General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGood 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
ChisolmTrailDem
(9,463 posts)calimary
(80,521 posts)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!)
G_j
(40,366 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(149,179 posts)Egnever
(21,506 posts)Hope you have flocks of birds to sing you sweet songs on your journey.
closeupready
(29,503 posts)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)It is a true gift to all of us as you share this so eloquently. I wish you nothing but the best.
magical thyme
(14,881 posts)return of the birds is the best.
shenmue
(38,497 posts)TorchTheWitch
(11,065 posts)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 --->
mfcorey1
(10,996 posts)irisblue
(32,793 posts)donnasgirl
(656 posts)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.
whathehell
(28,938 posts)spanone
(135,586 posts)appalachiablue
(40,994 posts)Thanks for writing and take the best care, you're so valued.
Half-Century Man
(5,279 posts)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).
Liberalynn
(7,549 posts)daleanime
(17,796 posts)is a good day.
FailureToCommunicate
(13,968 posts)These guys...
Or these...
You enrich us all here at DU, Steve. Keep on doing what you love.
Fla Dem
(23,239 posts)I hope all of yours are filled with love, light and serenity.
[link:|
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)I hope you don't mind a hug from a guy...but I'm sending it your way any how...
We loves ya man!
Unknown Beatle
(2,671 posts)nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)and you are right, little things make a huge difference
Hekate
(89,974 posts)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.
malaise
(267,455 posts)From your birds and this DUer
No Vested Interest
(5,154 posts)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.
malaise
(267,455 posts)Dedicating it to the folks in Baltimore as well.
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)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.
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Lifelong Protester
(8,421 posts)and hope you are better, too.
redstatebluegirl
(12,264 posts)I enjoy your posts so much!
lapfog_1
(29,147 posts)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)... 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)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)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.
Phentex
(16,329 posts)hugs to you and Marta!
BlueJazz
(25,348 posts)I was thinking about life and you,,Steve.
The world is a better place with you in it.
bigtree
(85,813 posts)...quite an accomplishment.
Terra Alta
(5,158 posts)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)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.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)After you set it out for the tweetlers, don't forget to have some yourself.
femmocrat
(28,394 posts)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.
mountain grammy
(26,552 posts)ColesCountyDem
(6,943 posts)hifiguy
(33,688 posts)You, sir, are one of DU's very best.
Dont call me Shirley
(10,998 posts)Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)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!
gademocrat7
(10,615 posts)totodeinhere
(13,028 posts)n/t
Diclotican
(5,095 posts)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)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.
kimbutgar
(20,762 posts)hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)glinda
(14,807 posts)Gothmog
(143,630 posts)Dakotacrat
(40 posts)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)Find such joy in such a simple thing.
You are much loved and such an incredible inspiration
LoisB
(7,013 posts)catbyte
(34,122 posts)I always read your posts first. I am wishing you and your dear Marta nothing but the best. Take care.
AuntPatsy
(9,904 posts)Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)Do you use one of these?
Omaha Steve
(98,872 posts)We have 6 jelly feeders. We only had a couple out since we put out the jelly on March 26th: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026418885
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)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.
In Truth We Trust
(3,117 posts)hopemountain
(3,919 posts)birds have always been special little gifts of joy in my life, too.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)and enjoy the little things
DeadLetterOffice
(1,352 posts)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)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.
denbot
(9,894 posts)heaven05
(18,124 posts)peaceful and good vibrations sent your way!!!!!
niyad
(112,053 posts)packman
(16,296 posts)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.
cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)eom
NoJusticeNoPeace
(5,018 posts)so important
applegrove
(117,885 posts)question everything
(47,209 posts)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.
wezl
(44 posts)fadedrose
(10,044 posts)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)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.