A Thank you note to DUers

[Momma Kef]

I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all DUers that sent me kind messages during the aftermath of Scott's (Khephra's) death.

I don't know where to begin. To all who donated to the flower fund and/or funeral fund...I am truly blessed that there are still thoughtful, caring people in the world like you.

To those who were able to come to the funeral...many thanks, it meant a lot to have you represent all those who could not come but were there in spirit.

I know many of you have cried along with me and when the memory is brought to the forefront, you cry again...as do I.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't cry a dozen times as I am at this writing. The doctor gave me an antidepressant yesterday (but can't get it filled until Monday)and wants to see how I am doing in a month. I can tell him right now that a month is not going to make that much difference. I will grieve for him for the rest of my natural life.

The ONLY thing that has made this bearable at all have been you DUers.
To know that my son did make a contribution in this world and secured a place in hundreds, if not thousands, of hearts is more of a comfort than you will ever know.

To Catwoman who sent me the obelisk, to Sollymack who sent the prayer rugs, to Shewhomustbeobeyed who sent me the binders of Khephra's postings, to several people who sent me donations and last, but certainly not least, Zenlefty who spent his time, talent and money to make Scott's final resting place, I say thank you from my heart and soul. You probably will never understand the depth of my gratitude, but please believe me when I say, blessed be all of you.

Thank you to Skinner, Mike Malloy(sp?)and Rick Myers. If I have left anyone out, please forgive me.

MamaKheph

[auntAgonist]

1. Momma Kef

I hope you're looking after yourself and hope that things get better as the days go by,

and I wanted to welcome you to DU!


:hi:

[Dogmudgeon]

2. This is the least we could do

Your son enriched the lives of all of us.

Please take care of yourself ... and thank you, again.

--p!

[ET Awful]

3. Scott was a really special guy to all of us here

We were blessed to have known him in whatever way we each did.

:hug:

Keep coming here Mama Kef, we'd love to have you around :)

[flamingyouth]

4. ((Momma Kef))

Thank you for this sweet post. We all miss Scott very much, and you are in our thoughts. :hug:

[Bluebear]

5. May your first post be one of many!

Welcome to DU, this is a time to celebrate you being here! I hope you post as the modd strikes you, or just come for support or to say hi whenever!

[Coventina]

6. Our thoughts are ALWAYS with you

I want to thank YOU for blessing the world with Scott's life.

If not for you, I never would have "met" him. He was truly a blessing to me and to thousands of others. We will probably never know just how many lives he touched.

I think of him fondly every day. And that thought is always followed with a prayer for you.
Please keep in touch and continue to let us know how you are.
We love you.
:grouphug:

[starroute]

7. Kef was the soul of generosity

He was always so ready to share his time and attention with others that it took me a long time to realize just how active and prominent a poster he was. That sort of unselfconscious generosity naturally calls out the best in everyone who knew him as well.

[WilliamPitt]

8. He was the best of us

[Ladyhawk]

9. Big hugs, Momma Kef.

I sent (and send) you my wishes for wellness. I am so glad that so many DUers made Khephra's memorial truly memorable. Wow. There are some great people here.

[qanda]

10. Momma Kef

I am crying with you right now and I never met your son, but I can tell you that I miss him so much. LBN will NEVER be the same. Somehow your post has made all the difference to me today. This is the reason I love the DU community and would never leave. I hope you will continue to post and will continue to heal and find comfort.

God bless you! :hug:

[Desertrose]

11. MamaKeph...good to see you posting here....

We want to thank you for sharing your wonderful son with so many ...he was a special special man.....and he wasn't here nearly long enough...

:hug::grouphug:Many hugs to you MamaK....please visit here whenever you are down.....

brightest of blessings to you dear lady....
DR

[diamond14]

12. HhhhheeellllllllllLLLLooooooOOOO MOMMA !! welcome to YOUR own FIRST post !

Your first post ON YOUR OWN.....welcome to DU Momma Kef.....really happy that YOU are up and about and feeling well enough to POST on DU........whoooooooaaaahhhhhHHHHHHH......welcome !!

Welcome from OUR Nation's Capital...Washington DC, inside the Beltway !


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:


:toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:



:hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi:

[stellanoir]

13. a blessing. . .

to just read this aloud, helped me tremendously after a great loss many moons ago

> BLESSING
>
> I send you light to hold you, to hold you in love.
> I send you light to heal you, to heal you in love.
>
> May you love, honor, and cherish the preciousness and
> uniqueness of your own being and of each other being in
> this world.
>
> May you see your own goodness and beauty reflected
> wherever you look.
>
> May you be contented and appreciative of all life's
> bountiful gifts.
>
> May the splendor and majesty of your being guide
> your thoughts, words, and actions.
>
> May your pain and fear be transformed into strength,
> understanding and compassion.
>
> May the shining light of your being radiate peace and
> harmony wherever you are.
>
> May you be suffused with happiness, joyfully
> celebrating each day you are alive.
>
> May you be abundant in all wealth and rich in generosity,
> sharing your blessings freely.
>
> May you be a soothing balm of kindness and a fragrant
> blossom of love to everyone you meet.
>
> May you be well, whole and healthy.
>
> May the great love and compassion of your heart
> embrace the suffering of all beings everywhere.
>
> May the inner light of your purity and perfection
> dissolve the clouds of discord, despair, and conflict.
>
> May the intelligence and wisdom of your infinite mind
> give you clarity in a confusing world.
>
> May you trust that you are loved, cared for and supported
> by the infinite-always.
>
> May you possess the precious magic jewel of gratitude
> that transforms all life into a paradise.
>
> May you pause for a moment each day to remember
> this blessing upon you, and calling forth the full power
> and magnificence of your own being, may you pass it
> on to all beings everywhere.
>
> I send you light to hold you, to hold you in love.
> I send you light to heal you, to heal you in love.

[IndianaGreen]

14. We still miss him very much!

And Kef was in our thoughts, and his name came up more than once during Thursday's Democratic Underground Meetup at Lougmillers.

The loss of Kef has left a big vacuum in everyone he touched...

:-(

[Misunderestimator]

15. Thank you Mamma Kef!

You raised an amazing and wonderful son. His contribution was immense.

[proud patriot]

16. You take care of yourself

:hug:

[Wilms]

17. Hey Ma,

I'm fairly new to DU. Had but a sense of your son's work.

The reaction to his death, however, left me stunned in the most hopeful of ways. I'm glad that you are aware of this impact of Scott's, and it's eternal qualities.

I really do think of you. I'm so sorry for you to have lost a son. So take care, take your time, and take the prayers of all of us here whenever you curl up with your sadness, or with your joy.

Peace,

Wilms

[Andy_Stephenson]

18. If we are a reflection of those who raise us...

Then Kheph was truly raised by a caring and kind individual. His presence here will always be remembered and we welcome you MamaKheph, to the fold. DU Truly is a family.

Andy

[SmokingJacket]

19. He meant so much to so many.

Hugs to you.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[underseasurveyor]

20. For you

[hippiechick]

21. Blessings

:hug:

For being so graceful in your sorrow.
For sharing your strength with the rest of us.
For sharing your amazing son - my "bro" - with the world.


(And for dinner, it was excellent. :) )

[Solly Mack]

22. I still look for him

even though I know I won't see his name...yet Kheph is still here. He's in our hearts. He will forever be a part of us.

Khephra represents (still and always) everything that is good about DU.

((((((((MamaKheph)))))))))))

You're family. Please stay in touch. Let us know how you're doing when you can. You'll be in our thoughts always.

Solly

[bigwillq]

23. Hugs and kisses, Momma Kef

You should post here more often. DU has helped me deal with a lot of things. We are all here for each other.


You are still in my thoughts.
:hug:

[supernova]

24. ((((Momma Kef))))

:hug: Lovely to see you posting, Momma Kef. I do think of you in your grief and I do miss seeing Kheph on the boards.

I think the world of both of you. :hug: :hug: again.

And that pyramid that Zenlefty made is just spectacular.

[CornField]

25. Momma Kef, I've been thinking about you

and wondering when or if you might check in with all of us here. It's good to see you around.

Stay close with your doctor and do give the antidepressants a try. It might take a few weeks before you feel them really kick in, but, in my experience, they do help.

Also from my experience, when you lose a child, nothing can ever completely heal the hole in your heart. With time, however, the edges won't be so raw.

Keep Spirit close to you -- blessed be.

[Loki]

26. Peace be with you MamaKeph

You've been in my prayers.

[cally]

27. Khephra touched all of us

His acceptance and kindness helped make DU a great place. You raised a wonderful son and I'm grateful. :hug:

[gademocrat7]

28. You are in my prayers

Please take care of yourself.

[Cooley Hurd]

29. Scott was so lucky to have such great friends and such a nice...

...Momma.

Hoping for peace in your life, Momma Kheph.:hug:

[elehhhhna]

30. You are a lucky woman

to have raised such a son.
Please stay with us, Mama--keep posting. You're family here.

[Maat]

31. Please hang in there! We all miss Kheph's posts.

We will remember him always - we were blessed to know him.

He contributed greatly to people being informed.

[Mikimouse]

32. As long as we remember his gifts, he will always be here...

I will grieve with you, and send you my best vibes. Nick

[skylarmae]

33. thinking of you MamaKheph -

hoping the best for you and wishing you peace and health. I'm here and agree, its nice not to feel alone with DU around...

Sincerely,
Stepheni

[Lydia Leftcoast]

34. And thank you for stopping by

and letting us know how you're doing.

You're always welcome here at DU!

:hug:

[RevolutionStartsNow]

35. This is what community is all about...

There's a lot of craziness in a community like this, but there's also a lot of love and compassion.

Khephra was the only poster I consistently enjoyed reading; his kindness and wisdom shone through in every single thing he wrote.

Be well, and know that so many people are grieving with you.

[UrbScotty]

36. Yoiu are in my prayers, Momma Kef.

:hug:

[kentuck]

37. I truly believe your son has made a significant contribution that...

will continue, not only on DU, but across this country. Thank you for checking back with us.

[DS1]

38. Scott was a great guy. I remember him when we went to D.C.

in October 2003 to protest the war. Scott, myself, matcom, LynneSin, rbync, WilliamPitt and many others shared many a good long laughs together after the march :hug:

[all.of.me]

39. i've been wondering how you are doing!

thanks for your post! your very first post! hopefully one of many...

[ignatius 2]

40. Mama Kef, everytime I look at the general discussion page I find

myself still looking for Kef's post. I always knew that they would be informative,important to current events and interesting. He was a kind person with gentle ways and a big heart.

I hope you are taking care of yourself as Scott would have wanted you to.

Take care and try to get through each day knowing that many of us cared very deeply for your son and be proud of him and of yourself as well. Stay in touch, you will find many things on these message boards that are informative,wise,funny, nauseating but almost always interesting.

[porkrind]

41. Kheph will be missed.

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad you registered and posted on DU. Welcome. You only have 30,000 more posts to beat your son. :) Kephra and I posted in the Scifi and LBN forum. He was a cool guy with excellent taste in scifi. I miss him. :( I hope you will come around to DU more, you are always most welcome here.

[RetroLounge]

42. So glad you are he and posting

Kef is missed and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

:grouphug:

RL

[diamond14]

43. PLEASE Momma Kef....write post #2....we need to hear you here...

so many people are saying 'HI' from all over America....join us in a CONVERSATION...write back at least ONE MORE NOTE....


are you reading all our notes to YOU?

what do you think?


PLEASE post another note...PLEASE...

[Eloriel]

44. He made a magnificent contribution and was beloved by all

here at DU. We all miss him.

Thank YOU for joining us and sharing some of your time with us. I hope you'll come back often.

Hugs and blessings,

Eloriel

[LibDemAlways]

45. Thank you so much for checking in.

Please remain part of the DU family by posting when you can. I'm glad the outpouring of love and respect for Scott was a comfort to you. He was such an important part of this place, and is missed by all.

[ninkasi]

46. MamaKheph...

I have tried to imagine the depth of your grief, and can not. I lost my own mother when I was 19, and lost 3 much beloved brothers when they were 33, 45, and 45, respectively. The first brother I lost had 4 children, 3 sons and a daughter. All three of his sons died in their teens, in two separate accidents.

Although I will carry my grief for them to my grave, I can assure you here and now, that all of that would have been as nothing compared to the loss of one of my children.

You must be a truly special woman to have raised such a son. His writings on DU were ones I followed with great interest, and his opinion was one I respected. When I first joined DU, there were a few who made me come back to read, then to join. Scott was one of those.

I will pray every day for you, and although I know that nothing will ever assuage your pain, I can hope that the knowledge that your son was cherished and loved by so many thousands of us will give you some measure of comfort. Scott exists somewhere, in a place we cannot see, but I have faith that even now, he carries on with the battle that meant so much to him, and to us. Many blessings on you, mother of a hero.

[stevedeshazer]

47. I learned a great deal from your son

Peace be with you.

[Voltaire]

48. Wonderful to see you here

Continued blessings to you.

[Hokie]

49. Here's to you MamaKheph

When I joined DU in 2001 one member's posts stood out above all others. It was Kheph's. As the membership grew it was always a pleasure to see one of his posts still there like a beacon. Please visit here often. DU is a lifeline for us in this dark period of our nation's history. Knowing people like Kheph and you are out there gives me hope.

[Jack Rabbit]

50. You're welcome

I served with Keph as a moderator a couple of years back. It was a pleasure to do so. He was dedicated to his online community.

[maddezmom]

51. lots of love and hugs to you

Thanks for posting your first, of many I hope. Keph will never be forgotten and we were all blessed to know (or read in my case) him. :hug:

[Just Me]

52. Scott is proof of just how far love travels.

:hug:

I'm glad you're here!!!

[JanMichael]

53. He was a lucky man to have a mom like you.

Just as you were lucky too.

I can tell by your thoughtful and kind words about your son and those DUers that have reached out. I appreciate them too.

Please keep posting here at DU, you're a big part of the family now:-)

[The Doctor.]

54. I cannot imagine...

the depth of such loss when I barely knew him myself and still feel such great pangs for my own bereavement of a person I know, in my heart, I would have loved.

I know that one cannot be friends with everyone, but one always knows what attributes will comprise a true friend.
Although my exchanges with Kephra were quite limited, I knew from the outset that he would be someone I could relate to and learn from.

When I read every message, every post that pays tribute to him, my own sense of loss deepens.

I cannot imagine what it must be like for those that knew him well.

Although I did not know him as well as so many, there is one thing I can say about him with utmost certainty...

He knew passion.
That is no small thing. Many people become passionate about one thing or another in their lives, but few find those things that resonate to the very core of their soul and give them such insight and magnitude.
It is rare that the makeup of this passion is limited to any one thing, indeed it is derived from a myriad of sources in one's life.

The passion that shapes a man like Scott must be so very complex so that it could bring a man to transcend this world and become an Avatar for so many... a perfect spirit for those fortunate enough to have known him and befriended him.
When one knows such passion, their effect on this world is so much greater than their actions that I cannot begin to desribe.

Have no doubt that, because of Scott, this world has been given a gift.

And the world should be thanking you.

[Iggytop]

55. Take care :)

[Nite Owl]

56. Thanks so much for stopping by

here. As far as the grief, it doesn't go away you just in time learn to live with it, learn ways to cope.

Much peace.

[bloom]

57. Hi

Congrats on your first post as you.

It's good to hear you are working through things.

:hi:

[Callboy]

58. One day at a time....

You will be ok. God Bless..

[Skittles]

59. always in our hearts

always

[madrchsod]

60. he was a good kid and

he did you proud. your son touched people around this planet with his insights. i know you are so proud of him and we are proud of him too.may his life bring you peace

[Festivito]

61. He's still here with some of us.

His gentle clarity affected many, and the effects remain.

Please celebrate his life, rather than grieving a death. There is so much to celebrate, and aren't those giving DUers unbelievably wonderful. Take some time.

Be well.

[anarchy1999]

62. We miss him every day. Thank you for stopping in and know that

he is always here with us and you. Peace. I like to believe he is monitoring from above someplace and still directing and guiding us all to do good works.

[Liberal In Texas]

63. I am a late comer to DU, but reading the tributes to your son

makes me wish I'd known him better.

I feel your pain.

Our kids aren't supposed to go before us, I don't know what I would do in your situation.

My sympathy, and have the knowledge that he was doing the things that made him happy.

I wish peace for you.

-P

[mogster]

64. Nice to see you're still here :-)

A big hug to you :hug:

[Capn Sunshine]

65. Our love to you.

Remember all the good times you had with him. That is what we certainly do, both here and in the other websites that were so proud to claim him as a member. He was unique, and I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with him. DFA is diminished by his loss and we'll never forget him.

[fortyfeetunder]

66. MamaKheph, glad to hear from you again.

Thanks for writing and letting us know how things are going for you. I can't stop thinking about the day of your post about Kef, and worried how you were doing since then. Kef was a part of DU and so are you. Take care and keep posting. We're there for you.

[Karenina]

67. (((Mama Kheph)))

Much LOVE to you!!!

[G_j]

73. (((Mama Kheph)))

and thank you too!!

[Rhiannon12866]

68. Thank you, Momma Kef, for your kind and beautiful post

And welcome, again, to DU. It feels now that you've always been with us.:grouphug:

There has been a lot of unpleasantness on DU, lately, to put it mildly. But I've always found DUers to be the best bunch in the world, helpful, kind and supportive. I'm just so glad that this is how you've found us, as well.:-)

This is going to be rough for you, and probably always will be, but you do know that you have a place to come where Scott was valued and loved, and where you are too.:grouphug:

[Paradise]

69. Thank you!

Not forgetting Kephra!

[katinmn]

70. Beautiful post

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts with all of us.

DU is very much a community and Kephra helped build it.

Please take care of yourself.
:grouphug:

[newyawker99]

71. kick

:kick:

[wryter2000]

72. {{{MommaKef}}}

:hug:

Here's hoping you find peace and get through this tragedy. Scott will always be with you.

Please let us know how things go for you. We're not going away.

[hlthe2b]

74. We do gain strength from each other. Thank you for coming to us.

Please do so often, MammaKheph. May all who are in pain, find peace. I know Khephra-Scott will watch over us as we carry on.

[yardwork]

75. Scott was my first introduction to DU

I counted on the news that Scott (Khefra) brought to Latest Breaking News every day. He did a service to this country that can't be quantified. Who knows how many tens of thousands of people read the articles he found and posted in LBN every day? How many more tens of thousands of people received links from friends and family who found the original article on DU?

On top of that, Khefra always had a kind word for everybody.

Scott can't be replaced, but we all have a standard to live up to now. I'm so glad that you are joining our community, MammaKheph.

[Midlodemocrat]

76. God Bless and Keep you, Momma Kef.

Please post again and let us know how you are doing. We all miss Khephra terribly.

[joeybee12]

77. We're thinking of you always Momma Kef, and also of Khephra...

...thanks for writing, and please don't be a stranger here!:grouphug:

[CherokeeDem]

78. You Are In Our Thoughts

Thank you for letting us know how you are. I know that this is such a difficult time for you and I am certain that everyone feels blessed that you would still think of the people on DU.

I am not able to post often but I have been a lurker on DU since the beginning and Khephra's posting were one of the main draws that kept me coming back again and again to DU. I, too, am very heartened by the response of the DU'ers and how they have rallied around one of their own. It is a testament not only to Khephra but also to these wonderful people here.

I, as the rest of the members of DU, am very glad that you take comfort in this difficult time to the lasting respect for your son that so many "strangers" have for him and for you.

Be strong and know you are not alone.

Debbie
Miami

[Feathered Fish]

79. Hi mamaKheph

:hug: to you. I hope things are feeling a little better than they were, although I am sure things are still tough. Take care, and don't be a stranger on DU!

[never cry wolf]

80. You reap what you sow

And the outpouring of compassion and respect from the DU community merely represents the harvest of the love and compassion Scott planted in thousands of hearts. And he, no doubt, represented the harvest that you planted in his heart.

Thank you for this post and please don't be a stranger.

[Maeve]

81. The apple praises the tree, the son praises the mother.

You did a good job, Momma Kef, and we thank you for the gift your son was to us. Take care of yourself and know Scott touched more people in his too-short life than most of us ever hope to. Peace be with you.

[BrklynLiberal]

82. Peace be with you MamaKhef

[Plaid Adder]

83. Welcome to DU, Momma Kef

I have thought of you often since the memorial service. I'm sorry everything is still so painful but I'm glad to see you online. We will do our best to take care of you.

All the best,

The Plaid Adder

[solinvictus]

84. I miss him...

like everyone else here. He was always friendly and we exchanged messages on esoterica, sci-fi, comics, and such. Take care of yourself and please post here as well.

[The Magistrate]

85. Your Son Was A Great Fellow, Ma'am

We all miss him.

[bobthedrummer]

86. We all thank you for having such a wonderful son, Momma Kef.

:hi:

[canadalovesyou]

87. Condolences from Canada

Dear MamaKheph,

I never knew Scott (Khephra), but I am a frequent visitor to DU and I attended my grandfather's funeral this week. He was not my son, so I can only imagine your pain.

Please accept my deepest sympathies, as well as those of my countrymen: In this hour of mourning, we are all of one heart.

Sincerest condolences,

Canada.

[peacebuzzard]

88. I was lucky to have known your son through his writings, he was

so sincere and distinguished. I am so heartbroken for your loss, and for ours. Lately I have only been here sporadically, but had heard the news of his passing a week after, and it really made me so sad. I too have had any losses of loved ones lately, I understand. May you rest well this evening. :hug:

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

89. Dear Momma Keph, so glad to see you posting

It was a blessing to be able to do something, however inadequate in the face of such tremendous loss, to express my sorrow and share some comfort with you. It taught me a lot about Scott that I didn't know. I will remember him all my days.

Please come and talk with us whenever you need to, about anything.

:hug:

SWMBO

[MODemocrat]

90. MamaKheph, may God lend you strength

O8) :hug: I just signed on after being away for a while, and my heart just felt like it was hit by a two ton truck after reading your post about your son. Although I didn't know him personally, it was his posts that alway got my attention. They were informative and accurate, and he was a down to earth, nice person. You can be very proud of his gift to this world, and you must be a wonderful Mom.

I hope you gain strength each and every day and look forward to the day when you can think about him with laughter in your heart. My Mom went through the same way when my oldest brother died, and the grief she suffered was beyond belief; but each day would be just a slight bit easier than the day before had been. This is what I'm wishing for you.

With love and best wishes.

Marian

[roguevalley]

91. bless you, sweetheart. stay here a while. it helped me through bad

times too.

[calimary]

92. Hi MamaKheph - and MUCH love

Not a day goes by here on DU that we don't think of him, and/or remember him in some way, whether it's in someone's sig line or a repeat of Scott's "eye" or a reference to something he said. Shoot, every time I go to LBN, I think of all the times he posted news updates there. The first time he ever responded to a comment I'd posted, I felt as though I had really arrived. DU has its very own guardian angel now.

Hugs!

[corksean]

93. Nice to hear from you, MommaKheph

Please, don't be a stranger here.
Scott's contribution to this forum and to a wider audience was of a magnitude that most of us can only aspire to.
Still missed by us all.

Go n-eiri an bothar leat.

Sean