The 800 pound gorilla in the GD Forum

[Omaha Steve]

Here was the first mention of problems: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025433174 with these follow ups: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025470469 & http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025531983


It has been almost a year since the specialist gave me (and Marta) the long face. I'm not ready to talk about it on the DU yet.

My last day at work before retiring is this coming Saturday the 29th. Up until now a very few in management have known what my FMLA days were for. I'm telling my friends at work Wednesday with my goodbye. I won't see most of my friends after Wednesday because of the Thanksgiving and day after (I'm off Friday too) holidays.

There is no real treatment. On average I have five years left in me. The last couple I won't be here. It gets ugly.

There is a high suicide rate for people with my condition. Last night during his show Bill Maher mentioned assisted suicide. Brittany Maynard deserves so much praise for getting ‘death with dignity’ in the national debate again: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/31/oregon-womans-assisted-suicide-decision-sparks-deb/?page=all

Some people have noticed I have changed and been very moody. It started a few years ago. It goes with the territory. I hope you can put up with what is going on while I remain here.

Your friend,

Omaha Steve

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. We all love you, my dear Omaha Steve...

We will always respect and revere you, no matter what.

It saddens me to see the road you must travel. But you are doing it with dignity and courage...

Please take care of yourself.........

[Snotcicles]

4. I want to second what CaliforniaPeggy wrote, Steve. nt

[ChazII]

23. Peggy said my thoughts

much more eloquently and so I will just echo her.

[zeemike]

26. California Peggy speaks for me also.

You will always be welcome here no matter what...you are family to us here that have read your post for years.

We do love you and stand by you in your time of trouble.

[rhett o rick]

56. I can't say it any better.

[WillyT]

57. Peg Speaks For Me As Well...

[Scuba]

74. + another

[Hekate]

86. Peggy said it

thanks, Peggy

[steve2470]

126. You said it all, CaliforniaPeggy

Take care, Steve, and keep posting as long as you feel ok. I always value your posts. Best wishes to you and your family.

[Octafish]

2. Love you, Man!

Keep up the Good Fight -- for us and for You and Yours!

[riderinthestorm]

3. Your DU family will be holding you every step of the way Steve

[shenmue]

5. {{{hugs}}}

[alfredo]

6. Grab what joy you can.

[MoonRiver]

7. So sorry

[PCIntern]

8. Hey Man...

I for one am with you and feel very deeply for you and your family. I will PM you.

[spanone]

9. k&r...

[rurallib]

10. our best wishes Steve

This makes me so sad - but it is a part of life.
i am so glad the internet allowed me to meet someone like you. You have been an inspiration.

[oldandhappy]

11. I do not know you but I value you.

Always click on your posts. Prayer and peace.

[handmade34]

12. ...

[truebluegreen]

13. ...

[Bluenorthwest]

14. Love to you Steve and to Marta as well....

Anything we can do, let us know.....and by the way I love that stained glass work.

[Stargazer09]

15. Sending lots of love your way

I hope things will be easier and more peaceful than predicted.

[onecaliberal]

16. So sorry.

I don't know you but definitely have mad respect for you. Always read your posts. Sending all positive vibes to you and your loved ones.
Peace.

[randome]

17. Oh, we'll 'put up with you' just fine, Steve.

Feel free to educate us how things go with you. Our curiosity and your sharing can benefit us all.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]If you don't give yourself the same benefit of a doubt you'd give anyone else, you're cheating someone.[/center][/font][hr]

[marmar]

18. ...............

[sadoldgirl]

19. Try to enjoy the years as much as you can.

All the best

[NRaleighLiberal]

20. .

[kpete]

21. Omaha Steve

mr pete & i send hugs

you are an important member of what i think of as my DU family

moody? -
whatever, we still want you here.


peace and love,
kp

[MissDeeds]

22. You are one of the best here, Omaha Steve

You and your dear Marta are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Greybnk48]

24. I'm so sorry OS

you have a large and supportive family to lean on here. You are loved by many. All of my best to you in these difficult times.

[Moostache]

25. One of the contributors that I have always enjoyed and will enjoy as long as possible.

Your fight will be in my thoughts, and I hope that you are able to spend what time you have in the manner of your choosing. I will look forward to your perspectives as long as they are here to share and beyond that in the affect you have had on the community in general and myself specifically.

[antiquie]

27. You are loved here as well as at home.

[NaturalHigh]

28. You are one of those people whom I always respect...

even when we disagree. I wish you and your family all the best.

[NutmegYankee]

29. We all love you OS

[denbot]

30. Peace

[former9thward]

31. Best wishes.

Always appreciate your labor article posts.

[OregonBlue]

32. I'm so sorry. DU will lose a real teasure. Hope you are here for a long, long, time still.

[bigtree]

33. hugs

[classykaren]

34. My favorite person on here

A lot can happen in 5 years. Please don't give up hope.

[roguevalley]

35. I don't know what to say but I love you. know that forever.

[OhioChick]

36. Hang in there, my friend

[librechik]

37. god bless you, Omaha Steve

[bettyellen]

38. Surely you don't top out at more than 240 lbs!

Hope I made you laugh. You my feel like a gorilla, but you're OUR gorilla. Please stay as long as it works for you.

[Omaha Steve]

63. 330 on a 6-3 frame

As of last Tuesday.

[bettyellen]

69. Impressive! Well if you're a gorilla then I am a bull...

and life is my china shop!
You are much loved here, and I hope you stick around as long as you do enjoy it. Forgive us when we are as*holes.

[daleanime]

39. ........

[ancianita]

40. BE however you have to be. DU is lucky and grateful to have you, whatever your mood. Peace and love.

[JDPriestly]

41. Courage. You are loved. You make a difference. Courage.

[Rowdyboy]

42. My friend, I know how you feel. Last year they told me I have inoperable liver cancer....

which has now spread to my spine. It is what it is and I've had a good run but its going to end a lot sooner and a lot uglier than I had hoped. Like you have your Marta, I have Michael and that keeps me getting up in the mornings. I'm thankful for every day (especially the ones that are relatively pain-free).

[Mojorabbit]

72. <3

[Hoppy]

43. Best wishes for your remaining years.

Pack in as much fun as you can.

[lbrtbell]

44. I wish I knew the right words to say

But I don't, so I'll just let you know that you and Marta are in my thoughts. You're one of my favorite posters at DU.

[applegrove]

45. BIG VIBES TO YOU.

[Wellstone ruled]

46. Hey Buddy,meant to stop and say Howdy

every June on our way back to Minny for the summer. Will PM you before we pull next spring and do a meet up on your side of town. BTW,might be in for the Berky Meet in April,if so will try and meet up and Lunch is on us anytime. Congrats on you pulling the pin,wish it could be under different circumstances,but,we play the hand we are dealt. Man you paid your dues and tell you what,live every day the way you want to and not what some one else tells you to do.

[grahamhgreen]

47. How Psychedelic Drugs Can Help Patients Face Death

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/how-psychedelic-drugs-can-help-patients-face-death.html?pagewanted=all

Many hugs....

[ctsnowman]

48. .

[pampango]

49. Damn! Just - Damn! You are one of the best. Best wishes - and prayers, if you want them.

[therehegoes]

50. So sad to hear of your trials

Don't give up. We love you.

[aquart]

51. I am so saddened by this and I wish you the best possible outcome.

About the suicide option, my best friend's doctor assured him he would have enough of the necessary drugs to do whatever he needed to do. That doctor gave Dennis his freedom back. He restored his sense of control. That was the giddiest day with the most soaring sense of freedom.

In the end, he didn't take that option, but knowing he had it made a huge difference. I hope it does that for you.

And I hope you do a Stephen Hawking beatdown of the odds. Because I like you.

My heart to your family because I know this journey from their side.

Good luck. Good luck. Good luck to all of you.

[DesertDiamond]

52. Thank you for sharing this. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. You've also reminded me

once again that when people are grouchy, there's a reason. I like to remember this: "Be kinder than necessary, for each person you meet carries an unseen burden."

Hugs to you, Omaha Steve!

[LeftInTX]

53. I'm so sorry OS

You're loved here

[uppityperson]

54. Best wishes to you OS, health for as long as you can and hang in there.

[ColesCountyDem]

55. I will celebrate the time you have left here, and mourn when you no longer are here.

You are one of the best, OS, and the world would be a better place if it had more people like you in it! Life is not about the beginning or the end, but the journey in between.

Love you, man!

[locks]

58. I've appreciated your posts

so much and hope you can keep up the good work. We will all keep you in our thoughts.

[Odin2005]

59. (((HUGS)))

[democrank]

60. Peace be with you~

[berni_mccoy]

61. There is nothing to "put up with". You are part of DU

and it is an honor to share thoughts, hopes and dreams with you.

[glinda]

62. Thank you for telling us. Sending light always towards you....

[passiveporcupine]

64. You have an opportunity now

to create some really wonderful memories for your wife and family. My cousin's husband died last January of ALS, and the last year of his life was full of special events...a spring named after him, some special blues/jazz festivals in town in his honor...even a beer named after him. His wife tended him to the end, and he did not choose to opt out early. I'm sure it was hard on her, but it also gave her something to do, and time to come to grips with it, and say goodbye.

Whatever path you choose, if it brings you peace, your wife and family and friends will support you and be there for you.

I'm so sorry to hear this...I hope you prove the docs wrong and extend your time here. Make the best of the time you have left.

[cally]

65. Thank you for all you contribute

you are one of my favorites. I wish you and Marta peace and joy during this time.

[No Vested Interest]

66. Your news is not good for us DUers, but I'm glad for you that you're retiring

and hoping you'll find that period rewarding for a long time to come.

[wellstone dem]

67. You don't know me

I'm a long, but fairly quiet member of this community.

But I know you. And I want to thank you for being a leader in the labor forum. You have taught me much.

Safe travels good man. Safe travels.

[Warren DeMontague]

68. ...

[redwitch]

70. Damn. Damn. Damn.

Your friend,

Redwitch

[truedelphi]

71. Your post is

Ruining my day. I can only imagine the effect that yr condition is having on your life and your family's as well.

I always attempt to read yr posts, even if just signing onto DU for a moment.

Like others have said, all your writing has been treasured. You offer up valuable facts and insights. And so much of what you are about is coming from the heart.



.

[geek tragedy]

73. God bless, Steve, nt

[GentryDixon]

75. Peaceful journey OS.

My best thoughts to you and your dear Marta. 💕

[mokawanis]

76. Thanks so much for being part of DU

I enjoy your contributions to this site, and I'm truly sorry you are faced with a difficult situation.

[kcr]

77. I always read your posts

And I always will as long as you stay

[Skidmore]

78. Steve, take our strength for as long as you can.

We'll be with you and Marta for whatever you need of us. Much love to you both.

[TheBlackAdder]

79. Stay strong, keep up the fight, search for specialists, you never know.

Steve & Marta,

Medical advancements routinely develop and some doctors know of options others do not--even when tied in a medical knowledge transfer network. Stay emotionally strong.

Continue searching for treatments. I've had a couple of family members, after searching for cures, eventually find them.

My father's generation used to just believe what their PCP told them, without questioning. Luckily those days are over. With the immense knowledge to retain, even specialists cannot keep up with advancements. Keep searching, keep asking.

You're one of the best here.

[nolabear]

80. Let us treasure every minute. You enrich my life.

You have been one of the joys of DU, and that will echo for a long, long time. But for now let's make the cattle nervous with our laughter and smarts.

[blackspade]

81. I'm terribly sorry about your condition.

May the road rise with you.

[madfloridian]

82. ....

[Starry Messenger]

83. ...

[raccoon]

84. I'm so sorry to hear that. You'll be in my thoughts. nt

[Phentex]

85. We are here for you...

I have always appreciated your posts. I hope you are here for many more years.

[Yo_Mama]

87. I'm sorry, but don't give up yet.

I've been given the end of life talk several times, but I'm still here. You just never quite know, and sometimes there are breakthroughs.

[Hekate]

88. Prayers for you and Marta

Thanks, Steve, for all you have contributed here, and all you continue to do.

[Iamthetruth]

89. Hang in there Steve

While I don't know what your fight is, I know what it is to fight for life. I may not agree on all your views but I know what love means to a man and understand why one never wants to lose it. Fight on Steve, we are all with you on your fight.

[Peacetrain]

90. Omaha Steve.. like the mighty Mo...that flows by our homes

I hope your spirits run deep.. you are truly a blessing to this forum..

[PeaceNikki]

91. I'm so sorry. May your days be pain-free and filled with joy, love and laughter.

[Voice for Peace]

92. As long as you are breathing, you will never lose the ability to enjoy being alive.

A couple of days ago a young woman, young pregnant
mother, with a little boy, close family friend, healthy happy
wise and always making contributions to humanity..
boom, blood clot; and she is gone. Crazy weird life and
we all have an appointed time.

In the meantime: as long as there is breath coming in
and out, there is peace, in us, and there is love.
Practice enjoying each moment as fully as you can.

Even if a time comes when you can't recall your name,
or much of anything else, you'll still remember how to
enjoy. I deeply believe that's our birthright here. To
forget about everything else. Each breath, so sweet.
Each one, a gift. See how they come and go. All the way
up to the very last.

Forgive the unsolicited advice; it is heartfelt.

[lillypaddle]

93. Don't know what to say, really

"sorry" doesn't seem to quite cut it. My heart hurts for you and your family. That's all I can say. Peace, my friend, and may the burden of your pain be eased as much as possible.

[Half-Century Man]

94. I'd say you have ample reason to be moody.

So, mood away. I can take it.

For what it's worth, Years ago I was informed that even if I beat it, my life would be shortened by cancer (precursor T leukemia). Fourteen years later, I'm still annoying the neighbors. I seldom think about it, just do a day at a time. It is by far not a perfect plan, but it works.
I realize the difference between us, I still am dealing with a vague prognosis, not facing a statistical certainty. However, something that works for me (just dealing with each day individually) might be of benefit to you.

We are here with you.

[NightWatcher]

95. If you feel like sharing with a compassionate bunch of DUers

We're over at the Chronic Health Conditions forum. I've got a complicated thing going on as well and would be there if you wanted to vent or share.

If you need anything, let me/us know.

Peace.

[DonCoquixote]

96. we are here

...

[sheshe2]

97. Steve, you have been very kind to me. I thank you for that.

My heart is with you and Marta, grab on and hold tight for the years you have left. It's quality time now, enjoy it while you can. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Peace to you both Steve.



She~

[pacalo]

98. I'm so sorry, Steve...

[Diclotican]

99. Omaha Steve

Omaha Steve

I'm deeply troubled by this news - if you can call it that - I just hope you will be given as much help as you are able to have even if it is no real treatment for the condition. I wish you the best

Diclotican

[pscot]

100. You've been the staunchest labor advocate

this place ever had. I'm a big fan of what you do and the way you do it. God bless, Steve.

[rustydog]

101. Omaha Steve, I hurt for you and my thoughts are with you and your family

[sakabatou]

102. Damn

[Rochester]

103. Solidarity

[annabanana]

104. Ah Steve, dear

[Iggo]

105. Well hell.

[davidthegnome]

106. Not sure what to say.

But that's never stopped me from trying... "this sucks" seems completely inadequate. A popular song says "live like you're dying", and I've always wondered what I would do if I ever got the news that my time was called. I think I'd do all those things I always wanted to do, but never had the courage (or the money) for. I'd take off, get out of here, go to Egypt and see the pyramids, to Japan to ride the bullet train - I'd walk the great wall of China. I'd go see Europe, Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales... where my ancestors came from. I like to think I'd give stuff away, but I've never had much to give really. Probably leave whatever I had to my son.

If there is such a place as heaven, or some kind of afterlife, I cannot believe that any loving being, any being worthy of having created such ridiculous, terrible and wonderful creatures as we humans... I cannot believe that it would judge for us choosing to cut loose early, when the only other option is to suffer. I sure as hell wouldn't, because one day, it may very well be me.

I devoutly hope that whatever time you have left, you enjoy. I wish you all the best, and hope that you have many wonderful days and nights with family and loved ones ahead of you. None of us get to sit on this rock forever, but what we leave behind us when we go... however things turn out, I give you my word that I will not forget you.

As an agnostic, it would be absolutely ridiculous for me to say... "God Bless you and keep you", but that old Catholic memory remains. Instead... let me say, that if there is such a being, it had damned well better bless you and keep you, or it's going to have a lot of pissed off people to deal with.

The best of luck to you, my friend. I admire your courage and strength.

[voteearlyvoteoften]

107. Be well friend

Sending good thoughts...

[StoneCarver]

108. Steve you're the best

I'm sorry to hear your news. I have enjoyed reading your thoughts over the years. You are a wise sage for DU. Be well. I hope I'm as wise as you in my posts. Damn it! I miss you, guider glider, girl gone mad, Dixie girl, etc. You all made DU. I miss it. Today it is a bunch of narrow minded sheeple -who think they are liberal -but can't think like you.

[BlueJazz]

109. During the day, sometimes I think about you.

[NCarolinawoman]

110. I click on your posts before knowing it's you; then I see your name attached...

and I think to myself,"Of course, this is a post from Omaha Steve." So many heart wrenching yet often HEARTWARMING stories. Thank you for all of these. They are gifts.

You are loved and appreciated by many many people who have never met you. This is a love that will neither be affected by time nor space.

Thanks to you and Marta for looking out for the critters of the world.

[JI7]

111. you never know

it's possible you will be here 10-15 years from now posting about this thread right now. lets hope so and many good days and times between now and then.

[KMOD]

112. Hi Steve, I'm new here, so I don't know you, and vice versa,

My heart hurts, that you, and your loved ones, are going through something that is obviously not a great situation.

I like to believe in hope, and positive thinking. Yet, not knowing your situation, I can't even begin to walk, or imagine to walk, in your shoes.

I admire that you are handling your situation with grace and strength.

I wish you nothing but the best, for what that's worth. You are obviously loved by many here.

[TexasTowelie]

113. Nobody knows when their day will come,

but please know that you will be remembered. You will be dearly missed my friend.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

114. I so clearly remember

your touching post about the 2 red roses...so heartfelt and poignant. Very happy you are retiring and as a result also hope that you are extended a pain-free, peaceful longevity. You have lit up this board on so many occasions, and I'm very grateful for your wisdom and thoughtfulness.

(((( ))))

[DFW]

115. Way back when I joined DU, there was a popular abbreviation: NGU

I had to ask what it meant. Now that I know, I can post it here again, and second what everyone else said.

Never Give Up

[marlakay]

116. Take care

I hope you get to do a few things you've wanted to but were working, maybe some travel.

[cantbeserious]

117. Our Thoughts Are With You - Enjoy What Is Left To The Fullest

eom

[Are_grits_groceries]

118. To one of the best of us.....

[secondwind]

119. you are everything that is good and noble about DU.. I don't know you, but I already respect

you tremendously, and in some way or another, I will walk that last mile with you.

[panader0]

120. I'll be thinking of you Steve.

[LiberalEsto]

121. Dear Steve, I wish you blessings, happiness, joy, support, friendship, strength,

hope and healing (in whatever form it might take), perhaps even a miracle. And the best possible

Thank you for your labor posts in particular (my new son-in-law is a lawyer for a major labor union), and for your great posts in general.

You WILL be missed here, but I don't want to miss you yet!

peace,
LibE

[sinkingfeeling]

122. I'm so sorry. If you leave DU, know that you will be missed. We love you, Steve.

[cordelia]

123. Wishing you much peace and comfort in the days ahead.

[Hun Joro]

124. I'm so sorry...

[stevenleser]

125. Very Sorry

Hoping for a miracle for you.

[In Truth We Trust]

127. I have not logged in to DU in forever and now that I have, I see this terrible news Steve.

My thoughts and wishes for a peaceful passing. A little over three years ago you had offered me some assistance and I am still grateful for your hand at that time. I wish you all the strength and courage and love in the world to help you and yours at this time. I am noty a terribly rel;igious person, but I pray for a miracle and thank God for people like you in this world.

Much Love, Steve.

Truth