember good memories and have something to take your mind off things every now and again. Thanks to your post, and the messages of many here, you will still have your Sunday morning lolcats.

[rurallib]

109. So sorry about your brother, sagetea

yet thanks for working this small miracle.
This is sure a strange yet wonderful twist.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

112. Sagetea and Salmon

You are both hearts of my heart...beautiful in your words and deeds.

THANK YOU!

[BlancheSplanchnik]

113. now I'm gonna cry too.....

I am tearing up now too, sagetea. I wish life were not so full of losses.

Salmon's LOCats brought me smiles too during a sad loss.

I wish you healing and lots of love.
I wish I could make that so for everyone. In the world.

[redwitch]

117. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother.

[wakemewhenitsover]

122. First of all, sagetea, my heart goes out to you over the loss of your brother.

The grief must have been/must be overwhelming.

Second of all, thank you for speaking the thoughts of many in urging Salmonchantedevening back to DU. I was unaware he left, was in a state of shock when I discovered he had, and then, as I read down the thread, was relieved to see he had returned.

Thank you again, sagetea, and wb, SCE! I'm yet another DUer whose Sunday would not be complete without the LOLcats.

[protect our future]

123. Thank you, sagetea, for your beautiful

post, for sharing your story, and for bringing SCE back to us. Salmon, I feel as though your return is my own personal Christmas gift. Sagetea, thank you so very much for the wonderful present. I am so, so sorry for the loss of your brother.

[Lilma]

126. Sagetea

Last edited Fri Dec 7, 2012, 10:08 AM - Edit history (1)

I, like all the others, hate what happened to your brother. I am so thankful that you shared your story with Salmon enchanted evening and all of us. I think you might have been the one who is going to keep him here. Thank you again.

[Libby2]

127. I love this whole thread!

[abbeyco]

128. Peace to you, sage

It's difficult to relive one of the worst times in your life and thank you for sharing.

I see in the thread that Salmon will be posting our weekly laughs and awwws again. With this great news, a lot of Sunday mornings will be more enjoyable.

Please DUers - let's stop the viciousness towards each other. It's not worth getting tombstoned (unless that's your ultimate goal) or being the impetus for others to leave this corner of the internets.

[Lilma]

129. Salmonchantentevening

I am so glad that you are staying. I have been on DU for years, but don't post much as you can see. I usually feel that what I would say has already been said-so I don't post just to see my thoughts on the computer.

I really enjoy Lol Cats and the fact that you reply to many of the posts.

Please keep up the good work!

[csziggy]

136. Sagetea, thank you!

[tilsammans]

138. Sagetea . . .

. . .

My mom had epilepsy, too. I know.

[werknotgoin2takeit]

140. I throw my cat in the ring...

I know that I am late to the party. I have been a lurker since the dark days of the shurb, but this brouhaha has pulled me from my slumber. I don't know you Salmon, I have yet to be blessed with your wisdom (not said facetiously). That is to my detriment truly. All I know is that rarely have I seen such an outpouring of love and acceptance for someone who is just a faceless person on the other end of a keyboard. If nothing else, this incident brings home to me that the sterile environment of the internet has flesh and blood people on the other end. I never want to think that I will treat anybody with less respect then I would do if they were in front of me. If you can't say it to the person in your face then you should not say it at all. What I realize is that this medium allows a lot of people to vent like a virtual version of road rage. The fact that so many wanted to circle their wagons around you, that they wanted to profess their love to you, that you made such a difference in the lives of so many others that you will never meet except with words like this, tells me soooo much about you. This incident brought me out of lurkerdom as it has so many others. There is so much love here. I come here daily for news and I appreciate the intelligent conversation but I have never contributed until now. You radiate love and acceptance, never accept less in your life. As you have seen, you will get nothing less then what you put in! You make me want to participate which I will do from now on. This is your gift! (or maybe your curse if I just babble stupidly).

[CaliforniaPeggy]

141. Welcome to DU, my dear werknotgoin2takeit!

Your first post is very eloquent, and I think you will contribute much to our little village.

Thank you for your post.......it's great!

[Fedaykin]

145. Hear Hear!

From a fellow lurker werknotgoin2takeit...Welcome!
Sagetea...thank you for your poignant message, it was expressed nicely, and my condolences for your loss.
Salmonchantentevening...And imagine the healing that lies with one act of forgiveness!
Should you return, welcome back!

[lunatica]

158. That's a wonderful first post!

Welcome to DU.

[hrmjustin]

171. Welcome to DU!

[SalmonChantedEvening]

175. Welcome to DU, werknotgoin2takeit!

And thank you so much. I'm overwhelmed by this all, and your kind post has me failing to find the right words besides thanking you.

Glad that you chose to join the conversations here, there are incredibly passionate people here and I hope they welcome you they way they have embraced my silly self.

[werknotgoin2takeit]

180. Thank you all...

...for such a nice welcome! I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

[MrMickeysMom]

148. That was great... and, I never knew...

I love the LOL on Sunday's, but was too busy to know why you posted what you did until this.

Anyway, see what reaching out does? You have such excellent presence here and NATURALLY... so does SEE!

Win and a win, if you ask me...

Okay, and happy Friday on the way to another Sunday!

[lunatica]

156. Thank you for this deeply heartfelt and beautiful letter

It's pretty amazing to see how many people are avid fans of SCE. I'm glad to be one of them.

Your letter made me cry. I lost my brother many years ago. I know how it affects your entire life forever afterwards.

[Lifelong Protester]

157. Thank you, Sagetea

you have a wonderful way with words. I am sorry for your loss, and admire your courage in sharing all this here.

I also hope SCE comes back!!!

[sarge43]

161. Thank you, sagetea. A kind and courageous post.

I lost my brother many years ago, but not a day goes by when I don't miss him. He was my friend and my go-to guy thru some tough times. Brothers are a blessing.

[libodem]

164. Yer gunna make me cry too

I'm all misty now. Your story is heartfelt, sorry for your untimely loss.

[union_maid]

169. I am so sorry for your losss

I'm glad you've decided to post more. You have a way of telling a thing that makes it so real. Here I am at work, tearing up when I'm supposed to be working on fringe benefits. Thank you for sharing your story,

[OutofMindOUTBody]

176. I'm a lurker who signed up just to say I support the lolcats

I used to lurk and watch the thread. Cats rules! http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6nNRPYwwNA/T_MLtSqKMGI/AAAAAAAAANg/T3-wJOy1oB8/s1600/cat+and+crown.jpg I keep lurking now

[luv_mykatz]

177. What a very beautiful letter.

It is late, and my brain has grown far too fuzzy and tired to come up with an eloquent comment on what you've said, here.

But, thank you, sagetea for writing your open letter to SalmonChantedEvening.

Like you, I am often here, 2 or 3 times per day. I don't always have time to post, so my post count is also very low. In spite of my low post count, this community means a very great deal to me. DU is often the lifeline which keeps me sane.

I know if we had lost Salmon's LOL Cats, my Sundays would have had a huge empty hole. Yes, I can check out icanhazcheeseburger on my own, but I deeply love Salmon's comments and replies to all of the DUers who check in and comment on his threads. His kind and humorous replies, and the interaction between all of us who do reply to his posts is the stuff of something very precious: a sense of community. And not just any community, but a very caring one.

Your heartfelt letter seems to have halted a terrible loss. I know nothing can make up for the loss of our loved ones (my father died 5 years ago, on 12/7/07), but I am glad you were able to make Salmon know that his effort on each Sunday to bring smiles, laughs, and awwwws to this community really are deeply appreciated, and that those cute pics and crazy cats of his help to heal and cheer a lot of hearts. If Salmon had left us, it would have created a huge tear in the social fabric that is DU. The times we are living in leave us all in need of connection with people who would 'have our back' when we need it.

Bless you, sagetea, for speaking up. I have no doubt it was not easy to speak up.

Huge hugs to both you and Salmon

And a big shout-out and reach-around for all the DUers who have joined in with support on this issue.

[luv_mykatz]

178. I forgot to add...

See you all Sunday, in teh Lounge for LOL Cats!