Dear Ed (oneighty):

[Dangerously Amused]

Thank you so much for sending me one of the last copies of your book in December. I know I thanked you then, but today I need to thank you again. Your writing is remarkable: simple, honest and raw, yet gentle and profound all at once. Your words engage my heart and mind in a way that no other writer ever has. Remember when I told you that an unusual thing happened when I became immersed in "Kazuko," that I could read only so much before taking a break because the images and emotions your words conjured up were so intense that I had to come up for air before plunging back into the story again? I wasn't joking, Ed. That never happened to me in anything else I've ever read. Ever. I know you felt humbled by the fact that you never had a formal education in writing, but if no one ever needed one, it surely was you. You had an amazing gift and a fascinating life, and I thank you for shining your wonderful light into the world for the rest of us to share. Your work will always be an inspiration to me in my own writing.

I am looking at my copy of the "Vicky Mary" now. Remember how I insisted that you autograph it for me? I'm glad I did, although today the smiley face that you drew next to your signature is bittersweet. But thank you for humoring me with your inscription. And thank you too for the PM reply you sent me eight days ago. I knew you weren't well Ed, and I guess I wanted to remain positive... but as I re-read the PM and now see the subtle hints you dropped amid your characteristic hopefulness... I think you knew. So it means the world to me that you took the time and made the effort to write anyway. As strong and brave in that moment as you ever were in war, Ed. How I admire your courage and wisdom.

I'm going to miss you, Ed. I'm going to miss you a lot. Your stories brightened so many of my days and your correspondence provided encouragement and support in difficult times, despite your own hardships. You taught me some important life-lessons when I most needed to learn them, primarily by setting a good example. No one could ask for a better friend than you, Ed. You made a positive difference in my life and for that I will always be grateful.

May the love and peace you’ve brought to others reflect and surround you as you continue on your journey, dear friend. With a heavy heart, I bid you À Dieu.

[billyskank]

1. ......

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

9. Thank you. I needed that.

Very sad days, yesterday and today. First alarcojon, and then Ed.



:hug:

[Sugar Smack]

2. Thank you. That was beautiful.

There's something about you that really brings out the truth in the most beautifully-written way. You show appreciation fearlessly. I love that about you, D_A. Please accept this hug, even though it's just a smilie. You are precious, as was Ed. I love you. :hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

11. Thanks, Sug.

Even though I wrote it "to" Ed, I hoped it would give a glimpse of his beautiful spirit to others who might not have known him as well. He was a gem, wasn't he? We were so fortunate to have him here.



"You show appreciation fearlessly."

The older I get, the more I understand the importance of encouraging others in their talents. What beautiful things can come from a few sincere words of appreciation. Even - and perhaps especially - when they come from a stranger. But I don't have to tell you that, sweetie. If your spirit is any indication, I think you probably knew that long before I did.


:hug:


Thanks again. Your kind words mean a lot to me.

I love you, too.

[Sugar Smack]

21. You ARE a jewel.

Please don't ever ever forget that. :hug: My sister, my muse.

[Nickster]

3. That was beautiful. Well said. n/t

[Dangerously Amused]

12. Thank you.

[BikeWriter]

4. I dedicated a poem of mine to him at Myspace. Here's what I wrote.

Here's a poem I wrote back in 2000. I'm dedicating it to a Friend we just lost. He was a fellow Veteran, a Gentle Man and a much better writer than I. He was kind enough to take mercy on a wannabee writer and praised this poem. Here's to "180"

Dancing in the Rain
Born deep in the forest,
far from the prying eyes of mortal men,
a small creature flits ceaselessly,
‘round the perilous rack and fen.
It searches for a bit of *Magicke*
to keep it’s Age Olde Race intact,
snooping in the Neverlands,
Stealthy Fugitive from Truth and Fact!
A raptor plummets from the sky,
cruel talons spread…..
Shrill Scream of Pain…..
THE ANCIENT TRIBE IS DEAD!
Forest Giants tremble,
they moan this sad refrain,
“We’ll never see their like again,
dancing in the rain!”

[Dangerously Amused]

13. What a thoughtful tribute to Ed.

He was a much better writer than I as well. Much better than some of the "greats" too, in my opinion.


Aren't we lucky to have known his influence?

[BikeWriter]

22. His influence will long be remembered and missed.

[miss_american_pie]

5. ...

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

15. Thank you MAP.

Love back to a sista.


:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

6. ...

More :hug::hug::hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

16. Thank you, sweet GoG.

We'll both miss him, won't we?

[bigwillq]

7. RIP oneighty.

You will be missed.

:hug:

:cry:

:(

[Dangerously Amused]

17. Heya bigwill.

Thank you for the hug, sweetie. Such a sad day. I still can't believe he's gone.


:hug:

[dr.strangelove]

8. Wow

That was truly beautiful. RIP

[Dangerously Amused]

18. Thanks, doc.

Nice of you to stop by.


:hug:


:hi:

[dr.strangelove]

29. Tragic

I heard the bad news on another forum and had to come over. I did not know oneighty very well, but I read his posts and was always impressed by what he said. I'm sorry that you lost a friend. The world lost a great thinker and gifted writer. My best to Oneighty's and Alarcojon's familes and friends. Again, what you said was truly beautiful. You did great honor to him.

[JitterbugPerfume]

10. that is so beautiful

(((((((((((((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))))))))

[Dangerously Amused]

19. Oh my dear Jitterbug!

What a sad day for us Ed lovers! :cry:


Big hug to you, too.


:hug:

[Aristus]

14. Ed, my friend...

I'll miss our discussions about classical music. We didn't have enough of them. God Bless you and send you perfect rest. We'll see you again someday.

[Dangerously Amused]

20. Hey Aristus -

Thanks for stopping in. I know we'll both miss him so much...


:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

23. Thank you, DA, for your beautiful post.

My heart is still heavy at the loss of Oneighty and Alarcojon, two DUer's I admired a great deal.

And bless heart for your wonderful tribute to Ed. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

26. Thank you, SG.

alarcojon, too, made a difference in my life:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=5671093&mesg_id=5674088


It seems impossible to have lost them both at once, doesn't it?


:hugs:

[Richard Steele]

24. 5th Rec. nm

[Dangerously Amused]

27. Thank you.

:hug:

[buddhamama]

25. D_A

beautiful. Thank you.

I lit a candle for Ed yesterday. Today I will light one for those he has left behind. :hug: :loveya: :hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

28. Thanks buddhamama.

You remind me of Ed in many ways. I don't think I could pay anyone a higher compliment right now.