General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTwo red roses across the moon (no daisy a day dear)
Marta and I met in Mrs Brown's (a good democrat) history class in Sept 1973. I had a past. I was a rebel rouser before we became a couple. She had never been kissed. I would have probably spent a life of in and out of jail or be dead long ago if not for her. She knows. Through good and bad, we have been us for over 40 years now. We turned out to be two red roses across the moon.
She has an eye for beauty. I still have an eye for her. When I call home on my cell phone, the photo is Marta with our 3 dogs around her.
We have always thought our golden years would be spent on the deck watching the birds and nature in our back yard, Margarita in hand. Winters in front of a fire watching the snow fall, or just enjoying watching TV together.
It ain't going to happen that way. I was diagnosed last December, just before Christmas. That is why I'm retiring early near the end of the year. Some days it is a very hard struggle just getting through the work day. I owe progressives that passed the FMLA more than most could understand.
I'll be leaving the DU in the future, not by choice. I'll tell more when I actually leave.
Now I know why people put their names on things before they go. I've intentionally cut back on posts in the Labor Group to see how it will do in the future. It will go on. Omaha Steve's Labor Group has a nice ring to it.
In the last month we have bought a few things at estate sales I consider my swan song for her. A month ago it was King Tut visits the US commemorative panels: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRlT88dfklA/TyCs3hJSHAI/AAAAAAAAB1A/qrFpGJKN0FA/s1600/king+tut+9.jpg
Over, but not out yet,
OS
P.S. please if you get a chanse put some flowrs on Algernons grave in the bak yard." - Daniel Keyes, Flowers for Algernon
And this stained glass yesterday:
The original art: http://www.artnet.com/artists/ernest-archibald-taylor/two-red-roses-across-the-moon-iZigzCbiN55eeWiP0Ee9tA2
Two red roses poem: http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/morris/redroses.html
We also bought these yesterday:
Disney's UP comes very close to our story.
This was a top 40 tune just before we met.
He remembers the first time he met 'er
He remembers the first thing she said
He remembers the first time he held her
And the night that she came to his bed
He remembers her sweet way of sayin'
Honey has somethin' gone wrong
He remembers the fun and the teasin'
And the reason he wrote 'er this song
I'll give you a daisy a day, dear
I'll give you a daisy a day
I'll love you until the rivers run still
And the four winds we know blow away
They would walk down the street in the evenin'
And for years I would see them go by
And their love that was more than the clothes that they wore
Could be seen in the gleam of their eyes
As a kid they would take me for candy
And I loved to go taggin' along
We'd hold hands while we walked to the corner
And the old man would sing 'er his song
I'll give you a daisy a day, dear
I'll give you a daisy a day
I'll love you until the rivers run still
And the four winds we know blow away
Now he walks down the street in the evenin'
And he stops by the old candy store
And I somehow believe he's believin'
He's holdin' 'er hand like before
For he feels all her love walkin' with him
And he smiles at the things she might say
Then the old man walks up to the hilltop
And gives her a daisy a day
I'll give you a daisy a day, dear
I'll give you a daisy a day
I'll love you until the rivers run still
And the four winds we know blow away
Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/jud-strunk-lyrics-a-daisy-a-day-p4fpk25#ixzz3BDu20n1F
LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community
Jackpine Radical
(45,274 posts)This was a beautiful and deeply touching post.
villager
(26,001 posts)Diagnosed? Had no idea. So, so sorry to hear this...
Wonderful, moving post, OS.
elleng
(135,121 posts)Laelth
(32,017 posts)-Laelth
liberalmuse
(18,846 posts)You've been such a huge contributor here for so many years. I wish you an amazing journey. These things are rarely easy, but it's something we'll all experience. I hope when the day comes, I can do it with half as much grace, humor and gratitude reflected in your words.
packman
(16,296 posts)it is what we drink from in the here and now and the well with which we draw from. Courage and love will carry you through.
onecent
(6,096 posts)My thoughts are with you and your family!
yallerdawg
(16,104 posts)At this one place, "Omaha Steve's Labor Group" does have a nice ring.
Thank you for your contributions, and don't stop - "the play goes on."
brer cat
(25,865 posts)Peace and love to you and Marta.
Tikki
(14,745 posts)Tikki
The Magistrate
(96,043 posts)I hope it is longer than you expect now....
Skidmore
(37,364 posts)Sending you wishes of peace and strength to sustain you and Marta. You are in my thoughts.
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)Your contributions to the community are significant and will last beyond any of our mortal years.
Thank you.
CherokeeDem
(3,717 posts)When I was much more of an activist in Democratic politics, I spoke before many unions groups and worked side-by-side with them on campaigns and on Union issues. I would introduce myself to the groups who didn't know me and then tell them that my father's occupation is listed as Teamster on my birth certificate, and I considered support for unions as my birthright.
Over the years I have read your posts, answered the call to vote in surveys, called congressmen, and generally bitched with everyone about the bastards in Congress, like those you highlighted voting against FLMA. Your voice is powerful but most importantly, it is honest and true and in support of union men and women who are the backbone of this country. That is a legacy we should all strive for.
This is unbelievably sad news for you, your family and friends and for all of us on DU, who have come to admire you. Know that we are with you and wish you peace.
barbtries
(29,532 posts)but then again, how fortunate you are to have each other, and how wonderful that you appreciate having each other.
don't want you to go though. you are a true asset to this community.
mrsadm
(1,198 posts)I am so sorry for your news! At least try to enjoy the time you have left (as I'm sure you will).... So many here at DU will dearly miss you.....
Linda
elehhhhna
(32,076 posts)TygrBright
(20,958 posts)The journey could end for any one of us, any day, any time.
There's a unique mix of blessing and sorrow knowing that "any day, any time" will come sooner than you imagined.
May you and your beloved have rich, beautiful days together that will last through eternity even after your time here is done.
We're just strangers on a website, but we're also a community.
You bring so much value to this community.
Thank you for that.
appreciatively,
Bright
secondwind
(16,903 posts)ChazII
(6,309 posts)echoing the posts above me. You have been and sill are an inspiration to our DU family. Sending positive thoughts your way.
secondwind
(16,903 posts)I have no words to express how I feel right now...
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)Let's make the best of it, whatever comes.
littlemissmartypants
(24,362 posts)I love you. Thank you for shining a light.
Love, Peace and the Righteous Fight.
~ Lmsp
jwirr
(39,215 posts)your lady deserve some time to do that.
Omaha Steve
(102,801 posts)She can work from home most of the time except for a special project once in a while. She has been told she can work from home all she needs while taking care of me. So we still have some time left together. Some of it on the deck.
msanthrope
(37,549 posts)diane in sf
(4,040 posts)If you'd like any wholistic or alternative info on your health condition, please pm me. I'll be happy to share what info I have.
oldandhappy
(6,719 posts)Squinch
(52,221 posts)you are sick and that you will be leaving us. You have touched my life, and I am sure you have touched many, many others.
bigtree
(89,176 posts). . . few words.
My thanks to you for the time you spent with us here . . . so many wishes for much more time for you to spend anywhere in the future.
You'll be damn well missed here, that's for certain.
. . . and the four winds we know blow away.
Some come to laugh their past away
Some come to make it just one more day
Whichever way your pleasure tends
if you plant ice you're gonna harvest wind ("Who sows wind reaps the hurricane.")
Roll away... the dew . . .
In Franklin's Tower the four winds sleep (a lighthouse
and the four winds become sleeping hounds,
(the night watch) worn out by the events
of such a metaphorical day)
Like four lean hounds the lighthouse keep
Wildflower seed in the sand and wind (a 'wildflower
seed' in its adventures in the wind)
May the four winds blow you home again
(satisfying closure and an opening door on other possibilities)
by Robert Hunter (w/his own annotations in parentheses)
Starry Messenger
(32,375 posts)Brother, you are one of my favorite people here. I have no words. Love to you and Marta.
panader0
(25,816 posts)You have had a big impact here at DU. I hope it continues for a long time.
shenmue
(38,534 posts)tjl148
(185 posts)May others bring as much joy to you as you have to others.
etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)In many ways you are DU
CaliforniaPeggy
(151,531 posts)Thank you for your trust, Steve...
This is a beautiful post, one of the most beautiful I have ever seen...
You look good to me, still.
TBF
(33,525 posts)peace and light Steve. You will be sorely missed in the socialist group as well.
Quayblue
(1,045 posts)I know we don't know each other, but I wish you peace in your journey.
longship
(40,416 posts)There are so many here who are wishing you and Marta the best. Rest assured that your impact here is already considerable. Looking forward to what you contribute as the days go by.
Peace, my friend.
Dont call me Shirley
(10,998 posts)Coventina
(27,703 posts)This is a beautiful post.
Thank you for all you've done for DU and the world.
daleanime
(17,796 posts)niyad
(118,509 posts)be in my thoughts and prayers.
rurallib
(63,036 posts)may you have the best treatment available.
Your attitude will certainly help see you and Marta through.
Feel like I've been hit by a truck.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)I don't know what to say.....your post is so eloquent, so profound, and so unexpected..... I'm speechless.
bettyellen
(47,209 posts)Hoping for the best possible year for you and Marta.
ljm2002
(10,751 posts)...you and Marta are privileged in that way, at least.
You have been a stalwart defender and promoter of the working man and woman, and for that I salute you!
I will continue to hope for a miracle for you.
sheshe2
(86,411 posts)Peace to you and Marta.
Beautiful thread.
blondie58
(2,570 posts)Last edited Sun Aug 24, 2014, 01:42 PM - Edit history (1)
Other Than- that was beautiful. And that i LOVE you. 💖
ctsnowman
(1,903 posts)Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)A rec that more people become as you and Marta. That is, living life in all the fullness it has to offer. Two roses across the moon is such a profoundly beautiful symbolism for your lives. I thank you for being here now, and for always being here in spirit.
calimary
(83,680 posts)Oh man will we be sorry to see you step away. Damn. Just take this as an outward sign of how much you're loved around here! Damn. I'm actually getting teary-eyed while I'm writing this damn post. Damn. I've thoroughly enjoyed following your exploits and reading your posts. Relished replying to a number of them, for a long time, here.
You'll be so missed. I hope it's awhile before you have to leave.
Cha
(303,646 posts)Miracles Occur~
flvegan
(64,550 posts)Get the good out.
Thanks for the heads up. Love you, brother.
OhioChick
(23,218 posts)Lifelong Protester
(8,421 posts)Your posts are ones I always open-you are so important to all of us here.
I wish you peace, and am hoping for the best for you all.
tomm2thumbs
(13,297 posts)We all come and we all leave. Many leave the world a better place, but too few leave the world a much sweeter, better place.
Thanks for keeping us all in a better, sweeter place and for bringing so much to the table so that others might share, learn and grow.
<biggest huggs to ya both and lots of great finds at estate sales going forward... treasures abound !!>
Skittles
(157,409 posts)yes indeed
if you could let Marta know we are here for her too
freshwest
(53,661 posts)democrank
(11,230 posts)love and peace~
Paka
(2,760 posts)I lurk more than I post, but I always enjoy your messages. You are an important part of the DU family. Enjoy and cherish every moment left.
alfredo
(60,126 posts)socialist_n_TN
(11,481 posts)Trotsky once said during his older years something about how it helps to have had a guiding ideal that transcends the day to day life we all lead. You have that Steve. AND you have love, not only from Marta, but also from your fans on DU and those fans are legion.
Give us as much as you can in Socialist Progressives and if you can't give any more, let me thank you for what you have given us. Your transcendent life has touched us all.
We love you brother and comrade!
malthaussen
(17,558 posts)We at DU, not so lucky to be losing you. You have my respect and gratitude.
-- Mal
mnhtnbb
(31,803 posts)Wishing you peaceful days ahead with Marta. Hope you find some time
to sit on that porch now and watch the birds and nature.
Hugs for you both.
PumpkinAle
(1,210 posts)you will be missed on these boards.
Your posting bought tears to my eyes - it was beautiful and sad and so real.
As I walk,
The universe is walking with me
In beauty it walks before me
In beauty it walks behind me
In beauty it walks below me
In beauty it walks above me
Beauty is on every side
As I walk, I walk with beauty
- Native American - Traditional Navajo Prayer
Walk in beauty OS and Mrs OS.
Fla Dem
(25,394 posts)DU won't be the same without Omaha Steve and your down to earth, sensible thoughts. You are truly a man of passion, love and humor. Godspeed as you continue your journey. You and Marta will be in our thoughts.
mopinko
(71,426 posts)oh my dear. how can this be??
oh life. i hate you sometimes.
let us know what we can do for you, my very dear friend.
antigop
(12,778 posts)working class.
Thank you for everything.
"Who can say that I've been changed for the better? I do believe I have been changed for the better. Because I knew you. BECAUSE I knew you. I have been changed for good."
--"Wicked"
I didn't really know you, but felt connected to you and learned a lot from you.
Peace to you and your lovely wife.
ChazInAz
(2,743 posts)Thank you for everything.
annabanana
(52,791 posts)I am so sorry to hear of this. Your posts have helped me to clarify my thinking more times than you could possibly imagine.
I wish you and your beloved Marta as gentle a road as can be in the time ahead.
We will be here for you.
femmocrat
(28,394 posts)Thank you for your many educational and enlightening post over the years. You are a DU treasure and your words here will be eternal.
Much love to you both and thank you for sharing your story with us.
In solidarity forever.
3catwoman3
(25,190 posts)...have certainly benefitted from your presence here.
I cannot think of any woman who would not want to know that her husband feels about her the way you have so lovingly articulated that you feel about Marta. You have obviously enriched each others' lives beyond measure.
Wishing you peace and strength of the road ahead.
ANOIS
(112 posts)Your posts have always been noticeable to me, too, in that you are so perceptive & show that you care about so many others. Your outreach seems to be pretty great.
May the cocoon you & your wife have so successfully created give you both comfort in the days ahead.
jcboon
(312 posts)Your labor posts are great and I really enjoy your commentary.
You don't know me but I lurk and I really appreciate you.
Wonderful post--stay strong brother.
calimary
(83,680 posts)Glad you're both here. This is a pretty sad and sentimental thread. We love Omaha Steve! His writings and postings and musings are so special and worth savoring. And you're still in time to read some! He'll leave a big hole in all our hearts when he leaves.
ANOIS
(112 posts)840high
(17,196 posts)WillyT
(72,631 posts)2naSalit
(91,331 posts)I have no words that come to mind to say what I feel having read this post. I have appreciated all of your contributions, they help balance an often teetering crowd of opinions.
Generic Other
(28,999 posts)So good that you are still nurtured and kept warm in that love.
You have been a champion of the working class at DU. Even when the thugs on the other side got nasty and personal, you never let it stop you. That made you a hero in my eyes. We are lucky to have had you on our side.
GCP
(8,166 posts)I've been on DU since 2001 and your posts have always been spot on.
My husband is currently battling cancer, so I know what you and Marta are going through
Zorra
(27,670 posts)We love you, bro.
malaise
(276,364 posts)What a love story -
randome
(34,845 posts)[hr][font color="blue"][center]TECT in the name of the Representative approves of this post.[/center][/font][hr]
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)Man, I saw the other post of the stained glass and then came to look at this...I'm truly stunned and touched, at the same time.
Don't go any place too soon...many, MANY, of us need your posts...I tend to pop in here quickly, breeze through headlines, post a snarky comment and then run away. You are one of a small handful of folks, that when I see the name, I must be sure to read the post as it's something I should know about...thank you for all the information and insight that you give us.
My sincere best to you and all of your two and four legged family.
Hekate
(93,908 posts)All good wishes go with you and Marta on this journey.
sufrommich
(22,871 posts)and she found you. Cherish every minute.
Omaha Steve
(102,801 posts)We put the head pieces on the dinning room mantel BTW.
OS
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=myposts
Terra Alta
(5,158 posts)I have always enjoyed your posts. It makes me so sad seeing this. I wish you and Marta nothing but the best.
In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)Omaha Steve
(102,801 posts)As I wrote this, I used "Because she's mine, I walk the line". In the last edit I changed it into she knows. I wish now I had left it that way.
Avalux
(35,015 posts)Even when you leave this earth you will not be gone, you will live on with Marta, and everyone else who has had the pleasure of knowing you. Thank you for sharing this. Much love to you and Marta.
Sheepshank
(12,504 posts)you have always been in integral part of my reading opinions here on DU and trying to understand.
Your life is special and contains life experiences to be envied.
The movie UP has had special meaning and heart-tugs for me, and for you to include it in your post make me tear up...the numerous loving responsed made those tears spill over.
I am so sorry. I am sorry that you and your loving wife will have limited porch days. I'm sorry that your 'teaching' me and many others will be thwarted. I'm just a plain old slobbering, blubbering, sobby mess and am sorry.
Triana
(22,666 posts)Your story is a meaningful, beautiful one. The stained glass, which I love, perfect. UP indeed. After a lifetime of double happiness.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)I am so sorry, what a beautiful post and love story.