General Discussion

WillyT

(72,631 posts)

199. Hey Omaha Steve...

Fri May 8, 2015, 11:57 PM

May 2015

When My Old Man was dying of cancer in 1975... everybody danced in denial.

Meaning friends, family, community members, et.al... Didn't want to deal with it. Denial.

And is wasn't malicious... it was a defense mechanism guarding against the truth... and the pain...

One day... I waltzed my ass into the bedroom where my dad was waiting to die.

I sat next to him on the bed, hugged him, told him "I Love You", and then told him all the stories I remembered as to why.

We hugged and sat in long sileice... but I'm so glad I had the courage to do it.

And while many people don't think it necessarily courageous...

Most people have never worn those shoes.

I love my dad... I'm currently taking care of my mom... but know this...

In what ever small way...

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN HERE!

Or by your friends, family, acquaintances, et. al.

You ain't retired yet... and I expect some major Labor posts coming...

But just know this... we love you... and are better because of you.

Click here to purchase valentine hearts!

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Highlight:

When Illness Makes a Spouse a Stranger (can we talk?) [View all] Omaha Steve May 2015 OP

. Agschmid May 2015 #1

Thank you for being you .... etherealtruth May 2015 #2

+ Eighty Gazillion Scuba May 2015 #177

Please stay as long as you want to be here. ret5hd May 2015 #3

Agreed Demeter May 2015 #39

Absolutely agree. LoisB May 2015 #42

Totally and unabashedly agree. calimary May 2015 #59

My only caveat, calimary: stay in a Group and avoid GD like the plague it is after this post. Hekate May 2015 #81

{=( calimary May 2015 #113

I'll agree with that 1000%. bullwinkle428 May 2015 #51

+1 merrily May 2015 #108

Steve catnhatnh May 2015 #4

My thoughts exactly SnowCritter May 2015 #23

if I were eloquent in this way, I'd say what you said. BlancheSplanchnik May 2015 #142

good luck to you, OS.... mike_c May 2015 #5

I hope things get better for you Steve still_one May 2015 #6

I have enjoyed your posts, OS - kiva May 2015 #7

You are beloved here. We hope you stay as long as you feel comfortable here. hrmjustin May 2015 #8

This yes. So much. DeadLetterOffice May 2015 #65

Exactly. You are beloved. I always read your posts and treasure them. Stay as long Nay May 2015 #220

My thoughts are with you. Mz Pip May 2015 #9

We haven't always agreed, but I have enjoyed reading your posts. Please stay as long as you can corkhead May 2015 #10

Please, please, please stay... SoapBox May 2015 #11

Just know one thing, OS. longship May 2015 #12

This /\ I have loved your history posts, the animal rescue stories that make me cry and laught, jwirr May 2015 #26

exactly mercuryblues May 2015 #112

And friend stay out of the political fights over who is going to win the primary. That part here on jwirr May 2015 #114

My thoughts exactly. beveeheart May 2015 #203

Stay with us as long as you can Steve. I remember when you were Algernon. In_The_Wind May 2015 #13

I'm a big Omaha Steve fan. panader0 May 2015 #14

+1000 narnian60 May 2015 #163

K&R! stonecutter357 May 2015 #15

my dear steve mopinko May 2015 #16

I was just about to post the same thing. Fuck'em. Stay as long as you want Steve. Lochloosa May 2015 #24

+100000000000000000000000000000 nt steve2470 May 2015 #125

I wish you would stay, but you gotta do what's right for you. lumberjack_jeff May 2015 #17

We love you and wish you all the best. LeftishBrit May 2015 #18

Best wishes to you Steve, be healthy and stay with us as long as you can. uppityperson May 2015 #19

Please don't leave! TorchTheWitch May 2015 #20

:( Go Vols May 2015 #21

I think you have many more admirers here than you know. WillowTree May 2015 #22

Stay as long as you care to, OS, elleng May 2015 #25

Steve...... TinkerTot55 May 2015 #27

Very sorry. cyberswede May 2015 #28

I loved your posts gwheezie May 2015 #29

Please stay here as long as you can. onecaliberal May 2015 #30

For you and Marta Fla Dem May 2015 #31

Do what is best for you KT2000 May 2015 #32

My spouse had a similar problem. Each person is different, with No Vested Interest May 2015 #33

Same here, please know you can always do your postings. We love & support you. appalachiablue May 2015 #134

. Omaha Steve May 2015 #232

You are loved my many of us here madokie May 2015 #34

OS, forget those other people. You are loved and valued here. please stay as long as you can, niyad May 2015 #35

do what you need to do..but remember you will always have friends here dembotoz May 2015 #36

Yes Steve I am an ass and no good person. boston bean May 2015 #37

Remember... yallerdawg May 2015 #76

I don't know you and I already love you.. You are so fearless and accepting... I am not sure secondwind May 2015 #38

I'm a big fan of your posts OS, please stay as long as you can. madamvlb May 2015 #40

Please stay here for as long as you can. sabrina 1 May 2015 #41

I've enjoyed your posts & would prefer you to stay. If you go, I'll miss you but want you to know Bossy Monkey May 2015 #43

Steve, you are being so corageously open Tom Rinaldo May 2015 #44

Dammit, Steve. femmocrat May 2015 #45

I know you mostly through your animal love... magical thyme May 2015 #46

Dear OS BrotherIvan May 2015 #47

I don't know you but it is obvious You are loved here, and that love is unconditional J_J_ May 2015 #48

well said rurallib May 2015 #218

Please reconsider. missingthebigdog May 2015 #49

Your contributions are valuable and appreciated. malthaussen May 2015 #50

^^^ You are loved by so many... OneGrassRoot May 2015 #52

I wish you and Marta the best Steve. GentryDixon May 2015 #53

My thoughts and good wishes, Paka May 2015 #54

Oh no! You don't get to leave. There are things to do here! leftofcool May 2015 #55

Hardly. KamaAina May 2015 #56

You are needed here! yallerdawg May 2015 #57

This shouldn't be locked. It should be pinned so your friends can visit. Hekate May 2015 #58

That sounds like a good idea! calimary May 2015 #60

Great idea! Love and thanks to you, Omaha Steve! ancianita May 2015 #116

I agree LeftInTX May 2015 #120

you are important to this place. I am sorry for the dead headed behavior of others but please stay roguevalley May 2015 #61

You are among people here who love, respect, and value you, OS. brer cat May 2015 #62

Man. I've read and enjoyed your posts. Please post when/if you can. Hoyt May 2015 #63

You are among the finest people here, OS Starry Messenger May 2015 #64

I'm so sorry libodem May 2015 #66

Oh Steve ismnotwasm May 2015 #67

You're still with us, Steve. rug May 2015 #68

. Omaha Steve May 2015 #237

I'm extremely touched by this OP, dear Steve. Surya Gayatri May 2015 #69

I have been visiting DU for years and... Freethinker65 May 2015 #70

Steve, stay as long as you are physically able. When you give up something you love 1monster May 2015 #71

I was a "Mrs. French." Best wishes to you from my heart, {{{Omaha Steve}}}. WinkyDink May 2015 #72

Your animal posts have brightened my day many times. Thank-you. Tierra_y_Libertad May 2015 #73

here's to you heaven05 May 2015 #74

I hope you will post more photos of the birds in your feeder eating your grape jelly next to Faryn Balyncd May 2015 #75

I'm so sorry, OS LiberalLoner May 2015 #77

Been on here since relatively recently F4lconF16 May 2015 #78

I'm very sad to read your post. I had no idea. Vinca May 2015 #79

As we all know the internet is a way for some to be mean to others with no consequence. It can liberal_at_heart May 2015 #80

Brother Steve, you do H2O Man May 2015 #82

I still read and enjoy your posts, I hope this doesn't mean you're leaving us. haikugal May 2015 #83

Please stay and please continue posting even if it's only cat and dog stories csziggy May 2015 #84

Dude, I'm a fan, sorry to hear all this. I love your posts. byronius May 2015 #85

A glass to the good old days, Steve. You will be remembered with love and respect. Hekate May 2015 #86

(((Omaha Steve))) Arugula Latte May 2015 #87

I hope you stay for those of us who appreciate you CreekDog May 2015 #88

i second what the earlier posters say, please stay. allan01 May 2015 #89

There will be many friends watching out for you if you revisit this place. hunter May 2015 #90

I'll miss you. s-cubed May 2015 #91

Do what you think you must awoke_in_2003 May 2015 #92

You will always be loved here, Steve, Blue_In_AK May 2015 #93

We love you, Steve. The Velveteen Ocelot May 2015 #94

Well, damn. Gormy Cuss May 2015 #95

If you go, DU will be diminished B2G May 2015 #96

I hope you stay with us. blogslut May 2015 #97

You're a wonderful human being enigmatic May 2015 #98

I will miss your posts, roody May 2015 #99

I have truly enjoyed your posts and hope that you will come back from time to time Gothmog May 2015 #100

... handmade34 May 2015 #101

Oh Steve...the cruelty meted out by those who have no clue about you. Sheepshank May 2015 #102

OS, I've delayed replying, because....well, I think you know. Coventina May 2015 #103

No words, just tears. ebbie15644 May 2015 #104

Please keep posting as you are moved to do so, Omaha Steve. Habibi May 2015 #105

Oh, I wish you wouldn't go...not yet, at least. Duppers May 2015 #106

Thank you for all you've contributed to and for us. L0oniX May 2015 #107

. libodem May 2015 #109

You have always been one of the people I have looked up to on DU. Liberalynn May 2015 #110

You might not remember us Steve, but we will remember you d_legendary1 May 2015 #111

Omaha Steve Diclotican May 2015 #115

If this post is an example of some level of incoherence, let me say you're doing just fine riderinthestorm May 2015 #117

For you Solly Mack May 2015 #118

Thank you for sharing this song. mia Aug 2017 #246

OS, NOTHING you or anyone could do could EVER ruin what OS has been on DU. merrily May 2015 #119

The only demented thing in your post is... abakan May 2015 #121

You're valued here and I've never seen you act snarky or anything like that LeftInTX May 2015 #122

I have not been here as long as many old timers but justhanginon May 2015 #123

You have my support and affection. Thanks for the posts. KittyWampus May 2015 #124

you teach understanding reddread May 2015 #126

Steve, don't let ANYONE drive you from DU until YOU are ready to leave.... steve2470 May 2015 #127

It is a honor to read your posts olddots May 2015 #128

I've always enjoyed your posts, OmahaSteve and think octoberlib May 2015 #129

...... madfloridian May 2015 #130

Much love and hugs to you, OS MissDeeds May 2015 #131

What a brave post TuxedoKat May 2015 #132

Look here Steve. This is a democracy and we will vote to decide if you leave or not and I'm rhett o rick May 2015 #133

I first noticed you because of your animal posts years ago. bearssoapbox May 2015 #135

I want to thank YOU for being one of DU's greatest Labor advocates! countryjake May 2015 #136

I also salute you for your union activism Generic Other May 2015 #236

Cannabis Takes on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Successfully: Story and Studies Voice for Peace May 2015 #137

Yes! Yes! Give cannabis a try! Consider moving to Colorado - CBD is proven an effective treatment eloydude May 2015 #171

I am so, so sorry AwakeAtLast May 2015 #138

I wish you all the best, Steve. I still think you're MVP. Enthusiast May 2015 #139

Your post was ohheckyeah May 2015 #140

Steve! Don't let the clowns bring you down, bro navarth May 2015 #141

oh, please don't leave! renate May 2015 #143

High respect for Omaha Steve posts, never noticed any decline ... philly_bob May 2015 #144

OS, your writing voice is the same as it's always been. MannyGoldstein May 2015 #145

Hey Manny... sheshe2 May 2015 #187

This^^^^^ Jesus Malverde May 2015 #229

Don't stop posting.... Punkingal May 2015 #146

You are a kind gentle man, Steve. sheshe2 May 2015 #147

Of course, doing as you feel is best is up to you, but if it is because of some other people Jefferson23 May 2015 #148

If you want to stay, here are some suggestions. Ms. Toad May 2015 #149

. Omaha Steve May 2015 #157

. Ms. Toad May 2015 #160

Oh, Ms. Toad... Hekate May 2015 #188

wisdom and kindness yadig May 2015 #198

Do what is best for you dreamnightwind May 2015 #150

I put off reading this because I could kind of guess the topic..... daleanime May 2015 #151

"Always be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." The Velveteen Ocelot May 2015 #152

I'm so sad to see you go, even though I understand why kcr May 2015 #153

you have touched so many lives here carolinayellowdog May 2015 #154

Please don't go my friend..... annabanana May 2015 #155

I admire you. AngryAmish May 2015 #156

Hi Steve, vive la commune May 2015 #158

What horrible news! blackspade May 2015 #159

I hope the unkind people take note... luvspeas May 2015 #161

coot factor off the scale yadig May 2015 #196

mark to come back to rurallib May 2015 #162

You make a difference in my life marym625 May 2015 #164

I hate to see you leave. You will be missed OS. sinkingfeeling May 2015 #165

Please stay. nt LiberalElite May 2015 #166

Even if you choose not to post, you will still be with us. Buns_of_Fire May 2015 #167

I will always think of you and Marta fondly, Omaha Steve Oilwellian May 2015 #168

I don't post all that often, but always read you... likesmountains 52 May 2015 #169

Just post when you can and we can deal. KoKo May 2015 #170

I've enjoyed every post of yours that I've read LiberalEsto May 2015 #172

on my way to work right now bigtree May 2015 #173

what I wanted to say, Steve bigtree May 2015 #212

stay.please Liberal_in_LA May 2015 #174

Thank you for everything, Omaha Steve DisgustipatedinCA May 2015 #175

OS, I usually don't say much here, bbgrunt May 2015 #176

Dear Omaha Steve - 3catwoman3 May 2015 #178

You're a terrific DUer. undeterred May 2015 #179

Please stay as long as you can. Terra Alta May 2015 #180

I'm so sorry Ohama Steve for what you're going through. polly7 May 2015 #181

I hope you will stay with us a little longer. hay rick May 2015 #182

. NRaleighLiberal May 2015 #183

... BeanMusical May 2015 #184

Steve I hope you don't go and I hope you don't listen to bratty people. Maraya1969 May 2015 #185

I just started posting myself but have long lurked and enjoyed your postings and wondered Person 2713 May 2015 #186

kick... I have always enjoyed your posts. midnight May 2015 #189

Very sorry to read this heartbreaking news. I'll miss your posts, but you'll continue to inspire. whereisjustice May 2015 #190

Bless you and I'm glad you've stayed on this long lostnfound May 2015 #191

Brought me into the light yadig May 2015 #192

Wishing the best for you, Steve. mountain grammy May 2015 #193

Oh my dear Omaha Steve... CaliforniaPeggy May 2015 #194

I can't stand the thought of your leaving. NCarolinawoman May 2015 #195

I like yr posts and hope that you do visit and post when yr up to it... Violet_Crumble May 2015 #197

Hey Omaha Steve... WillyT May 2015 #199

I know you already carry DU in your heart, so how can you leave us? Samantha May 2015 #200

Of all of the great DUers, there have been a handful or so who honor us by their presence. hedda_foil May 2015 #201

OS...stay as long as you can. As for changes in spouses? Yes! Frustratedlady May 2015 #202

Sorry to hear you are unwell Steve. Boudica the Lyoness May 2015 #204

I've read every reply Omaha Steve May 2015 #227

Bless your heart. Boudica the Lyoness May 2015 #228

Steve, the jury is in Iwillnevergiveup May 2015 #205

My mother always, always told me to ignore people Quayblue May 2015 #206

Steve, don't let assholes chase you away lbrtbell May 2015 #207

Dear Mr Omaha azurnoir May 2015 #208

Dear Omaha Steve Pooka Fey May 2015 #209

OS, you are an amazing man. gademocrat7 May 2015 #210

By sharing so much with us, Steve, you've inspired us all. randome May 2015 #211

I don't make demands but... mmonk May 2015 #213

As someone you trusted enough to tell, I beg you-- please stay. ColesCountyDem May 2015 #214

Steve, your posts have meant so much to me. intheflow May 2015 #215

You introduced me to the Animal Rescue site. stage left May 2015 #216

Pro Union and... SHRED May 2015 #217

Post removed Post removed May 2015 #219

I am so thankful that I crossed paths with you rurallib May 2015 #221

Stay. Autumn May 2015 #222

Please stay. PADemD May 2015 #223

We will miss you susanr516 May 2015 #224

Thank you for all the great posts Dems to Win May 2015 #225

Whenever I thought of the best DU has to offer. . . Stargleamer May 2015 #226

Please stay, Steve. highplainsdem May 2015 #230

. NYC_SKP May 2015 #231

I am selfish. I cannot imagine DU without you question everything May 2015 #233

I've always enjoyed/learned something from your posts historylovr May 2015 #234

I've only been in DU locks May 2015 #235

I don't know what to say... JCMach1 May 2015 #238

Awwww. Just know that babylonsister May 2015 #239

You make DU NOT suck, Steve catrose May 2015 #240

Dear Omaha Steve laundry_queen May 2015 #241

. Omaha Steve May 2015 #242

Please stay as long as you wish. Ilsa May 2015 #243

You are in my meditations of Healing, Caring and Love. Know that you matter to myself and to Dont call me Shirley May 2015 #244

K&R TheBlackAdder Dec 2015 #245

Thank you for sharing your story with us. mia Aug 2017 #247