More pictures - Roses for Helen Thomas

[GOPFighter]

What a thrill it was to meet Helen Thomas today. She was so gracious. She was visbly moved when she walked in the room and saw the roses.

As you know a few days ago DUer Helderheid posted a suggestion that we send roses to Helen Thomas to show our appreciation for her gutsy questioning of the President last week. The suggestion soon became action and dozens of DUers opened their hearts (and wallets/purses), and the money started rolling in. Before she knew it she had enough money to buy 100 dozen roses for Helen Thomas! Be sure to give a standing O to Helderheid - she worked her butt off to make this happen!

The roses were delivered to a conference room near her office. Six volunteers: Rainer, Paula, Malissa (DUer MiniMe), Chris, Neal, and Skip (GOPFighter) spent the afternoon cutting and arrainging them in vases (A big THANK YOU goes to Kristen Collie, Hearst Bureau Manager, who made sure we had everything we needed!). :toast:

Rainer has worked in a florist shop and did a great job showing us how to trin, cut and arrainge the flowers. :applause:

The highlight of the day came at 6:15 when Kristen led Helen into the conference room filled with roses. Helen couldn't beleive it and she kept saying "Thank You, Thank You" and we kept saying "No, Thank YOU!" Then to our delight, Helen stayed and talked to us for almost an hour (talking to Helen is like talking to another DUer. She knows all the issues we discuss here and feels the same as we do. Her heart goes out to all those who have been killed - it really bothers her. I love that woman!

Here are a few pictures...

Malissa (MiniMe), Rainer, and Paula


Paula, Malissa, GOPFighter


Paula, Rainer


A few of the roses!


Helen Thomas, reading the names of all of you who contributed to buy the flowers
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/TrakkerToo/P1010302a-sm.jp

Helen, surrounded by her admirers

[im10ashus]

1. You are all so damned AWESOME!

I am ready to cry it's so lovely! :hug:

[Beaverhausen]

2. Great pics! Thanks again for all your work

your other link doesn't work though.

[ebayfool]

83. Add a g to the end of the shortcut ...

looks like it got cut off.



The pics are beauties, aren't they?!

[TNDemo]

3. Did Helen have any idea it was happening beforehand?

After it being on DU for several days? She is a real journalist, you know!

[GOPFighter]

13. She acted surprised, but...

...she's one of the best damned reporters in Washington so I think she knew!

[gimama]

21. LOL! OLD School REPORTER..she knew! e/m

[xiamiam]

WONDERFUL...this is one of those soulful feel good moments...thanks

[xiamiam]

34. WONDERFUL...this is one of those soulful feel good moments...thanks

[bigwillq]

4. That is awesome!

Thank you to those kind people who donated with their time and money. You guys rock! :hug: :bounce: :toast:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Thank you, thank you!

For the report and the hard work and the beautiful pictures! I don't think Helen could smile any more than she did in the last photo!

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. Just SO wicked cool!

[fooj]

7. Beautiful roses for a beautiful lady.

Thanks for all that you did today to honor a great lady! Thanks for getting the pics up SO FAST!!!

You ALL rock!

:yourock:

peace.

[helderheid]

8. Thank you so much for being there!!!!

I'm speechless!!!

[GOPFighter]

16. I wish you could have been there

I couldn't believe Helen sat down and talked to us for so long. I wish everyone who donated could have listened in. This was an exciting day for me! Thanks for all of your hard work (she was DELIGHTED!)!

[jeanarrett]

55. I just want to date you. You're a babe. And me too.

[helderheid]

67. MUSIC to my ears!! I too wish I could have been there!

Thank you for being there!

[babylonsister]

9. I'm verklempt! These pics are AWESOME!

Helen, DUers, the message, and the roses are just lovely! :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[CottonBear]

10. Absolutely fabulous! Y'all are great and Helen Thomas is incredible! n/t

[tishaLA]

11. Wow! That's just spectacular!

Congratulations on a fantastic job, folks.

[Hissyspit]

12. kick and recommend

[ocd liberal]

20. you guys just gave me the chills

I feel like such an important part of something
just by seeing this.

Thank you!

[NMDemDist2]

31. welcome to DU ocd liberal!

:hi:

DU rocks, welcome to the family!

[CottonBear]

37. Welcome to DU!

We're glad you're here with us! :hi:

[FogerRox]

14. fraekin awesome KnR

[Olney Blue]

15. This is wonderful! Helen is my heroine.

Thanks to everyone who made this happen! (and may your fingers heal soon!)

[Geek_Girl]

17. Oh no I'm getting teary eyed again

For all those involved thank you!

[LeahD]

18. Beautiful!

Thank you, Helen!
Thank you, DU-ers!

[IndyOp]

19. Malissa, Rainer, GOPFighter & Paula -- FANTASTIC WORK!!

Thank you so, so, so, so much!!! You all must have worked incredibly hard to get all of those roses into vases -- and they are just beautiful!!!

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:


P.S. Who got the $100 ticket and has the cost been covered yet? I'd be happy to chip in, just let me know where to contribute.

[CottonBear]

24. Donations have already been made for the ticket and pizza! n/t

[GOPFighter]

25. It was either Chris or Rainer

Whoever got the ticket, they heard that the ticket would be covered. That was thoughtful of you.

[CottonBear]

Thank helderheid! A paypal account was set up & $100 raised within 10 min

I'm just passing on the info! Info on the ticket/pizza/dinner doantion can be found in thread 4 or 5 (I think!) Y'all must be exhausted but happy! Thank you for your hard work! We're so proud of you! Contact her to find out about the Paypal account. :)

[mzmolly]

22. That's so great.

:toast:

[Gregorian]

23. I'm overwhelmed with pride.

Helen. She was there, with President Kennedy. Now we are all able to communicate in mass. And I'm so proud that this was conceived. DU, I'm proud of you.

What a great feeling.

[SeattleGirl]

26. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you for what you folks did, and thank you for the report AND the pictures. The one with the volunteers standing with Helen is priceless!

[benny05]

30. Kick!

Good job--Helen Thomas will remember you all for a very long time.

[ClintonTyree]

90. This is the sort of thing you don't forget.........

and Lord knows, she's earned it. She's one of the very few who will hold this administration accountable and of those few, she is hands down the best.

To all of the DUers who made this happen, :yourock: ! I didn't know a thing about this until last night, I must have had (as usual) my head up my ass to miss this herculean effort.

Props to all involved. You made one special woman feel VERY special! :toast:

[caligirl]

27. Nice that Helderheid and all others here gave a big thank you

to a heroine for this country. Hope the rest of the press takes note. Except David Gregory. The two reporters I love to hear from everyday. David and Helen.:toast: :party:

[MaggieSwanson]

28. Three cheers for Helderheid

for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this - and you are all extraordinary!



:applause: :applause: :applause:

[mhr]

29. Excellent Job One And All - Makes One Proud Of Du

eom

[electron_blue]

awesome!

[Pastiche423]

32. I love the smile on her face!

Thank you all who helped w/the roses. I am SO envious that you got to meet her, speak w/her and have your picture taken w/her!

I have little doubt that she was surprised that the roses came from DUers, as I (and I'm sure mnay others) have sent her DU threads.

Just.................WOW!

[Ladyhawk]

33. Thanks guys!

As I looked at the pictures I could smell and feel those roses. :) Helen Thomas is a great woman and I'm glad you folks did this for her. Lately I've been strapped for cash or I would have helped.

I sent an e-mail to Helen once and was surprised to get a personal response. It was short, but it was a response! :) This woman is a hero...or heroine. :)

[goclark]

57. I've sent two emails and got a response both times.

As busy as she is, she can find time to always thank someone.

What a gift she is to the whole world.

[VP505]

78. A month or so

back Helen had a go around with Snotty MC. I sent her a Thank You Email, to my surprise she managed to fit a reply into her busy schedule, she is a real treasure that we are so lucky to have.

[goclark]

80. A Class Act All The Way :)

[Ladyhawk]

88. Yes, I was told she responds to most or all of her e-mails.

I haven't written her since because I haven't had anything important enough...didn't want to waste her time. :)

[Hekate]

35. Applause and a toast to you all

Thank you for thanking Helen Thomas for DU-world.

Hekate

[northofdenali]

36. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You guys did a fantastic job, and I know you must be exhausted - but you got to meet Helen!!!

:thumbsup::applause::woohoo::applause::thumbsup:

[Catherine Vincent]

38. You folks are just awesome!

Helen deserved every rose that was delivered!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

39. Awe! This is truly beautiful!!!! Thank you for all of your work!!!!

:loveya:

[NMDemDist2]

40. great job you guys! sorry we couldn't get a few more pairs of hands to

help but you did a beautiful job and did us all proud!

:yourock:

[Imalittleteapot]

41. Thanks so much for honoring Helen Thomas.

DU is so wonderful. I have tears in my eyes. :loveya:

[MazeRat7]

42. Salute to you All.. That is really special.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

43. Thank you Helderheid and everyone who coordinated this

wonderful event! You guys rock!

[Scout1071]

44. GOPFighter.....

I cross posted this thread over at Daily Kos. I hope you don't mind!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/3/30/21756/6628

[GOPFighter]

48. No problem.

Thanks.

[flyarm]

45. OHHH HOW WONDERFUL...HOW BEAUTIFUL THE ROSES ARE

WITH THE GREATEST ROSE OF THEM ALL HELEN THOMAS!!

thank you all for all you did for my hero!!

DU'ers are the best!!


to Helen and the Du'ers who did all the work!




THE ROSE

Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
An endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
And you it's only seed.

It's the heart, afraid of breaking,
That never learns to dance.
It's the dream, afraid of waking,
That never takes a chance.


It's the one who won't be taken,
Who cannot seem to give.
And the soul, afraid of dyin',
That never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely,
And the road has been too long,
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong,
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows,
Lies the seed, that with the sun's love,
In the spring becomes the rose.



you are all ROSES!!

FLY

[Tinksrival]

46. Very Proud!

White Rose
by Walter Poe

In the storm
Stands the white rose
tumultuous waves
of destruction abound her

Yet tall is the white rose
strong in the face
Of the sensed doom around her
And she does not bow down

Pure is the white rose
In the compost earth
growing eternal strength
in the nights that so hurt

I see not the white rose
She is so far away
But I long to protect her
But only the words can I say

So I send her my words
And my poets heart
To help her when
there is hope to see her through

Be Strong little flower
Your heart will guide true
And as long as you want
I will always talk to you

[Melissa G]

47. Helen Rocks! helderheid and all the volunteers Rock !!!!

You guys and gals did a terrific job on the Flowers!

DU Rocks!!! Thanks to everyone who was in on this!!!!

[CottonBear]

49. Link to MiniMe's thread with more pictures of Helen and the roses!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=799654&mesg_id=799654

:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:

[ClayZ]

50. Seriously Awsome! THANK YOU! What Fun!!!!

:grouphug: :loveya: :loveya: :grouphug:

[KT2000]

51. That is amazing!

Lots of work - so thank you to the people who workerd so hard putting it all together.

What a sight - absolutely beautiful.

Thank you to Helen Thomas - she keeps the hope alive.

[SharonRB]

52. I don't know how I missed all this

Great job, Helderheid and everyone else. Helen definitely deserved this.

[Slit Skirt]

53. congratulations to everyone.....you did good!

it is so nice to see something very good happen to Helen.....someone who really deserves it. Although I was not able to participate, it has made my day to see her and all of you so happy!

A few more actions like this and gee.......we might just change the world....imagine!

[AuntiBush]

54. They flowers, Helen and DUers are Beautiful!

Thank you everyone. You make this occasional DU poster very proud. I missed helderheid's post for contributing to the roses sent to Helen Thomas.

But I thank all of you as it shows me that your courage, and kindness tells me I'm at the right place, right here. Now, I'm going to cry :hi:

[Nothing Without Hope]

56. ***Here's what Helen wrote*** - it's in Thread #6:

From Reply #83 in Thread #6:

She signed our anti-war sign (Wisdom Not War - we carry that at all the anti-war protests we go to) and wrote this on the sign:

"To Rainer and Cindy
Who have brought flowers of peace into my life. My deepest gratitude. We will never give up on a better world. You both are great to represent all the good people in the world.

Helen Thomas
March 30, 2006"

Link to Thread #6, which has links to all earlier threads in the OP too:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x798595#798786

[suffragette]

58. This is so wonderful that I'm crying again and smiling through the tears

Thank you so much for arranging the flowers, presenting them to helen and recording the moment for all of us.
:grouphug:

[madrchsod]

59. most excellent!

what a great job you all did..i bet that`s going to be the talk in the press circles tomorrow. again great job to all of you.

[wicket]

60. You guys rock!!!

:yourock: And so does Helen!

:kick:

[FourScore]

61. I am so glad I contributed money

to this campaign. It was the first time that I took part in such an online fundraiser and it sure has been exciting. Thank you so much to helderheid and the six of you who arranged flowers all day. What an awesome day you had...roses and Helen Thomas. WOW! Wish I coulda' been there! The roses really are gorgeous. Well done!

[renate]

89. welcome to DU!

:hug:

[Kadie]

62. Absolutely beautiful!

I am in tears reading all these threads. Thank you to all of you that put this together. And a big Thank You to Helen!

:yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

[Ilsa]

63. This is so awesome!

I am so glad she enjoyed getting the flowers. You all did a wonderful thing here, letting her know how much she is appreciated.

I emailed her my thanks after the press conference that day. I wish I could have contributed to this event, but with surgery bills, my son's speech therapy, and my other son's tutoring, I didn't have much left this month.

[F.Gordon]

64. Quite ahhhhsummmm

What a trip that must have been.

For you and everyone else that made this happen...

:toast: :yourock: :applause:

[spindrifter]

65. Thank you! Thank you! What a wonderful

statement for Helen Thomas, a wonderful person.

[immoderate]

66. Awesome!

What a beautiful moment! Thanks to you all for getting this together. So glad you got to chat with Helen.

--IMM

[blue4barb]

68. I'm so touched looking at Helen and the roses. Thank you all

from my heart for sharing your hearts for our Helen.

[understandinglife]

69. Fantastic. You are so wonderful to have done this. Recommended.

Peace.

[Rainscents]

70. OMG, these photo's very beautiful!!!

Thank you all for doing this for Helen! She is the best!:toast: :toast: :toast:

[DianeG5385]

71. I love you all so much. This is so giving it's who you are

and I hope who we can all aspire to be. Beautiful.

[katinmn]

72. Thank you, GOPFighter!

What a stunning display of long distance team work.

You all worked so hard to bring the flowers and vases together and then to arrange the flowers. So many hours you put into this.

I'm glad you got to meet Helen and that she was happy.

[Maat]

73. Thank you so much, GOPFighter! (n/t)

[Patsy Stone]

74. What a great day!

I'm proud to have done anything for Helen. I'm proud of DU. And a huge hug and thanks to helderheid! :yourock:

[KAT119]

75. Yaaahooo!!! Helen-Helderheid & ALL OF US!! ANGELS ALL!

[dirty libby]

76. What a lovely tribute n/t

[Vidar]

77. Great job!

[proud patriot]

79. Wow

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this effort .

:loveya:

[Arkansas Granny]

81. What an awesome display. You guys did great! Thanks!

[aaronbees]

82. Truly beautiful and so much hope there...

So great to see a journalist like Helen get the love and appreciation she deserves. You folks are wonderful!!

:toast: :party:

Particularly poignant on a day when Jill Carroll is freed! :)

[nonconformist]

84. Wonderful!! nt

[amb123]

85. God Bless Helen Thomas!

The ONLY true reporter left in the United States today.

:patriot: :applause:

[ebayfool]

86. The Rose Brigade did us all proud today, GOPFighter!

Very proud!

Thanks to all of you, & these pics make us feel like we were there in body as well as spirit!

[Triana]

87. Thank you all for helping us thank Helen!!

What a really nice gesture! It's GREAT to know that the Queen of Journalism is properly honored and knows that she IS APPRECIATED for all her dedication, gutsiness, and hard work now and over the years. She is the last of a dying breed. Thanks for helping us cherish her while we still can.

Awesome!

:applause:

[DFW]

91. Well done, everybody!

That's the way, uh.huh, uh-huh, I LIKE it, ih-huh, uh-huh..........
And despite all her fame, Helen is no snob. If she has the time, she will
indeed sit down and chat. She was already 80 when she showed up at my dad's
memorial at the National Press Club, but not only did she make it, she was
the first to arrive.

The very definition of class, and it has to do her good to have the recognition.

[Nostradammit]

92. Hey - I only count 1199 - what gives?

Seriously, thanks to all who helped us show our gratitude to the lovely Helen Thomas.

[cal04]

93. Helen Thomas and DU you are the best ever!

Thank you all so much. This is just incredible!

:hug: :yourock:

[hlthe2b]

94. Question, GOPFIGHTER if you can...

Helen has been with Hearst for quite a while now and I'm sure the immediate staff must adore her. Could you sense a real affection and appreciation from all the reporter/staff you encountered? As they watched you work did it appear more than just curiosity--i.e., admiration to you all or something of the sort. I know this is hard from just spending most of a day there, but I guess I really need to think she is surrounded by supportive friends and colleagues.

[GOPFighter]

95. Hard to say

The office, which is comprised of the usual warren of cubicles, was largely vacant for most of the day. I suspect many of the reporters were out on assignment during the day. As the day went on there was more interest - people watching us through the glass wall, and when we finished a lot of reporters(?) came in to admire our work. Most just shook their head in amazement (how many reporters have ever gotten 1200 roses?). Beyond that I don't know. However, everyone was very kind to us and made us feel welcome.

[qanda]

96. That is beautiful

I love Helen and you guys are just great to do this. What is she going to do with all those roses?

[CottonBear]

98. She may donate them to injured service men and women in DC. n/t

[MiniMe]

101. That is exactly what she said that she would do with them

She asked us if we wanted some, but we declined.

[CottonBear]

102. Wonderful! I hope she keeps one or two vases of roses for her office!

You are so lucky to have met Ms. Thomas! Thanks again for all of your hard work! I hope your hands feel better today!

[MiniMe]

104. She said she was going to keep some of them

And my feet and hands feel better today, thanks for asking

[wryter2000]

97. How utterly and totally awesome!

Maga-props to Helderheid and everyone who worked so hard on this.

:yourock:

[BIgJohn83]

99. Helen's the BEST! & what a way to honor her... Way to go DU! n/t

[malmapus]

100. Kicking this: Way to go guys!

Thanks for helping getting the flowers arranged and setup! Got to meet Helen too!!

[glitch]

103. So beautiful. nt

[dogindia]

105. The roses are so beautiful. Each one

So beautifuly arranged with such care and love. I am so joyous of this action. Thank you so Helderheid and all DU's and the wonderful rose florists. Love to you all. Love to Helen.

[lindacg]

106. A War of the Roses We All Can Win!

Was away for a couple of days and saw this in a comment on the Huffington post (where I'm also a blogger).
WOO HOO!
It's so nice to celebrate something or someone -- Helen Thomas certainly deserves this, and the folks who thought it up not only made her day, but made an uplifting, yet somewhat defiant, statement.
Perhaps this winning "war of the roses" idea might carry over to other kinds of events/people/action?
Thanks!
-Linda Cronin-Gross