I'd like to make a suggestion, if I might - for Andy.

[expatriate]

Hi all. I don't often start threads here, despite my almost three years of hanging around (my post count will attest to that). Like you, I've been shocked and heartbroken about losing Andy Stephenson.

I've remained silent through the last couple of days, because that is my way of dealing with loss, but I have been here, and have read all the threads about Andy - everything from heartfelt sorrow and uplifting memorials to rage and hatred hurled at those who sought to hurt Andy.

I understand that all these reactions have come from the lacerated hearts of the people who are experiencing them, and I consider them all valid - but a thought occurred to me last night when I was once again finding the tears running down my cheeks, and I thought it might bring the beginning of healing for some.

I'd like to suggest that those of you who spend time at Free Republic take that time today, or some day in the near future, and dedicate it to doing something positive - something that will spread goodness, hope and beauty in the world. Now matter how much, or how little time you would spend there looking at hatred and ignorance, instead, turn off the computer, get up, and do something else, something that will benefit the world in some way. Be it fifteen minutes or two hours, spend that time occupied with something that will make the world a little bit better.

Do this positive act in memory of Andy. Dedicate your Free Republic time to making the world a better place in Andy's name.

I'm only asking that you do this once. After you have, feel free to return to your normal web habits. But I believe that being free of the FR negativity for one day, and dedicating that time to a man who added his light to the sum of light will mark the beginning of healing for many.

I've never gone to Free Republic, and have no intention of doing so - but I'm going to spend three hours volunteering at the RSPCA in my hometown today. This is a hard gig for me, because I love critters and the plight of the animals in shelters is very hard for me to bear. But their happiness when someone gives them time and love will be dedicated to Andy. Tomorrow, I'll dedicate some more time to another cause, my local hospital, in Andy's name.

What you choose to dedicate to Andy is up to you. You might do some work to aid election reform. You might visit someone at a hospice or aged care facility. You might help teach an illiterate person to read. You might just go into your garden and nurture your flowers and herbs. Andy loved his garden. Sometime in this winter month of July (I live in the southern hemisphere), I will plant a beautiful bare root rose bush in memory of Andy - and I will help it grow from a stiff little bundle of dead-looking sticks into a beautiful blooming plant.

I only ask that you donate your Free Republic time for one day, in Andy's name - but you might get hooked. Adding light to the sum of light is a powerful and positive experience, and you might find yourself doing something good in Andy's name every day.

That way, his memory will live forever, in your works of light.

Thank you all. My heart touches yours.

[havocmom]

1. few posts, huh? But when you post, it's a keeper!

Bravo. Sound advice. A little fresh air can do much to heal borken hearts.

[expatriate]

3. Thank you.

I don't post often, true, and I know that can cast doubt on my motives - but I swear, cross my heart, I'm not a baddie! :)

[ninkasi]

27. What beautiful thoughts...

Expatriate, I have always enjoyed your posts, and never for a moment would have thought of you as a "baddie". Your idea of giving up Freeper garbage for a day is wonderful. I never go there, myself. My goals have been to come to DU, to see the truth posted and discussed.

I have been so sad thinking about Andy, his bravery and tireless devotion to making sure our votes are counted, and in bringing the truth to a world which has seemed determined to refuse to learn it.

You have given us an excellent suggestion by suggesting that we devote doing something good and positive in his memory, and have wisely pointed out that in this way, his memory will always be kept alive.

Blessings to you, and to our beloved Andy.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Good ideas

Thoughts have power. To have peace, we must have peace in our hearts. To have justice, we must have mercy and forgiveness. These are not always easy, but they are essential to changing the world.

Andy, dear Andy-you are with the Beloved, in the Light. Know that every one of you can join him there by your peaceful, loving actions.

[expatriate]

4. Thank you too!

I don't want anyone to think that I'm minimizing the importance of their pain, and I do believe there are issues in this situation which will require being dragged into the light of day - and I believe that legal recourse is definitely called for. But I also believe that we here really need some healing at this point. This has been a terrible blow.

Andy spent so much time seeking peaceful solutions. I can spend a little time doing the same, in his name.

[fortyfeetunder]

5. Thank you, my sentiments exactly.

Andy fought a good fight, and he left it up to us to continue the fight. There are many people in this world hurting for something, and we can do a little to help those folks in need.

[expatriate]

6. Thank you for the kind words.

I'm hoping that this might help with the pain so many here are feeling. I find that in reducing pain in others, my own pain is diminished.

[lavendermist]

7. Thank you so much for this post...

We really need to grieve then turn our energy into action. I, too, post very seldom, but know at some point we need channel some of our emotion for the causes Andy would have were he still here. :pals:

[expatriate]

8. Thank you, leepsy.

Last night, before I thought of this, I was remembering how Andy said, on the very last day of his life, "I want to live". I so wanted him to live too, to continue the work he had done so willingly. But I feel that we can help his memory live on. :hug:

[Justice]

9. expatriate, very nice post.

I will certainly do as you wisely suggest.

[expatriate]

10. Thanks, Justice

I hope that it helps! :hug:

[autorank]

11. Doing public srervice work tomorrow, some good stuff. Dedicate to Andy

Election fraud is the most compelling avenue of politics right now. I've come to know Andy through his work and spirit in ERD and elswhere.

I'll dedicate this work to him and recall his famous positive attitude as I engage in other political work.

Thanks. This is a great idea and thread.

[expatriate]

12. Thanks, autorank.

This has been much on my mind in the last couple of days - how could I continue the good things that Andy has worked so hard for. Of course, I will continue with political campaigning, which I can do from where I live, but working on election reform, other than making others aware and writing my elected representatives, LTTEs, etc - well, my abilities there are just limited by geography.

But sending some good works out in Andy's name - sure, I can do that, anywhere, anytime. :)

[troubleinwinter]

13. Good message, thank you.

I think DUers spend too much time reading that nonsense / garbage, and it is largely a waste of time and energy.

Better to spend a few minutes getting important information out.

Thanks for your good post.

[cry baby]

14. I was thinking of Andy while I was in my garden today.

I stayed a little longer than usual thinking of how much he loved gardening. I felt good, in fact, it's the first time in days that I thought of him and didn't cry.

[expatriate]

15. I did exactly the same thing!

After getting back from the critter shelter, I spent about an hour in my garden. We just had a horrific winter windstorm here for the last two days, and I didn't venture out, but today was a pearler, and I spent that time thinking about Andy and his work. Found a place for the rose bush.

It felt good.

I'm glad it helped you, Cry Baby. :hug:

[cry baby]

16. hugs back atcha, ex

:hug:

[LittleClarkie]

17. Kicking a worthy thread

:kick:

[progressoid]

18. !!

:dem:

[il_lilac]

19. thank you

I had the same thought after abusing myself at FR last night. I felt depressed and dirty. I too thought how much better my time would be spent doing something positive. You were able to express it beautifully tho. Peace

[brook]

20. Beautiful thoughts...

beautifully expressed. I, too, read and wept in silence these past few days. Then I went to my garden.

Tonight I will speak in front of my local Council about Health Care for All. I will re-double my efforts in this arena - for Andy. For everyone.

Thank you so much for taking the time to post this important message.
xx to the 'critters'. :hi:

[Window]

21. What an absolutely wonderful idea!

It's been so sad here. RIP Andy. Condolences to Termite, family and friends.

[GoBlue]

22. Thank you, I needed that.

I'm off.

[Rhiannon12866]

23. What a great post and a wonderful idea!

Beautifully stated and heartfelt.
:yourock:

[expatriate]

24. Wow! Thank you all.

I had no idea this was on the Greatest page! Thanks to all who nominated it.

I'm glad this idea has helped some of us. It might not be the answer for everyone, no single solution ever is universal. There are those of us who will find more comfort in other ways, and that's fine. But I do find, sometimes, that making a complete break and doing something new is best - got me through the untimely deaths of some family and friends not long ago.

[faithnotgreed]

25. so right on - in every way expatriate. thankyou

and i thank you deeply for your volunteering at your spca
i feel the same way about animals so i know what that must take for you

im glad people like you are here. spreading love is so much more fun than continuing the hate yet people dont seem to always take that in

much love and thanks

[SmokingJacket]

26. Very nice....

I'm going to plant something for Andy, too.

We'd all feel better swearing off FR, I think.

[savannahana]

28. "That way, his memory will live forever, in your works of light."

This comforts and inspires me more than anything I've seen here.

Mine has to be done from home, mostly through this screen,
so I just signed up for the DU Activist Corps.

Your message helped nudge me across that decision.

Please accept heartfelt thanks for a singlehearted post and poster.

:hug: expatriate :hug:

:grouphug: :patriot: :loveya: Andy :loveya: in our hearts, thoughts, intentions, actions :patriot: :grouphug:

ana