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Omaha Steve

(98,872 posts)
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 04:57 PM Apr 2015

Good news...bad news


People that read the DU are still learning about my health. A couple weeks ago I started having new symptoms. This morning I got hit with a sledge hammer. I was having having a bad day. It is why I haven't been on much today.

It is possible to find joy in the simple things even when your terminal. We have been waiting for the rest of our feathered friends to show up. We have a huge evergreen tree right outside our front window. It is 71 with a slight breeze. I had the window open. Suddenly like an old song playing on the radio I heard a distinct song.

I called Marta at work to tell her our first Baltimore Oriole is here. I then went out to put out more jelly. My day is much better now. The simple things.

I may not be on much the next few days while adjusting to this new twist.



OS
81 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Good news...bad news (Original Post) Omaha Steve Apr 2015 OP
The simple things, indeed. Much love to you Omaha Steve! nt ChisolmTrailDem Apr 2015 #1
Birdies? calimary Apr 2015 #2
thank you for sharing that G_j Apr 2015 #3
My dear Omaha Steve... CaliforniaPeggy Apr 2015 #4
Glad to hear you can still smell the flowers Egnever Apr 2015 #5
DU is better for having your participation, but you need to heal. closeupready Apr 2015 #6
I have nothing but the deepest respect for you and how you handle what you do. michaz Apr 2015 #7
enjoy your day, OS magical thyme Apr 2015 #8
Hugs shenmue Apr 2015 #9
I'm so very sorry! TorchTheWitch Apr 2015 #10
Beauty in the simple things in life is quite moving. mfcorey1 Apr 2015 #11
. irisblue Apr 2015 #12
Even though we have donnasgirl Apr 2015 #13
+100 whathehell Apr 2015 #47
k&r... spanone Apr 2015 #14
So glad about your new little Baltimore Oriole, what a messenger of spring and hope. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #15
Hang tough Omaha. Half-Century Man Apr 2015 #16
Sending hugs your way! Liberalynn Apr 2015 #17
Every day your feet meet the floor.... daleanime Apr 2015 #18
Wait, who showed up? FailureToCommunicate Apr 2015 #19
Peace be to you. We all live each day not knowing if it will be our final day. Fla Dem Apr 2015 #20
OS... SoapBox Apr 2015 #21
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Unknown Beatle Apr 2015 #22
Good that the birds are coming back nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #23
Hugs to you and Marta. I wait for the Mockingbird to come back; he's been here several weeks... Hekate Apr 2015 #24
Hi there Omaha Steve malaise Apr 2015 #25
Thanks, Malaise, from all of us. No Vested Interest Apr 2015 #32
+1,000 malaise Apr 2015 #33
we are all terminal hfojvt Apr 2015 #75
Enjoy the birdies, brother. Enthusiast Apr 2015 #26
Hope they will be back here soon, too. Lifelong Protester Apr 2015 #27
Please take care Omaha Steve redstatebluegirl Apr 2015 #28
I wish I knew what to say... lapfog_1 Apr 2015 #29
As one who's lost much in this life ... staggerleem Apr 2015 #30
We all love you Omaha Steve. longship Apr 2015 #31
I'm relativity new here on DU but I seem to gravitate to your posts the most.... madamvlb Apr 2015 #34
Rest up... Phentex Apr 2015 #35
I have a little creek on the boundry of my property. I was sitting on the bank today. BlueJazz Apr 2015 #36
'finding joy in the simple things' bigtree Apr 2015 #37
You are in my thoughts and prayers, as always. Terra Alta Apr 2015 #38
Every day I look forward to your posts locks Apr 2015 #39
mmmmm.....jelly....... BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2015 #40
There is nothing like the beauty of nature to enrich the soul. femmocrat Apr 2015 #41
Thinking of you, Steve. mountain grammy Apr 2015 #42
You'll be in my prayers, my friend! ColesCountyDem Apr 2015 #43
Good vibes headed your way. hifiguy Apr 2015 #44
Nature is the healer of the soul, revel in it, Steve. Dont call me Shirley Apr 2015 #45
And Omaha Steve, Iwillnevergiveup Apr 2015 #46
Hugs gademocrat7 Apr 2015 #48
Nothing but best wishes to you Omaha Steve. totodeinhere Apr 2015 #49
Omaha Steve Diclotican Apr 2015 #50
We have eight chickens in a stock tank kaiden Apr 2015 #51
Take care Omaha and stay strong! kimbutgar Apr 2015 #52
Your in my prayers hrmjustin Apr 2015 #53
...much love to you.... glinda Apr 2015 #54
Sending hugs and prayers your way Gothmog Apr 2015 #55
May Spring renew your soul Dakotacrat Apr 2015 #56
It is wonderful you can do that marym625 Apr 2015 #57
Much love to you. You are truly a gem. LoisB Apr 2015 #58
We love you, OS. catbyte Apr 2015 #59
I'm so sorry .... AuntPatsy Apr 2015 #60
That's sweet.... Spitfire of ATJ Apr 2015 #61
We just bought one a month ago Omaha Steve Apr 2015 #68
We were putting out seed but all we got was pigeons by the flock.... Spitfire of ATJ Apr 2015 #71
I enjoyed your post Steve. Birds and afterlife have a very very special meaning for me. Much love!! In Truth We Trust Apr 2015 #62
keep a strong heart, omaha steve. hopemountain Apr 2015 #63
We should all take a lesson and stop to enjoy the simple things. nm rhett o rick Apr 2015 #64
Keep up the fight, Steve awoke_in_2003 Apr 2015 #65
Twists suck, OS. DeadLetterOffice Apr 2015 #66
Sending hugs your way Stargazer09 Apr 2015 #67
:-) denbot Apr 2015 #69
may you find a way to keep your peace heaven05 Apr 2015 #70
(((((((OS)))))))) niyad Apr 2015 #72
Not a praying man packman Apr 2015 #73
The Simple Things Matter Most cantbeserious Apr 2015 #74
Did not know...you are so important to DU and the labor movement NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #76
Vibes to you. applegrove Apr 2015 #77
I want to join in the group hug question everything Apr 2015 #78
Here's a hug from Australia wezl Apr 2015 #79
Two Baltimore Orioles showed up today - males fadedrose May 2015 #80
the bad news fadedrose May 2015 #81

calimary

(80,521 posts)
2. Birdies?
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 05:00 PM
Apr 2015

Here - enjoy some of our birdies! Quick, though, before they all fly away! (Which is imminent, I think.)

For you, Omaha Steve! Enjoy!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018750193

(I just updated the thread. New photos, new happenings!)

 

Egnever

(21,506 posts)
5. Glad to hear you can still smell the flowers
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 05:04 PM
Apr 2015

Hope you have flocks of birds to sing you sweet songs on your journey.

 

closeupready

(29,503 posts)
6. DU is better for having your participation, but you need to heal.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 05:05 PM
Apr 2015

If you spent your healing time not on DU, I think that would be just fine - or here on DU, if it's important to you.

Watch the sun set, take a walk through the rain, have a really good, greasy, big cheeseburger and fries, ride a horse, go to the beach and walk barefoot through the sand. Come back when you are healed.

Peace.

michaz

(1,352 posts)
7. I have nothing but the deepest respect for you and how you handle what you do.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 05:17 PM
Apr 2015

It is a true gift to all of us as you share this so eloquently. I wish you nothing but the best.

TorchTheWitch

(11,065 posts)
10. I'm so very sorry!
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 05:34 PM
Apr 2015

I've been thinking about you a lot despite my own issues and hoping you were at least status quo. I so hope this latest "sledge hammer" isn't as bad as I imagine and something that you can at least handle or maybe even it will go away or something. Know that there are so many here who love and care about you. Don't pressure yourself to post anything if it's too hard on you - we'll understand though of course we'll worry for you.

I really wish this wasn't just a virtual hug --->



donnasgirl

(656 posts)
13. Even though we have
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 05:50 PM
Apr 2015

Never met I hope you do not mind me saying that I have fell in love with a character called Omaha Steve, just by the way your words are put together I can tell you are a person I would be proud to call a Friend. Now I have something in my eyes and need to wipe them clean.

appalachiablue

(40,994 posts)
15. So glad about your new little Baltimore Oriole, what a messenger of spring and hope.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 05:56 PM
Apr 2015

Thanks for writing and take the best care, you're so valued.

Half-Century Man

(5,279 posts)
16. Hang tough Omaha.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 05:57 PM
Apr 2015

Lotsa us, myself included, watch for your posts.

Finances permitting, I'll be able to replace our bird feeder next month (people upstairs broke it lowering furniture off the balcony when they moved).

FailureToCommunicate

(13,968 posts)
19. Wait, who showed up?
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:04 PM
Apr 2015

These guys...



Or these...





You enrich us all here at DU, Steve. Keep on doing what you love.

Fla Dem

(23,239 posts)
20. Peace be to you. We all live each day not knowing if it will be our final day.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:06 PM
Apr 2015

I hope all of yours are filled with love, light and serenity.


[link:|

SoapBox

(18,791 posts)
21. OS...
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:10 PM
Apr 2015

I hope you don't mind a hug from a guy...but I'm sending it your way any how...

We loves ya man!

Hekate

(89,974 posts)
24. Hugs to you and Marta. I wait for the Mockingbird to come back; he's been here several weeks...
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:12 PM
Apr 2015

Stands on the topmost twig of the apricot tree and sings his brains out. Just when he can't stand the joy anymore, he achieves liftoff, flapping up several feet in the air, settles down, takes a breath and starts all over again.

Ah, spring.

No Vested Interest

(5,154 posts)
32. Thanks, Malaise, from all of us.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:44 PM
Apr 2015

Love this song.
I'm not terminal, not much even ill, but slowing down with age.
Love so many "friends" on DU, though they may not know it.
Steve gives us so much, regularly, daily.

hfojvt

(37,573 posts)
75. we are all terminal
Wed Apr 29, 2015, 02:46 PM
Apr 2015

it is just a matter of time. I am looking at death records every day and see lots of people dying young.

Here's a guy David Bilger - August 1907 to Mar 2001. That's a long life, but his first wife was born 9 Feb 1909 and died 15 feb 1937. 28 years old. I don't know what happened to make her life so short. Childbirth? an accident? a disease? Could be any number of things. But did she wake up of 15 Feb 1937 and think "I might die today". Probably not. On 15 Jan 1937, did she think "I only have a month to live"? Again, probably not.

I just got a call today from my 81 year old dad. It's nice to think I might live that long, have another 28 years to live, but there's no guarantee. Any number of things could kill me in the next few hours. A drive by shooting, an accident on my bicycle, or in my car, a heart attack, a stroke, etc, etc.

Personally I would like to get six months warning. I mean, if I knew for certain I was gonna die in less than nine months, I'd quit my job today. I'd take a trip to Ireland and Romania, and so on. I'd probably enjoy the next nine months more than I will without having such knowledge. I think it is nice to have such knowledge of how much time you have.

lapfog_1

(29,147 posts)
29. I wish I knew what to say...
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:28 PM
Apr 2015

I read everyone of your threads, even if I don't often reply.

Take every day as the one day and find joy in birds singing, flowers blooming, the leaves rustling in the breeze, or even in snow falling or the crispness of autumn.

Peace be with you.

 

staggerleem

(469 posts)
30. As one who's lost much in this life ...
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:29 PM
Apr 2015

... I'll say without fear of contradiction that the ONLY joy we'll EVER find comes from the simple things.

Here's the twist ... the folks who DON'T KNOW that are the billionaires! That's why they're always chasing after more and more material goods, believing that, sooner or later, they'll find SOMETHING precious enough to give them some happiness. But they are simply unable to recognize happiness when they approach it, so they try, instead, to do what they see as the next best thing ... making everyone else miserable.

Hang in there, Steve, and keep on taking however much joy you can from whatever time you have left.

longship

(40,416 posts)
31. We all love you Omaha Steve.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:43 PM
Apr 2015

And wish you the best.

Stay as strong as you can.

And orioles are cool birds. I lost my trees on my little acre so I don't see as many of my winged friends as I used to. But we still have plenty of chickadees (my favorite), mourning doves, and the little brown jobs. I miss the nuthatches and their upside-down ways, and the woodpeckers. However, I did see a hawk of some kind (caught only a glimpse) and a turkey vulture this last week. Then there are the wild turkeys; they're all over the place.

Peace, my friend.

madamvlb

(495 posts)
34. I'm relativity new here on DU but I seem to gravitate to your posts the most....
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:48 PM
Apr 2015

they are usually very uplifting and make me smile. I love hearing your bird stories. Please keep us updated on your health status and if there is anything I can personally do for you please ask.

 

BlueJazz

(25,348 posts)
36. I have a little creek on the boundry of my property. I was sitting on the bank today.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:52 PM
Apr 2015

I was thinking about life and you,,Steve.

The world is a better place with you in it.

Terra Alta

(5,158 posts)
38. You are in my thoughts and prayers, as always.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 06:54 PM
Apr 2015

Take care, and I'm glad you're finding joy in the simple things in life -- that's what really matters.

locks

(2,012 posts)
39. Every day I look forward to your posts
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 07:08 PM
Apr 2015

If I see something interesting and heartwarming I don't have to look at the name to know it will be from you, Omaha Steve. Thanks and may the blessings you've given to others come back to you and your family.

femmocrat

(28,394 posts)
41. There is nothing like the beauty of nature to enrich the soul.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 07:16 PM
Apr 2015

I am eagerly awaiting the goldfinches. I bought them a new feeder today. I love those little buggers!

I've never seen a Baltimore Oriole here. I hope yours sings sweetly and brightens your day.

Best wishes and keep on keeping on!!! Never give up.

Iwillnevergiveup

(9,298 posts)
46. And Omaha Steve,
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 07:48 PM
Apr 2015

my day is so much better after reading your uplifting, courageous post. You have such an innate ability to communicate deeply with people. That's why we all feel we "know" you and can so effortlessly rally around you. We're there with you RIGHT NOW!

Diclotican

(5,095 posts)
50. Omaha Steve
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 08:17 PM
Apr 2015

Omaha Steve

I wish you the best - and I wish I could do something for you.... And it is a lot of joy in simple things....

Diclotican

kaiden

(1,314 posts)
51. We have eight chickens in a stock tank
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 08:42 PM
Apr 2015

in the bedroom. (Picture Ma & Pa Kettle.) Anyhow, come this weekend, I will be able to look out the window and hear them singing in the yard--where they belong. They aren't Orioles, but they'll do. I have loved your stories for a long time, Omaha Steve.

Dakotacrat

(40 posts)
56. May Spring renew your soul
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 09:25 PM
Apr 2015

Omaha Steve,

Please know that all of the effort you've shown here through the years means a great deal to so very many of us.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

marym625

(17,997 posts)
57. It is wonderful you can do that
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 09:35 PM
Apr 2015

Find such joy in such a simple thing.

You are much loved and such an incredible inspiration

catbyte

(34,122 posts)
59. We love you, OS.
Tue Apr 28, 2015, 09:58 PM
Apr 2015

I always read your posts first. I am wishing you and your dear Marta nothing but the best. Take care.

 

Spitfire of ATJ

(32,723 posts)
71. We were putting out seed but all we got was pigeons by the flock....
Wed Apr 29, 2015, 10:57 AM
Apr 2015

They were like piranha and pick the feeder clean in seconds. Very messy birds.

Now we have a backyard lawn and a bird bath and we're seeing all kinds of song birds.

DeadLetterOffice

(1,352 posts)
66. Twists suck, OS.
Wed Apr 29, 2015, 07:14 AM
Apr 2015

Hard enough walking the straight line most days.

Take the time you & Marta need. Listen to the birdies, watch the new flowers popping up. Know you are loved here, and thought of with compassion, concern, appreciation, and smiles.



DLO

Stargazer09

(2,131 posts)
67. Sending hugs your way
Wed Apr 29, 2015, 10:04 AM
Apr 2015

The weather is getting nicer every day, so I hope you get many more visits from the birds and other critters who live near you.

 

packman

(16,296 posts)
73. Not a praying man
Wed Apr 29, 2015, 11:29 AM
Apr 2015

But I'll say a few for any person who can find peace and joy in a bird's song, a child's smile, or a cat's purr.

question everything

(47,209 posts)
78. I want to join in the group hug
Wed Apr 29, 2015, 04:05 PM
Apr 2015

and to wish you the best and to urge you to take care of yourself.

Can the hummingbirds and the Monarch butterflies be far behind?

And, no doubt, Bernie Sanders announcement has been a celebration for a union guy like yourself.


fadedrose

(10,044 posts)
80. Two Baltimore Orioles showed up today - males
Mon May 4, 2015, 08:31 PM
May 2015

I think you had a map showing their migratory progress..don't know where it is. I put my hummingbird feeder right next to my kitchen window. The first place the orioles always go is to that feeder, and then I put out their jelly.

Also today, had a Rose-chested Grosbeak show up. Could be that the female is here too, but she travels incognito. They'll be here till their eggs have hatched and the chicks are able to fly.

Also, some White Crowned Sparrows (we ususally have 10 or so) showed up yesterday. They mostly feed on the ground the way the juncos do in the winter

Also 2 days ago a Brown Thrush, maybe a Thrasher, not sure, came back. They come every year.

I am in Michigan, zip 48059 if you want to put markers in or something...

You know to give the Oriole grape jelly, hopefully in a white jar lid. I put the lid in a wood hopper feeder with the clear panels removed.

Most spoiled are the robins and woodpeckers. Both like suet (homemade), but the robin needs his crushed on the ground because he is too stubborn to eat from a wire suet cage. We also have to buy him grapes or he stares at the sliding doors until we can't stand it anymore.

I love the birds and am enjoying them. I know you are too. One of the blessings we have (even if it costs too much).

fadedrose

(10,044 posts)
81. the bad news
Mon May 4, 2015, 08:43 PM
May 2015
"This morning I got hit with a sledge hammer. I was having having a bad day. It is why I haven't been on much today."

Can you ask your doctor for more painkillers? Maybe the warmer weather will have a good effect on you...

Sad times for you, my friend, and I wish I could do something for you and Marta...

DU can be depressing sometimes, if your problems are more painful than the elections, riots, etc., because you can turn off DU, but the pain and the truth remain. Sending a heartful of love, hope you can feel it.
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