A little insight...

[Sapphire Blue]

I don't have the big DU name or following, don't have the writing capabilities of the esteemed H20 Man, and don’t have especially popular positions on some issues (was called a fanatic & worse for supporting the late Stan Williams’ clemency, while being attacked w/some intense hatred.)

What I have is my conscience and a strong determination to live according to my conscience… with what time I have left. No, I am not presently terminal, but I am living w/three different types of cancer. This has made death very real to me… and motivates me to make every remaining second of my life count for something, to make a positive difference. Perhaps this will help some of you to understand where my passion/obsession/fanaticism comes from… and perhaps you will cut me a little slack when coming across my passionate/obsessive/fanatic posts in the future.

In the words of Elie Wiesel, “Our lives no longer belong to us alone; they belong to all those who need us desperately.” (from his Nobel Acceptance Speech: http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/ElieWiesel/speech.html)

My life belongs “to all those who need us desperately.” Every second that I have left.

[helderheid]

1. I am sooooo sorry to hear about your health

I hope you recover with speed - thank you for this. It's a beautiful post.

:hug:

[Sapphire Blue]

20. ...

:hug:

[babylonsister]

2. You write just fine, and I love your passion, Sapphire Blue.

I hope you get healthy, and you do make a "good" difference. :hug:

[Sapphire Blue]

12. ...

:hug:

[JeffR]

3. Damn it

You made me cry.

Cheers to you.

:toast:

[Sapphire Blue]

13. ...

:toast:

[northamericancitizen]

4. Thank you for sharing Sapphire Blue. In the last few days I have been

paying more attention to your posts. From my point of view,you never came across as a fanatic.

Keep on posting with your conscience. We should all do the same.

lise

[Sapphire Blue]

15. ...

Thanks!

[electropop]

26. We need a few "fanatics."

What have for "leadership" consists mostly of tired old men too deaf to hear their own consciences.

[sproutster]

5. :( What are you talking about Sapphire? You are always right. :)

Seriously tho, you mirror what my own conscience tells me is important.

I support you, and understand your feelings of urgency and passion. :)I hope that all goes into remission - and I notice you and read your posts with nodding or a smile.

I will cut you no slack, I expect the same types of posts for a long time. :)

[Sapphire Blue]

7. ...

:hug:

[G_j]

6. I had no idea

but without you I would not have made many calls to Congress concerning the terrible budget cuts.
I didn't even know the vote was coming up.

BTW, I just commented that you were my DU 'hero' of the week:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=299237&mesg_id=299622

There are really no words that can express my gratitude that there are people like you in the world.

peace & love G_j

:hug:

[Sapphire Blue]

9. ...

Thank you... I am honored & humbled by your post. :blush: :hug:

[samhsarah]

17. I have to second G_j's post, Sapphire Blue.....

You're efforts have not gone unnoticed. My hero.:hug:

[Sapphire Blue]

18. ...

:hug:

[Wordie]

8. You're an inspiration, Sapphire Blue.

I'm so sorry to hear about your health and wish you the best.

Your efforts are so appreciated.

[Sapphire Blue]

10. ...

Thank you, again! :hug:

[malaise]

11. Lovely post

fight on!!

[Sapphire Blue]

14. ...

Every second that I have left!

[faithnotgreed]

30. well said - and thank you sapphire for your vulnerability

for not only caring enough to fight and post the things you do but for sharing with us your illness
that takes a strong person and i admire that very much

i look forward to reading a lot more from you
much love and peace....

[Sapphire Blue]

31. ...

Thanks for what you said, I appreciate it.

I'd like to share one of my favorite prayers, wishing everyone discomfort, anger, tears, and foolishness, as I strive for these things myself...

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, superficial relationships, so that you will live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you will work for justice, equality and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and change their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.

[faithnotgreed]

34. you just hit me hard right where i (try to) live sapphire

THANK YOU
what a wonderful thing to send

i too struggle with chronic illness and learned some years ago that this was an incredible opportunity
in fact i feel quite blessed - not only to be given something that got my attention but that i was given the resources to (eventually~~) see it for what it really is
an amazing opportunity that was given with love
and out of this my natural fire for equality and truth and love has been tempered and focused on a deeper love and understanding
my desire for these idealistic goals has not wavered but what i do with that and where it gets stored in my body has been mercifully redirected

thank you for putting a big smile on my face and im sure im not alone on that
many prayers for you friend
i truly do look forward to seeing many more of your posts

take good care...

[ClayZ]

16. I am always inspired by your posts, Sappire Blue!

Healing Properties of Sapphire:
Its powers include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.

[Sapphire Blue]

19. ...

Thank you!

[Lerkfish]

21. Cancer survivor here...

it does rearrange life's priorities, eh?
nothing like the sucker punch to the groin of hearing the doc say "cancer".
Hang in there, and take care. If you need to talk about it, PM me.

[Sapphire Blue]

22. ...

Yes, it does rearrange priorities... and gives one much strength.

I often use the phrase, "as long as I live & breathe"... and when I do, it's not just words... it's a promise, a commitment, an obligation.

Hearing the doc say cancer? A sucker punch? Not when you've got your gloves on, ready to fight. After my first biopsy & surgery, I reviewed the slides w/the pathologist & took a slice of the tumor home & burned it in a ceremony. I don't go down easy.

[Lerkfish]

25. good for you. fighters win.

:)

[RedOnce]

23. "What I have is...

my conscience and a strong determination to live according to my conscience… with what time I have left...death very real to me… and motivates me to make every remaining second of my life count for something, to make a positive difference."

Wow, you've blown me away. Positive difference? Yes, indeed.
Thank you for this rare post.

Prayers.

[Sapphire Blue]

24. ...

Death is as real as life, but most people don't consider it, are afraid of it... but it will get us all. What matters is what we do between now & then.

[RedOnce]

27. Yes, you are right about death.

Your understanding that "integrity counts" creates an opportunity for a full life with the perhaps limited time you have left. As you point out, it will get us all.

Your post has something for everyone to consider.

[Sapphire Blue]

28. ...

Better one minute w/a conscience than a hundred years w/o one.

[RedOnce]

32. It is nice to meet you Sapphire Blue.

I will be watching for your posts.

[Sapphire Blue]

33. ...

And you, too, RedOnce! (Hope you remain Blue : )

Here's a few favorites from the past...

Dear President Bush: I am praying for you: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3653841

My last word... http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5580253

The most beautiful woman I’ve ever met... http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5332846

[RedOnce]

35. Very nice! You have given me much to consider.

[ruggerson]

29. Knock yourself out

be as fanatical as you want. We're behind you in your fight. And you will prevail.

[Sapphire Blue]

36. ...

Will do. Thanks!

[Gelliebeans]

37. You are so vital

to us here at DU. It's funny how you read people's posts all the time, you know the names and as time goes by you begin to know the personalities as they are revealed to us. I have known you as you are on DU and I am glad that you have shared part of yourself for insight.

Here's to the future and the insight that we acquire along the way.

Peace Sapphire Blue. :hug:

gb

[Sapphire Blue]

38. ...

Peace Gelliebeans :hug:

Sapphire Blue,
Resident DU Fanatic Beggar :)

[nofurylike]

39. i am, as always, humbled by you: "My life belongs 'to all those who need

us desperately.' Every second that I have left."

you continually bless us with the finest example of humanity and devotion to Justice, dear Sapphire Blue.

gratitude!

:hug:


in solidarity, always!!

[Sapphire Blue]

40. ...

There is no other option for my life. :hug:

Some would say I'm a fanatic who blesses w/spam ;)

[nofurylike]

41. well, we'll credit them recognizing the "blessing," while they grow into

comprehending the rest, ah? :)

please keep on, dear friend, and please lean on us.

:grouphug:


peace and solidarity!!

[Sapphire Blue]

42. ...

Always keeping on! Thanks!

[mogster]

43. Big hug!

:hug:

Of course I'll cut you a little slack - not that you need it ;-)
I have a sister just coming into chemo for a brain tumor, she seems to heal well.

I like Wiesel, he is one of my favs among the Nobel winners.

[Sapphire Blue]

45. ...

:hug: & another :hug: for your sister!

Wiesel is such an inspiration... once again, I'm listening to 'The Perils of Indifference'.

[sabra]

44. peace be upon you and your loved ones

[Sapphire Blue]

46. ...

Yes, peace be upon my loved ones...

[Wind Dancer]

47. Sapphire Blue,

I'm so sorry, thanks for sharing your personal story with us. :hug:

You have the ability to touch and inspire us with your compassionate posts and determination. It's inspired me to keep fighting even during my darkest days.

Thank you, my friend.

You DO write beautifully and I appreciate every issue you bring to this board, Tookie was on of the most brutal but you held your own, never giving up. I have enormous respect for your commitment to make a difference in the world even as you struggle with your own illness.

We are here for you, Sapphire Blue. :pals:

[Sapphire Blue]

48. ...

Please, don't feel sorry... just keep on fighting the good fight w/me... that helps me through my darkest days!

Thanks so much for fighting the good fight w/me! :hug:

Edited to add: Though I never met Stan, I learned so much from him, and am forever grateful to him.

[Wind Dancer]

49. You can count on me to keep on fighting.

We can't give up regardless of the obstacles. It's your drive and determination that gives me hope when the lights are dim.

Thank you, Sapphire Blue.

:hug:

[Sapphire Blue]

50. ...

Your drive & determination do the same for me!

Thank you, FrustratedDemInNC!

[bonito]

51. Your a biggie in my book

I Always click on your post :-)

[Sapphire Blue]

54. ...

Aaaah, but if had the following of Will Pitt, perhaps I could drum up more support for issues important to me. He can post about belching & elicit a hundred replies easily :)

[H2O Man]

52. Fight .....

because we need you .... more than you may know.

[Sapphire Blue]

I will... as long as I live & breathe. Thank you for that my dear H20 Man!

[mdmc]

53. Peace and low stress

it sounds like you are in a good place. I have read some of Sogyal Rinpoche's work, and your post reminded me of what is important. peace www.rigpa.org

[Sapphire Blue]

57. ...

Thank you, and thanks for the link!

[mdmc]

58. your welcome... Impermanence is a very important lesson

I am trying to learn. It is very hard when you are trained toward the frivolous.

Peace and low stress...

[kentuck]

55. Sapphire...

If only we could get our Congressmen and Senators to follow their conscience and their hearts, rather than go with whichever opinion is popular at the moment...

You are very admirable.

[Sapphire Blue]

56. ...

We can; we need to keep calling, emailing, faxing, writing... no excuses, just do it!

[cassiepriam]

59. SB: Your post gave me goosebumps. Your courage and fight

is awe inspiring. Please know that you are appreciated
more than you know. And do not let anyone bring you down.
Ignore the bad and fight the good fight.
Peace and love to you.

[Sapphire Blue]

60. ...

Thank you for your kind words. :hug:

[goclark]

61. Sapphire Blue You are A Drum Major for Justice!

You are my Super Hero and I will forever remember this thread as the one that I will treasure the most.

I have bookmarked, kicked, socked :), nominated and emailed this thread to all my friends.

From the moment that I read your passionate threads about the Death Penalty, I knew we were Soul Sisters!

Your knowledge, wisdom and compassion on the issue really helped me to clean out any cob webs I had and be AGAINST the DP --- totally.


I was honored, beyond measure, being your back up in that DU "discussion" and I will ALWAYS be in your corner!

I can never thank you enough for TEACHING me that I must NEVER stop fighting for a cause that is on the right side of the people that have no voice, NEVER!


You Are A Winner, and the WORLD is a WINNER for having you in it!

:loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug:

[Sapphire Blue]

63. ...

Thank you so much for being there w/me, my dear soul sister!

[goclark]

65. I'll always have your back Sapphire! nt

[Skidmore]

62. Saphhire, we all belong to each other.

I'm sorry to hear about your illness. Cancer does have a way of refocusing you and helping you weed out the unnecessary. I dealt with one kind of cancer last year and am due for my first annual follow-up scan soon. Yes, there is much in this world that is just crap. It comes out in my posts too. Eliminate the garbage--there is much that needs to be done and I worry that there might be a time when no one remembers a world that aspired to peace.

Healing thoughts your way and wishes for peace too.

[Sapphire Blue]

64. ...

Yes, we do all belong to each other; I wish more of us would realize it!

Wishing you well on your scans, and healing to you, also!