NationStates Jolt Archive

Yesterday morning ( Thursday, January 12 ) our good friend Sandy ( Zooke ) passed away. I got the news in an email from her husband while Jolt was down. She died of a heart attack sometime early in the morning.

Sandy was a very kind and loving person who has touched many people, both on here and in "real life." She made sure to tell me the last time we talked that she loves all of you.

I'll try to keep in touch with her husband concerning date and time of the funeral, as well as other matters. Please let me know if you have questions.

If you'd like to pass on some words of comfort to him, please feel free to post them here. He'll be back online later to read them.

Zooke, wherever you are now, I hope they take good care of you. God bless, sweetie.

:(

I really am sorry to hear that. All concerned have my deepest condolences.

:(
I know. Me too.

I really am sorry to hear that. All concerned have my deepest condolences.
Thank you, CTN. She would appreciate that.

oh no :(
i don't know what to say :(

i've been hanging onto her email address for days meaning to email her a little message and i kept not knowing what to say but now its too late to let her know what a great lady she... was. man i feel bad about that :headbang:

goodbye sandy. we loved you here and i'll bet there are going to be a shedload more people who'll miss you than just us NS nerds. my condolences. :(
somehow doesn't feel like enough - i might say a little more later if i find some more words or something. i don't know

oh no :(
i don't know what to say :(

i've been hanging onto her email address for days meaning to email her a little message and i kept not knowing what to say but now its too late to let her know what a great lady she... was. man i feel bad about that :headbang:

goodbye sandy. we loved you here and i'll bet there are going to be a shedload more people who'll miss you than just us NS nerds. my condolences. :(
somehow doesn't feel like enough - i might say a little more later if i find some more words or something. i don't know
PM, she would understand perfectly. I know she wouldn't want you feeling bad about not knowing what to say in an email. I know she thought very highly of you, that you have great potential. The very last time I talked with her, she mentioned you.

When people you care about die, words become almost superfluous. Just keep her in your heart for as long as you can, and try to remember all her kind words for you.

I don't know what to say, this is terrible news. My heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends, although that doesn't feel like nearly enough for such an incredible woman who was loved by everyone. We'll miss you Zooke.

:(

You have all my support and my sincere condelence in this sad time.

......wow.




rest in peace Zooke, you shall be sorely missed here.

I don't know what to say, this is terrible news. My heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends, although that doesn't feel like nearly enough for such an incredible woman who was loved by everyone. We'll miss you Zooke.
I've been giving this lots of thought since I got the news; couldn't have slept if I'd wanted to.

Almost everyone knows that Zooke had cancer. It began as breast cancer, but kept reappearing. She had been on chemotherepy and that took a lot out of her. Then one of her greatly loved dogs had to be put to sleep, and I suspect all of it put together was more than her heart could take. Her husband indicated as much in his email to me.

We try to find meaning in untimely death, although that's a chancy thing at best. I prefer to think that the heart attack may have been a mercy, sparing Sandy a lingering death to cancer. There's simply no way of knowing.

:(

You have all my support and my sincere condelence in this sad time.
Thank you, Kilobugya, I'm sure she would appreciate that.

... rest in peace Zooke, you shall be sorely missed here.
Indeed she will be. She and I had become very good friends over the past few months. It hurts ... a lot!

Shared pain is lessened, shared joy increased.
Thus, we refute entropy.

Shared pain is lessened, shared joy increased.
Thus, we refute entropy.
That makes me smile. Thank you, BWS. ;)

That makes me smile. Thank you, BWS. ;)


Anytime.

Wow that is pretty deep.
Nothing i could ever say would come close to the sorrow i now feel.
Rest in Peace.

Wow that is pretty deep.
Nothing i could ever say would come close to the sorrow i now feel.
Rest in Peace.
Sandy had a full life, including all the rough spots that come with it. I'm a tad too cynical to believe in a "Heaven" with streets of gold, but I surely do hope that she's someplace really nice and that there's someone there who loves her.

And we're stickied.



Good job whoever that mod was.

And we're stickied.

Good job whoever that mod was.
I agree. Told them thanks in the Moderation forum.

Wow. :(

I never really knew her, but I could tell she was quite the popular lady! Even on an internet forum, it always hits close to home when someone dies.

Despite this, I'm sure she wouldn't want us all moping around! Perhaps we should all look back on the Zooke we knew (or didn't know!) and enjoy those memories that we had of her.

Anyone have any funny stories to share? She may have been old, but it was obvious that she was full of spirit.

I hope she rests in peace.

I didn't know Zooke...in fact I wonder now if we ever even posted in the same thread.

Even so, it is obvious that she has been a wonderful friend to many people here on NS...

The loss of any friend hurts...and with an internet friendship such as those we develop here, it often hurts just as much. There is a sense of powerlessness that, in many ways, mirrors that of RL...

"I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil"...these words, to me, hold true. Yet at the same time, I do not think that grief, or at least too much of it, is what Zooke would wish for those who knew her. Instead, solace should be found in shared memories, and all should be grateful that she was able to share a part of her life with us all.

She will be missed...and of course my most heartfelt prayers and condelences go out to her Husband, her family, and all of her friends...both RL and those on NS.

My own beliefs tell me that she is in a better place now...and with luck, she is able to take comfort in the fact that although sadness may rule this moment, the memories each person has of her, and the good things about her that we can remember and share with one another, will ensure that it shall not do so for long.

Rest in peace...

:(

Rest in Peace, Zooke.

I'll light a candle for her. :(

I'm shocked. Zooke always gave me the feeling that she was immortal.

After all, she beat cancer three times and was able to joke about it after. She was a very impressive lady.

My condolences to everyone affect by her death.

PM, she would understand perfectly. I know she wouldn't want you feeling bad about not knowing what to say in an email. I know she thought very highly of you, that you have great potential. The very last time I talked with her, she mentioned you.

When people you care about die, words become almost superfluous. Just keep her in your heart for as long as you can, and try to remember all her kind words for you.
quite right, and i shall. i think she'll be in my thoughts for some time - if i prayed, i would... but then sandy was a great person and i'm sure she doesn't need our prayers - i'm sure she's in a good place by her own virtue.

but thats sort of what i meant. somehow she always had time for me and saw good things in me when even i could not. and she remained supportive to others and upbeat till right up to the end - or at least the last time i talked to her, but i have little doubt that she stayed strong and loving right through to yesterday. we can all learn from her example, you know.

I am so very sad to hear this. I won't pretend I knew Zooke well; we only crossed paths occasionally in General. She telegrammed me a couple of weeks ago on 'mod business' and asked me to be gentle with someone who was being less than kind to her. What a lovely, thoughtful lady.

She'll very much be missed.

i never knew zooke, which is why i felt it to be inappropriate to contribute in the two other threads earlier, but i followed them closely and learned to feel that not knowing her might as well have been a huge miss-out.

now, here i am, still crying silently as i type, and if it is just because i know how much it must hurt for those who have been blessed to know and love her.

my condolences. what else is there to say for me.

An odd thing about my memory is that it grabs on to unexpected bits from time to time. I suspect it's been noticed. When I read this thread, I thought of Benjamin Frankli's epitaph:

The body of
B. Franklin, Printer
(Like the Cover of an Old Book
Its Contents torn Out
And Stripped of its Lettering and Gilding)
Lies Here, Food for Worms.
But the Work shall not be Lost;
For it will (as he Believ'd) Appear once More
In a New and More Elegant Edition
Revised and Corrected
By the Author.


It seems comforting to me. I suspect it's because it's so honest and yet hopeful. Reminds me of Zooke. :(

I, too, am at a loss for words. My sincere condolences to everybody who knew and loved her.

:( I cant pretend I had alot to do with her either but she was far from unnoticed, ever since her "ask a" thread with Eut ive had a soft spot for her. Wise and caring NS is better for have known her. It was a privilege
with respect,
RIP Zooke

There are no adequate words :( All I can do is offer my deepest sympathy to her family and friends, and I hope they can take some comfort, however small, from the fact that she was so respected and loved around here (and in her real life, of course).

Rest in peace, Zooke.

I don't see the point in grieving. We're the ones who have to stay alive after all...

My condolences. :(

RIP.

'tis indeed sad news.

I send my condolences and well wishes to her family and close friends.
And thanks Eut for bringing us the news, sad as it may be.

Farewell, Zooke.

And thanks Eut for bringing us the news, sad as it may be.Yes, thanks so much, Eut. It's certainly a painful thing to hear, but we'd rather know than not.

Ah, piss. At least I now know why the gods saw fit to grant me an unrequested bottle of scotch yesterday.

Lassie, 'twas drinkin to ye last night and didn't even realize it. :(

We are blessed to have been graced by her presence. I shall sing kaddish for her at sunset tonight.

It would be nice if maybe we could send flowers or make a charitable donation on her behalf. Maybe plant some trees in Israel through the JNF in her name or something.

When you speak next to her husband, Eut, see if there's anything he'd like that maybe she would have liked to have done.

"Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better then thy stroake; why swell'st thou then;
One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die."

-- John Donne

We may be an argumentative family here. We may have our cliques, friends, and enemies. Our fun. and our fights.

But none of that matters when one of the family is no longer at the table.

My thoughts are with her family.

I don't think I knew Zooke, but my condolences go out nevertheless.

--Matt Boland

I knew Zooke quite well, while Zeppistan and I didn't always agree with her politically we always respected her and she always let me know she respected us too. Zooke and I emailed back and forth for a time before I lost quite a bit of interest in NS. She was a good person. She was the type of lady who could agree to disagree. I believe that is what made her so special to most who knew her no matter what side of political leanings they may of had. She had strong convictions but never tried to bash them over anyone's head. For that she will always have my eternal respect.

This is really sad news. I guess it makes us think of our own mortality at times like this. I suppose we accept that dying is part of life, no one will be spared. It is especially sad to us though when one is taken so young. While Zooke may of been older than many people on NS, in the grand scheme of things she was still young. I feel for her family right now.

Our sincere condolences to Zooke's family.

Peace - Stephanie & Zeppistan.

Oh my. I read her post about her struggle with breast cancer, but I just held onto the hope that she would beat it this time. Wow. To her husband: I am very sorry for your loss, and many people here will feel her absence keenly.

Thank you for keeping us informed, Eutrusca. We celebrate her life. We mourn her passing.

wow, that is awful
i'm sure she is happier now
no more worries for her
goodbye Zooke
Rest in Peace :(

I came across Zooke in threads, and although I never posted in them, it came across to me strongly that she was a compassionate and caring person, willing to love and care for those on the board despite the fact they may have had differing viewpoints to herself.

I've heard it said many times on forums I have been on where a death has occured within the online community that it reminds us all that a human is behind those words and user names you see posted on forums.

I've never understood what could make you forget it is a person's comments you are reading, or a person you are replying to and engaging with, and that we are all people from various walks of life who post here.

I would say from my impressions of Zooke that she never forgot that people were behind user names and comments, and thus always had compassion for her fellow poster, her fellow human.

A loss to her family, friends, to us all who post here, but it is a gain and treasure to behold, that we came to know her in whatever circumstance that may be, be it a relative, friend, or a casual poster like myself who simply came across her postings.

May she rest in peace and I express my sincere condolences to her family and her friends online and offline, who no doubt can be comforted in some form in the fact that they had the honour of knowing her.

My heart is especially with Zooke's husband and any others who have been caring for her. I've spent the past year with a cancer patient (same as Eutrusca's, but not suited to surgery).

I haven't been the perfect carer, but he hasn't been the perfect patient, either. He didn't suddenly acquire wings and a halo just because he had cancer, and I didn't get them just because I've been looking after him.

From what I've read of Zooke's posts, it sounds as if she was comfortable with the fact that she was human, too. So I hope your sadness won't overshadow, even for a minute, your pride in being the humans that this lovely human loved.

:(

If there were a crying emoticon, that'd be appropriate here.

My sympathy to her husband and family. She was one of the nicest people on this forum. She'll be missed.

:( Didn't know her but I remember reading a nice thread she wrote about all of the people she connected with on NS. I thought it was sweet. My condolences.

Ah, piss. At least I now know why the gods saw fit to grant me an unrequested bottle of scotch yesterday.

Lassie, 'twas drinkin to ye last night and didn't even realize it. :(
:) She would have laughed at that.

This is sad and caught me off guard.

Several others in here knew Zooke better than I did and I feel bad I didnt make more of an effort to know her better.

She will be missed in here, but imagine how sorely she'll be missed by the people in her life. I found her to be always friendly and respectful of others. She had a great sense of humor, even while she was suffering. She and I seemed to talk about food & recipies-not tangling in senseless political diatribe.

Rest in Peace, Zooke. I miss you.

:(

If there were a crying emoticon, that'd be appropriate here.
How about http://70.85.81.229/3630/189/emo/cry.gif?

I obviously can't speak for anyone else, but it's times like this that seem to bring back all the sorrow and pain of a lifetime; all the times when I wept for one who died untimely, all the times when someone needed me and I wasn't there, all the times I was unkind or abrupt when it would have been so very easy to be just a bit more gentle, all the missed opportunities to help, or just to say "I love you."

I have not had a good night.

God, I miss her! :(

My condolences to you, Eutrusca. I know you two had friendship on a more personal level. Take care of yourself,buddy.

~Rest in peace Zooke~

My condolences to everyone close to you Zooke. So many will miss you I am sure. Your light will shine forever with God as well as in our hearts.

http://beingoflight.brotherofyeshua.com/TheGiftFromYourHigherSelfTn.jpg

I am glad that there is no more pain for you and know that your journey is just beginning.

http://nogutsnoglory.netfirms.com/images/UniqueFlower_JPG.jpg
A unique and beautiful flower for a unique and beautiful soul.

I obviously can't speak for anyone else, but it's times like this that seem to bring back all the sorrow and pain of a lifetime...This does the same to me. And all those times when we say "oh, I'll call her (or him) tomorrow." And we never do and we find out it's too late.

~Rest in peace Zooke~

My condolences to everyone close to you Zooke. So many will miss you I am sure. Your light will shine forever with God as well as in our hearts.

http://beingoflight.brotherofyeshua.com/TheGiftFromYourHigherSelfTn.jpg

I am glad that there is no more pain for you and know that your journey is just beginning.

http://nogutsnoglory.netfirms.com/images/UniqueFlower_JPG.jpg
A unique and beautiful flower for a unique and beautiful soul.
That's so very, very kind of you! :fluffle:

This does the same to me. And all those times when we say "oh, I'll call her (or him) tomorrow." And we never do and we find out it's too late.
I just made a big mistake. I tried to call her husband, but the only number I have is Sandy's ( Zooke's ) cell phone number. Bad move on my part. Hearing her cheerful voice telling me she would return my call as soon as possible got me going again.

I'm going for a walk ... a long one. Talk to you kind people later.

:(

Very sad news.

At least she doesn't have the pain of cancer anymore. Not much consolation for her family though...

Rest in peace.

I never really knew Zooke but the posts of her's that I read always communicated the kind and loving person behind them in a way that few people's do.

My heart goes out to her family and friends, RIP Zooke.

R.I.P., Zooke

I didn't really know her, but her outstanding reputation speaks for itself and the effect she's had on many people here is clear and wonderful.

:(

May God Bless all those she left behind.

For it will, as we believ'd, appear once more,
In a new & more perfect Edition,
Corrected and Amended

Am very sorry to hear that, Eut. My heart goes out to all her family and friends in this sad time. May God take her and keep heer as His own, and grant solace to all those she left behind.

:(

If there were a crying emoticon, that'd be appropriate here.
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/traurig/sad-smiley-012.gif That one's my favorite.

Most of the crying smilies look... insincere.

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/traurig/sad-smiley-059.gif

My heart goes out to her family. Indeed, this is a sad day for all of General.

:(

:(

My thoughs and prayers are with you and your familey. May God bless you with peace and comfort in this time. May God be with you Zooke.

The Lady of Shallot
Alfred Lord Tennyson

Part I

On either side the river lie
Long fields of barley and of rye,
That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
And thro' the field the road runs by
To many-tower'd Camelot;
And up and down the people go,
Gazing where the lilies blow
Round an island there below,
The island of Shallot.


Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver
Thro' the wave that runs for ever
By the island in the river
Flowing down to Camelot.
Four gray walls, and four gray towers,
Overlook a space of flowers,
And the silent isle imbowers
The Lady of Shallot.

By the margin, willow veil'd,
Slide the heavy barges trail'd
By slow horses; and unhail'd
The shallop flitteth silken-sail'd
Skimming down to Camelot:
But who hath seen her wave her hand?
Or at the casement seen her stand?
Or is she known in all the land,
The Lady of Shallot?

Only reapers, reaping early
In among the bearded barley,
Hear a song that echoes cheerly
From the river winding clearly,
Down to tower'd Camelot:
And by the moon the reaper weary,
Piling sheaves in uplands airy,
Listening, whispers " 'Tis the fairy
Lady of Shallot."

Part II

There she weaves by night and day
A magic web with colours gay.
She has heard a whisper say,
A curse is on her if she stay
To look down to Camelot.
She knows not what the curse may be,
And so she weaveth steadily,
And little other care hath she,
The Lady of Shallot.

And moving thro' a mirror clear
That hangs before her all the year,
Shadows of the world appear.
There she sees the highway near
Winding down to Camelot:
There the river eddy whirls,
And there the surly village-churls,
And the red cloaks of market girls,
Pass onward from Shallot.

Sometimes a troop of damsels glad,
An abbot on an ambling pad,
Sometimes a curly shepherd-lad,
Or long-hair'd page in crimson clad,
Goes by to tower'd Camelot;
And sometimes thro' the mirror blue
The knights come riding two and two:
She hath no loyal knight and true,
The Lady of Shallot.

But in her web she still delights
To weave the mirror's magic sights,
For often thro' the silent nights
A funeral, with plumes and lights
And music, went to Camelot:
Or when the moon was overhead,
Came two young lovers lately wed:
"I am half sick of shadows," said
The Lady of Shallot.

Part III

A bow-shot from her bower-eaves,
He rode between the barley-sheaves,
The sun came dazzling thro' the leaves,
And flamed upon the brazen greaves
Of bold Sir Lancelot.
A red-cross knight for ever kneel'd
To a lady in his shield,
That sparkled on the yellow field,
Beside remote Shallot.

The gemmy bridle glitter'd free,
Like to some branch of stars we see
Hung in the golden Galaxy.
The bridle bells rang merrily
As he rode down to Camelot:
And from his blazon'd baldric slung
A mighty silver bugle hung,
And as he rode his armour rung,
Beside remote Shallot.

All in the blue unclouded weather
Thick-jewell'd shone the saddle-leather,
The helmet and the helmet-feather
Burn'd like one burning flame together,
As he rode down to Camelot.
As often thro' the purple night,
Below the starry clusters bright,
Some bearded meteor, trailing light,
Moves over still Shallot.

His broad clear brow in sunlight glow'd;
On burnish'd hooves his war-horse trode;
From underneath his helmet flow'd
His coal-black curls as on he rode,
As he rode down to Camelot.
From the bank and from the river
He flash'd into the crystal mirror,
"Tirra lirra," by the river
Sang Sir Lancelot.

She left the web, she left the loom,
She made three paces thro' the room,
She saw the water-lily bloom,
She saw the helmet and the plume,
She look'd down to Camelot.
Out flew the web and floated wide;
The mirror crack'd from side to side;
"The curse is come upon me," cried
The Lady of Shallot.

Part IV

In the stormy east-wind straining,
The pale yellow woods were waning,
The broad stream in his banks complaining,
Heavily the low sky raining
Over tower'd Camelot;
Down she came and found a boat
Beneath a willow left afloat,
And round about the prow she wrote
The Lady of Shallot.

And down the river's dim expanse
Like some bold seer in a trance,
Seeing all his own mischance--
With a glassy countenance
Did she look to Camelot.
And at the closing of the day
She loosed the chain, and down she lay;
The broad stream bore her far away,
The Lady of Shallot.

Lying, robed in snowy white
That loosely flew to left and right--
The leaves upon her falling light--
Thro' the noises of the night
She floated down to Camelot:
And as the boat-head wound along
The willowy hills and fields among,
They heard her singing her last song,
The Lady of Shallot.

Heard a carol, mournful, holy,
Chanted loudly, chanted lowly,
Till her blood was frozen slowly,
And her eyes were darken'd wholly,
Turn'd to tower'd Camelot.
For ere she reach'd upon the tide
The first house by the water-side,
Singing in her song she died,
The Lady of Shallot.

Under tower and balcony,
By garden-wall and gallery,
A gleaming shape she floated by,
Dead-pale between the houses high,
Silent into Camelot.
Out upon the wharfs they came,
Knight and burgher, lord and dame,
And round the prow they read her name,
The Lady of Shallot.

Who is this? and what is here?
And in the lighted palace near
Died the sound of royal cheer;
And they cross'd themselves for fear,
All the knights at Camelot:
But Lancelot mused a little space;
He said, "She has a lovely face;
God in his mercy lend her grace,
The Lady of Shallot."

Not much I can add, except to express my condolences. Sad news indeed.

:(

My thoughs and prayers are with you and your familey. May God bless you with peace and comfort in this time. May God be with you Zooke.

The Lady of Shallot
Alfred Lord Tennyson

< snipped for brevity >


That's very lovely. Thank you!

Goodbye Zooke. I'm sure God will treat you well in heaven

@Eutrusca

I made a planet (and moon) for Celestia in Zooke's honor. :)

http://www.freewebs.com/theplutonianempire/Zooke.png

If her husband's computer is fast enough, he can download celestia and I can send the files to display the planet on his celestia. :)

If nothing else, it was good that Zooke did have a chance to say goodbye to us.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=459796

I'd like to see that thread memorialized somehow. She was a dear lady to many of us - even though we only knew her "electronically".

:( RIP Zooke. At least your suffering is over.

Time to bring out the bottle and toast a good person tonight....

I do't know what to say...

Zooke...Sandy...I can't express how much you've helped me. You said you considered yourself lucky to count me as a friend. I was the lucky one. You had an amazing outlook, and I will never forget you.

My thoughts are with Ricky and the rest of her family.

What would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/traurig/sad-smiley-012.gif *Bows head and gives a moment of Silence for Zooke.*

Goodbye Zooke. Thank you for your compassion. I will miss you.

I was reminded of one of the most beautiful poems I know:

Song, by Emily Bronte

The linnet in the rocky dells,
The moor-lark in the air,
The bee among the heather bells
That hide my lady fair:

The wild deer browse above her breast;
The wild birds raise their brood;
And they, her smiles of love caressed,
Have left her solitude!

I ween, that when the grave's dark wall
Did first her form retain,
They thought their hearts could ne'er recall
The light of joy again.

They thought the tide of grief would flow
Unchecked through future years;
But where is all their anguish now,
And where are all their tears?

Well, let them fight for honour's breath,
Or pleasure's shade pursue--
The dweller in the land of death
Is changed and careless too.

And, if their eyes should watch and weep
Till sorrow's source were dry,
She would not, in her tranquil sleep,
Return a single sigh!

Blow, west-wind, by the lonely mound,
And murmur, summer-streams--
There is no need of other sound
To soothe my lady's dreams.

I am going to keep it short as words can not express

Rest In Peace

I lack words to express my sadness over receiving this message. I did not expect it to happen so suddenly, but I am comforted that it was quick. Rick, my heartfelt condoleances. You are all in my thoughts.

I will be going by a church tomorrow and will light a candle for her. She would have liked that.

I didn't know Zooke very well but I know she was very comfortable with where spirit was and is going. She seemed at peace with the situation and ready for the inevitable. I know there was pain involved in her condition and that pain is gone now. I rejoice for her and for where she's going.

I hope that her family finds in comfort in the impact she made while she was here and in the blessed comfort in which she now finds herself.

I cannot mourn the death of someone so wonderful when it's so clear she would prefer we celebrate her life.

May we all be as loved and as missed when our time comes. May we all be as ready as she was. May we all find the peace that she did.

Thank you, Sandy, for being a part of our lives for as long as God would let us have you.

I made a planet (and moon) for Celestia in Zooke's honor. :)

http://www.freewebs.com/theplutonianempire/Zooke.png

If her husband's computer is fast enough, he can download celestia and I can send the files to display the planet on his celestia. :)
you know, i find that really quite touching :)

Rest in peace, Zooke, rest in peace.

May she rest in peace, somewhere good, away from the turmoil of this world. Rest in Peace. My condolences.

My heart goes out to her husband, family and friends.

God Bless you Zooke.

“All is Well”


Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you; what ever we were to each other that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way you always used to. Put no difference into your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word it always was. Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it always was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
What is death but a negligible accident? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner…
All is well.

Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before - only better, infinitely happier and for ever - we will all be one, together.

Canon Henry Scott Holland.

I will be going by a church tomorrow and will light a candle for her. She would have liked that.
That means alot. Thank you.


I think Eut might know why I'm gonna post these lyrics, but I'll post the explination, courtesy of Sandy herself.

regarding Woodstock:
But the best of them all was Janis Joplin. She was amazing and I loved every song she did, but Try struck right in my heart. I can still hear her in my head. She came out, looking like she was dressed up out of her mama's rag bag, and proceeded to tear the most amazing music out of her little body. The first thing I think of when I think of Woodstock is Janis. Sadly, about a year later, she and Jimi were both dead. If they had lived, the music they would have given us!

Try, try, try just a little bit harder
So I can love, love, love him, I tell myself
’cause I’m gonna try, oh yeah, just a little bit harder
So I won’t lose, lose, lose him to nobody else, yeah.
Hey, I don’t care how long it’s gonna take ya
But if it’s a dream I don’t want no I don’t really want it
Yeah if it’s a dream I don’t want nobody to wake me.

Yeah I’m gonna try, oh yeah, just a little bit harder
So I can give, give, give, give him every bit of my soul.
I’m gonna try, oh yeah, just a little bit harder
So I can show, show, show him love with no control, yeah.
Hey! I don’t care how long it’s gonna take ya
But if it’s a dream I don’t want
No I don’t really want it
Yeah if it’s a dream I don’t want nobody to wake me.
Hey, dig it! yeah! yeah yeah yeah!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, all right.

Try oh yeah, hey, try oh yeah, lord, lord, lord,
Try oh yeah, try oh yeah, lord, lord, lord,
Try oh yeah yeah, try, whoa, try oh yeah, lord, lord, lord,
Push, work, push, work, oh yeah, try, oh yeah hey!
Try oh yeah, hey try oh yeah,
Try lord, try, try, you ain’t trying man
You’re not trying out man, come up with it.
Come on, that’s a wanker that listens to words, man.
Hey you gotta work all night
Hey little girl, gotta push on
You gotta need
Work a little more, hey, try a little more,
Need a little more
Yeah, work on, push on, move on, move on,
You gotta work for it, you gotta work on it
Push on, need on, move on,
Move on, hey hey hey.

Work it daddy,
Work it daddy,
Come on, work it daddy, oh
Yeah, yeah, you better try, try, try, try a little more
You ain’t never gonna get any man if that’s the sort of thing you can do.
Shit, there’s lot more talent around than that man.
Try, try, try, try try try,
You’ve gotta try, try, try, try,
Try, try, try, try, try, try...
You gotta try, try, try, try...
Lord, try, try, try, try,
Lord, try, try, try, try,
Hey, try, try, try, try,

Hey, try oh yeah, try oh yeah, lord, lord, lord
Try oh yeah, hey, try whoa, try oh yeah
Try oh yeah, lord, lord, lord, try oh yeah
Try oh yeah, hey, hey, hey,
Try oh yeah, try oh yeah,
Lord, lord, lord, oh lord.

And don’t you forget!

And if you were with me tonight,
I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big,
god wouldn't let it live.
May angels lead you in.

Did Zooke have a favorite charity? Is there one that her husband would like to have receive donations in her name?

:( She's gone, but only to rejoin the Great Circle.

We'll see her again in some form, soon.

That warms my heart. :)

See you soon Zooke.

Requiescat in pace.

This is the last TG Sandy wrote me. I'm so glad I didn't delete it.

[ Edited to remove personal information ]

I logged on to NS for a few minutes after I got to work and found your message to call. I was surprised to find my thread still front page and the number of people who said such lovely things. I am just overwhelmed. How do you let people know how much you appreciate them with such a candid display of caring? I know I have to beat this stuff now just so I can come back and do some motherly nagging. I've kept it to myself as I thought that with good medical care it would be easily cured. But this crap keeps moving around. I'm still very optomistic, but I'm more than a little aggrevated with it, I'm starting to have some doubts and worries, and I'm just so tired all of the time. I have too much to do to mess with this. Anyway, overall, there is signifcant improvement with just a few backslides, and I'm still pretty tough. I'm snowed here at work trying to get everything ready for end of year audit so I can start a weeks vacation on Thursday. That will give me plenty of time to prepare for the family and still not wear myself out. Wanna come wipe off my ceiling fan blades for me??

This is the last TG Sandy wrote me. I'm so glad I didn't delete it.

[ Edited to remove personal information ]

I logged on to NS for a few minutes after I got to work and found your message to call. I was surprised to find my thread still front page and the number of people who said such lovely things. I am just overwhelmed. How do you let people know how much you appreciate them with such a candid display of caring? I know I have to beat this stuff now just so I can come back and do some motherly nagging. I've kept it to myself as I thought that with good medical care it would be easily cured. But this crap keeps moving around. I'm still very optomistic, but I'm more than a little aggrevated with it, I'm starting to have some doubts and worries, and I'm just so tired all of the time. I have too much to do to mess with this. Anyway, overall, there is signifcant improvement with just a few backslides, and I'm still pretty tough. I'm snowed here at work trying to get everything ready for end of year audit so I can start a weeks vacation on Thursday. That will give me plenty of time to prepare for the family and still not wear myself out. Wanna come wipe off my ceiling fan blades for me??
death is so sudden :(
when was that sent eut? (if you don't mind me asking)

Sadly I never had the chance to get to know her, but I felt I should post something and offer my condolences.

I'm not a religous man, but this seemed appropriate -

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Rest in Peace.

At one point, I was pretty darn close to Zooke, though we haven't really talked much recently. When I saw this, I admit, I cried for the most part of the day, and tried to sleep off the news. I couldn't sleep at all...

She was an amazing person, and I won't ever forget her overall positive attitude, and amazing personality.

you know, i find that really quite touching :)
:)

At one point, I was pretty darn close to Zooke, though we haven't really talked much recently. When I saw this, I admit, I cried for the most part of the day, and tried to sleep off the news. I couldn't sleep at all...

She was an amazing person, and I won't ever forget her overall positive attitude, and amazing personality.
Although I pretty much never met her, she was on my mind a lot today, even while I was having my braces removed at the orthodontist's.

death is so sudden :(
when was that sent eut? (if you don't mind me asking)
No, I don't mind at all. The TG says "25 days ago." She's sent me emails since thien, but that's the last TG I got from her.

I didn't really know her, although I read some of her posts, but I extend my condolences to those who did.

I hope this doesn't seem callow, so soon after, but, on an administrative matter, I added her name into the Halls of Memory on NSwiki. Someone who knew her could add a page about her.

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1764/roses8zc.jpg Rest in peace Zooke.

We'll see you in another happy world, someday.

Ok, I don't know her last name or anything, but I have ordered 10 trees to be planted in Israel in Zooke's (Sandy) name.

If someone can give me an address, I can have the thank-you card sent there.

TG it if you don't want it public.

It is all I could think to do. Memorial trees in the holy land.

Ok, I don't know her last name or anything, but I have ordered 10 trees to be planted in Israel in Zooke's (Sandy) name.

If someone can give me an address, I can have the thank-you card sent there.

TG it if you don't want it public.

It is all I could think to do. Memorial trees in the holy land.
Bless you, K! Our lil Zooke would have loved that! :fluffle:

I didn't know Zooke, but I'd certainly heard of her.
I'm really really sorry to hear this has happened.
It's clear that she was somebody who touched a lot of people.
I hope she rests in peace in a better place than this.

At one point, I was pretty darn close to Zooke, though we haven't really talked much recently. When I saw this, I admit, I cried for the most part of the day, and tried to sleep off the news. I couldn't sleep at all...

She was an amazing person, and I won't ever forget her overall positive attitude, and amazing personality.
:fluffle:

I've been crying off and on since I first learned that she had died, and couldn't sleep the first night either. It's more that I know I'm going to miss her terribly than anything else. I suppose I don't cry as much for her as I do for myself; it's like a light has gone out of my life.

:)
Me too, PE. I just read your post about creating a planet for her and thought that was a really sweet gesture.

I can't get in touch with her husband just now. I suppose he's busy with all the things that have to be done when someone dies. Besides, the only number I have for them is her cellphone number, and I can't bear to hear her voice again, being so cheerful ... not yet, anyway. [ cries ]

Me too, PE. I just read your post about creating a planet for her and thought that was a really sweet gesture.

I can't get in touch with her husband just now. I suppose he's busy with all the things that have to be done when someone dies. Besides, the only number I have for them is her cellphone number, and I can't bear to hear her voice again, being so cheerful ... not yet, anyway. [ cries ]
I understand. :fluffle:

Me too, PE. I just read your post about creating a planet for her and thought that was a really sweet gesture.

I can't get in touch with her husband just now. I suppose he's busy with all the things that have to be done when someone dies. Besides, the only number I have for them is her cellphone number, and I can't bear to hear her voice again, being so cheerful ... not yet, anyway. [ cries ]
I understand. :fluffle:

I understand. :fluffle:
[ Weeps on PE's shoulder ... ] Oops! Sorry about that! Heh!

Sigh. :(

[ Weeps on PE's shoulder ... ] Oops! Sorry about that! Heh!

Sigh. :(
It's okay. :)

(if you REALLY want a good cry and let your emotions out, listen to my Empire's national anthem, which is in my sig. Dunno wether it'll work though, but I've cried to it once or twice.)

Keru, that was a really nice gesture. Maybe you could even tell me where they were planted, I'll make sure to go past there sometime :)

I think it would be really nice for NS as a whole to make a gesture to Zooke and her memory. I had a few ideas....
1) There's an organisation or something that lets you name a star after someone. I know this may sound corny, but I think its a nice idea, Zooke really was a star on NS General. Not many people who hang around here haven't heard of Zooke, and everyone who knew her loved her.
2) Find out if she was a member of any organisations, and send them a donation. If she wasn't, we could find an organisation that promotes her ideals (something about tolerance and understanding between religions I think would be best) and donate.

Many thanks to all of you for your kind words and support. I see that she touched people here like she does everyone she meets. Always the first with a smile and a hug. Yesterday was real busy making arrangements and I havent had time to do much more than what I have to. Forrest i'll answer your emails when things settle down around here. I have a house full and my Mom is going to stay with me for a few days. I was pretty hammered when I wrote to you and i will give you more of the details later this week. The rest of her family will arrive later this morning then we are having a memorial mass this afternoon. When I get her ashes back we'll have a interrment service and lay her next to her daughter. I figure those 2 are busy yakking and giggling and catching up on the years they've been apart.

We're asking that noone send flowers but make a charitable donation to a group they support. Sandy volunteered and contributed to several mostly the humane society, Catholic charities, Salvation Army, and disaster relief. Her kids are giving to breast cancer research. She probably wouldn't care as long as it helped someone in need. I think the thank you card for the tress should go to all of you people here. You gave her much happiness.

I'm not good at words like Sandy just an old country boy who married up. I want to say thank you very much. I'll keep in touch with Forrest and let him pass on what he thinks he should.

God bless.

Keru, that was a really nice gesture. Maybe you could even tell me where they were planted, I'll make sure to go past there sometime :)

I think it would be really nice for NS as a whole to make a gesture to Zooke and her memory. I had a few ideas....
1) There's an organisation or something that lets you name a star after someone. I know this may sound corny, but I think its a nice idea, Zooke really was a star on NS General. Not many people who hang around here haven't heard of Zooke, and everyone who knew her loved her.
2) Find out if she was a member of any organisations, and send them a donation. If she wasn't, we could find an organisation that promotes her ideals (something about tolerance and understanding between religions I think would be best) and donate.

That's a good idea. She collected a mixed bag of friends for sure. I bet she would love it if some of you adopted a pet for her. She sure loved animals. Dogs and cats all over the world named zooke and Sandy. I have to smile at that.

... we could find an organisation that promotes her ideals (something about tolerance and understanding between religions I think would be best) and donate.
Here's one that I'm fond of, although I don't know whether Sandy was familiar with it or not. I suspect she would have been had she known about it: United Communities of Spirit (http://origin.org/ucs/home.cfm)

That's a good idea. She collected a mixed bag of friends for sure. I bet she would love it if some of you adopted a pet for her. She sure loved animals. Dogs and cats all over the world named zooke and Sandy. I have to smile at that.
Hey, bro!!!

How you doing? Call me, please. I left a message on Sandy's cellphone, but I can't bear to hear her voice again just now. :(

Adopting an animal is a great idea! Thank you!

Many thanks to all of you for your kind words and support. I see that she touched people here like she does everyone she meets. Always the first with a smile and a hug. Yesterday was real busy making arrangements and I havent had time to do much more than what I have to. Forrest i'll answer your emails when things settle down around here. I have a house full and my Mom is going to stay with me for a few days. I was pretty hammered when I wrote to you and i will give you more of the details later this week. The rest of her family will arrive later this morning then we are having a memorial mass this afternoon. When I get her ashes back we'll have a interrment service and lay her next to her daughter. I figure those 2 are busy yakking and giggling and catching up on the years they've been apart.

We're asking that noone send flowers but make a charitable donation to a group they support. Sandy volunteered and contributed to several mostly the humane society, Catholic charities, Salvation Army, and disaster relief. Her kids are giving to breast cancer research. She probably wouldn't care as long as it helped someone in need. I think the thank you card for the tress should go to all of you people here. You gave her much happiness.

I'm not good at words like Sandy just an old country boy who married up. I want to say thank you very much. I'll keep in touch with Forrest and let him pass on what he thinks he should.

God bless.
Semper Fi, bro. Let me know if you need anything ... anything at all. I'm here when you need me.

I think I'll make a donation in Sandy's name to breast cancer research and perhaps adopt an animal and name it Zooke. I smile at thinking about that too.

Unfortunately, I do not know where the trees are planted.

I go through these people:
http://www.jnf.org/

When I get the little certificate in the mail, I will scan it and place it here.

Zooke was probably one of the few people with more critters than I have. My next stray is Zooke, male or female.
My condolences to her husband.:(

I'm not good at words like Sandy just an old country boy who married up.

Not good at words? This might be the sweetest thing I've ever read. God bless you and your family.

:( :( :(

I'd like to see that thread memorialized somehow. She was a dear lady to many of us - even though we only knew her "electronically".I made the request (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10252334&postcount=3). Especially since I'm going through my own cancer scare right now.

:fluffle: for Zooke.

I hope they have internet in Heaven.

But not Jolt

I haven't been around long enough to know her well, but have seen her posts. A fine person.

May I ask who Zooke is?

:fluffle:

I've been crying off and on since I first learned that she had died, and couldn't sleep the first night either. It's more that I know I'm going to miss her terribly than anything else. I suppose I don't cry as much for her as I do for myself; it's like a light has gone out of my life.


Completely understandable. If you need anyone to talk to about it, feel free to telegram me, or e-mail me. Euroslaviathemod@gmail.com This is one of those things that everyone needs to pull together and work through it as one, rather than dealing with it alone.

An interesting idea came to mind though. I know there's a way to go about naming a star for someone. I think it's like 60-70 dollars (American), so it is pretty expensive, but it's just an idea. We could name it after her nation. :)

Most of the crying smilies look... insincere.I liked the :cry: emoticon from the old boards.

In honour of Sandy (aka Zooke), a song from my favourite singer/songwriter that deals with grief:

"Edge of Seventeen" (from VH1 Storytellers, 1998)

Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... hoo... hoo
Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... ...hoo... hoo

And the days go by like a strand in the wind
In the web that is my own I begin again
I Said to my friend baby
(everything stopped)
You know nothin' else mattered

He was no more (he was no more) than a baby then
Well he seemed broken hearted...
It was something within him
But the moment that I first laid...
Eyes...on...him all alone, somewhere
On the edge of...seventeen

Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... hoo... hoo
Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... ...hoo... hoo

Well I went today maybe I will go again tomorrow
Well, well the music there it was hauntingly, hauntingly familiar
And I see you doing what I try to do for me
With the words from a poet and the voice from a choir
And a melody... and nothing else mattered

Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... hoo... hoo
Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing it to you
Hoo... ...hoo... hoo

The sky never expects it when it rains
But the sea changes colours...
but the sea does not change
No the sea does not change, it does not change, does it
So with the slow graceful flow of age
I went forth with an age old desire to please
On the edge of seventeen

Ooooowwwwwwwwwwwww

Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... hoo... hoo
Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... ...hoo... hoo

And then suddenly there was no one...
Left standing in the hall...
Well, well in a flood of tears
That no one really ever heard fall
Well I went searchin' for an answer...
Up the stairs and down the hall
I did not find an answer...
But I did hear the call
Of a nightbird...singing...
come away... come now

Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... hoo... hoo
Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... ...hoo... hoo

Well I hear you (well I hear you)
in the morning... (the morning)
and I hear you... (I hear you)
At nightfall... (nightfall)
sometimes to be near you...
Is to be unable...to hear you...
my love...
I'm a few years older than you...
are (well I'm a few years older than you)

Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... hoo... hoo
Just like the white winged dove...
sings a song sounds like she's singing...
Hoo... ...hoo... hoo

I hear the call of a nightbird
I hear the call of a nightbird
I still hear the call of a nightbird
Ooh and he says "deep in the middle of the night
(I hear the call of a nightbird)
Do you know what it sounds like?"
"Do you know what it sounds like?"
I know what it sounds like...
I know what it sounds like...
I know what it sounds like....

May I ask who Zooke is?

Read the thread?

Farewell, Zooke. You'll be missed.

Many thanks to all of you for your kind words and support. I see that she touched people here like she does everyone she meets. Always the first with a smile and a hug. Yesterday was real busy making arrangements and I havent had time to do much more than what I have to. Forrest i'll answer your emails when things settle down around here. I have a house full and my Mom is going to stay with me for a few days. I was pretty hammered when I wrote to you and i will give you more of the details later this week. The rest of her family will arrive later this morning then we are having a memorial mass this afternoon. When I get her ashes back we'll have a interrment service and lay her next to her daughter. I figure those 2 are busy yakking and giggling and catching up on the years they've been apart.

We're asking that noone send flowers but make a charitable donation to a group they support. Sandy volunteered and contributed to several mostly the humane society, Catholic charities, Salvation Army, and disaster relief. Her kids are giving to breast cancer research. She probably wouldn't care as long as it helped someone in need. I think the thank you card for the tress should go to all of you people here. You gave her much happiness.

I'm not good at words like Sandy just an old country boy who married up. I want to say thank you very much. I'll keep in touch with Forrest and let him pass on what he thinks he should.

God bless.
You said you aren't good with words? Yeah, that whole thing made me tear up/smile a bit...Same as she usually did. My next pet will be named Zooke or Sandy...definatly. I hope things are okay with you and your family (well, as "okay" as can be expected. If you need anything, let me know.

I've been crying off and on since I first learned that she had died, and couldn't sleep the first night either. It's more that I know I'm going to miss her terribly than anything else. I suppose I don't cry as much for her as I do for myself; it's like a light has gone out of my life.
:fluffle:

An interesting idea came to mind though. I know there's a way to go about naming a star for someone. I think it's like 60-70 dollars (American), so it is pretty expensive, but it's just an idea. We could name it after her nation. :)
thats a pretty neat idea.

we could set up a paypal donations thing so NSers could contribute (how else do we choose who coughs up, unless Eut fancies doing it by default?)



i also like the idea of naming pets after her. we're still deliberating on whether or not to get a new cat (last one can't really be replaced says i) but i'll keep the idea in mind.


and :fluffle: for Eut - you seem to be taking this pretty hard buddy :(
then again you knew her probably better than any of the rest of us. its been affecting me harder than i would have thought too - i keep thinking about it, how i'm going to miss her posting here in her most kind and upbeat of ways... i dunno i just think about it a lot generally these last few days and it makes me sad (actually quite something when i felt nothing when two friends of mine died in car-crashes two years ago... but i'll stop turning this into yet another self-centred post and just reiterate that i miss her - even though i didn't know her as well as many - and my condolences to her family)

I never knew Sandy really. But this is very sad when members actually die so suddenly.
But look on the bright side people. She's in a better place and her death was truly the beggining of life.

I keep thinking about that young girl at Woodstock, so into the music and dancing in the rain. I actually saw that brief clip a couple of weeks ago, in a documentary about Woodstock. She really was just into it, slowly dancing and turning, eyes closed and a little smile on her face. At least I think it was Sandy. I hope it was Sandy. I think that's how I'll choose to remember her.

Oh dear:(

I never knew Sandy really. But this is very sad when members actually die so suddenly.
But look on the bright side people. She's in a better place and her death was truly the beggining of life.
you're right, and really, i'm not kidding-oh dear:(

Damnit! Now I'm crying again! God, I hate this! :(

May I ask who Zooke is?
Sure. I'll tell you who I knew her as.

She was a young girl, totally taken with the music, dancing in the rain at the Woodstock rock festival.

She was someone who loved little kids and animals. One of her callings in life was to rescue animals no one else wanted. That's where her NS nickname came from: Zooke, as in Zookeeper.

She was someone who had suffered greatly in life. Among her experiences were a failed marriage ( he left her for someone younger ), an inablity to have her own children, having been homeless for a time; the list is long.

She could make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, like adopting disabled kids after she found out she couldn't have any of her own.

She was someone who could listen better than almost anyone I have ever known, hearing the meanings and pain behind the actual words.

She could see the potentials in people, as opposed to surface appearances.

She was the sort of person of whom people say, "She had a beautiful soul."

That's why I want to remember her as that beautiful young girl, dancing in the rain at Woodstock, totally involved in the music. That was her life: dance even when it's raining ... perhaps especially when it's raining.

Sure. I'll tell you who I knew her as.
Very nice post, Eutrusca. Thanks for humanizing her so well.

Euro, not that I have a problem with you taking credit for it buddy, but just for the record..... :p
I think it would be really nice for NS as a whole to make a gesture to Zooke and her memory. I had a few ideas....
1) There's an organisation or something that lets you name a star after someone. I know this may sound corny, but I think its a nice idea, Zooke really was a star on NS General. Not many people who hang around here haven't heard of Zooke, and everyone who knew her loved her.

But regardless of who suggested it, I'm in full favour of the idea. Eut, if you want to send me your address, or some other way I can get money to you, I want to be a part of this and to chip in. Its the least I could do for someone so wonderful.

Very nice post, Eutrusca. Thanks for humanizing her so well.
Perhaps it's because I honestly loved her so much. Thank you.

Damnit! Now I'm crying again! God, I hate this! :(
Can't blame you. This'd happen to me if some close has died.

I keep thinking about that young girl at Woodstock, so into the music and dancing in the rain. I actually saw that brief clip a couple of weeks ago, in a documentary about Woodstock. She really was just into it, slowly dancing and turning, eyes closed and a little smile on her face. At least I think it was Sandy. I hope it was Sandy. I think that's how I'll choose to remember her.
she told me you saw that clip...told me that she suspected you had a reaction to it, and to give you hell for it. One of the many times she made me laugh while reading her emails

dance even when it's raining ... perhaps especially when it's raining.
Ya know, the night I found out, it was raining here...two things came to mind...first was "how appropriate". Next was "it's hard to stay mad when there's so much beauty in the world". I went in my car, turned on Kozmic Blues, and drove...somewhere between tears and smiles the entire way.

she told me you saw that clip...told me that she suspected you had a reaction to it, and to give you hell for it. One of the many times she made me laugh while reading her emails


Ya know, the night I found out, it was raining here...two things came to mind...first was "how appropriate". Next was "it's hard to stay mad when there's so much beauty in the world". I went in my car, turned on Kozmic Blues, and drove...somewhere between tears and smiles the entire way.
I understand perfectly.

Funny, I don't recall you "giving me hell" for anything. Hmmm. Should anticipate your following her instructions at some later date? :p

The last few days have been chaotic around here but its settling down now. I sent Forrest an email and he can pass on what he sees fit. I don't know who most of you are but it looks like Sandy knew you and loved you and you all loved her right back. For that I respect you and say thank you. Doctor says she probably went easy which is a blessing. She just got tired and her body gave out on her. I'm ok and her kids and family are kind of relieved that she doesn't have to suffer any more. I guess I am too except I miss her and it is too quiet around here. You know she wouldnt want you all to be crying and upset. There is life after death and she is dancing happy in rain and shine. There is a God and sometimes he sends us one of his angels to love us. Aren't we blessed?

God bless, Ricky

hey bro. Sent you an email. Did you get it yet?

I understand perfectly.

Funny, I don't recall you "giving me hell" for anything. Hmmm. Should anticipate your following her instructions at some later date? :p

"getting hell" from Sandy was like getting beat silly with a feather and a kiss. You might not have noticed.

The last few days have been chaotic around here but its settling down now. I sent Forrest an email and he can pass on what he sees fit. I don't know who most of you are but it looks like Sandy knew you and loved you and you all loved her right back. For that I respect you and say thank you. Doctor says she probably went easy which is a blessing. She just got tired and her body gave out on her. I'm ok and her kids and family are kind of relieved that she doesn't have to suffer any more. I guess I am too except I miss her and it is too quiet around here. You know she wouldnt want you all to be crying and upset. There is life after death and she is dancing happy in rain and shine. There is a God and sometimes he sends us one of his angels to love us. Aren't we blessed?

God bless, Ricky
Thank you for updating us, bro. Call me if you need me, or if you just wanna talk. I'm here.

Semper Fi, dude.

hey bro. Sent you an email. Did you get it yet?
Just now read it. I'll comment here as soon as I digest it properly.

"getting hell" from Sandy was like getting beat silly with a feather and a kiss. You might not have noticed.
Heh! Actually, she apparently told Sarkhaan to give me hell. His version may be just a tad different from Sandy's! :D

Just now read it. I'll comment here as soon as I digest it properly.
Appreciate it. I know you understand.

I didn't know Zooke very well, but she was kind for the parts that I did. So, may she always be happy and get extra mashed potatoes at lunchtime in Heaven.

Just a few things to share with all of you from what Ricky told me about Sandy:

The doctors said that she had a massive heart attack. She had gone to sleep and Ricky didn't realize anything was wrong until Pedie ( one of the dogs she had adopted from the pound ) started howling as if he were being murdered. At first, Ricky tried to figure out what was wrong with him then realized that Sandy hadn't awakened to find out what was wrong with Pedie. When he checked on Sandy, she wasn't breathing.

Ricky called 9-1-1 and began performing CPR on Sandy. The paramedics arrived quickly and got her heart and breathing going again, but she had apparently been without oxygen too long. The doctor said she had massive brain damage.

After a phone call with Sandy's oldest son, the decision was made to remove her from life support.

Sandy was an organ donor, so they waited to remove life support until after they had harvested her organs.

So Sandy died as she lived, still giving of herself, still offering hope to those who have little cause for hope. Still dancing in the rain.


Ricky said that, though naming a star after her would be a thoughtful gesture, Sandy would have much preferred for the money to go to someone who needs it. Her children all agreed to donate money to breast cancer research.

I think it would be great if we could all agree on one charity to donate to in her name. We need to discuss this. Since Sandy loved dogs so much and rescued so many headed for euthenasia, I was thinking ASPCA. Please offer your own suggestions. If we get several proposals we can run a poll to see which one everyone prefers. Don't fret if you can't afford to donate, I'll make a large enough donation to cover those who can't and list all of you as contributors.

Here's more of what Ricky told me in another email, in his own words:

Sandy opened her heart and adopted 4 special needs children, loved them taught them and helped them understand that they were not handicapped but fully capable and could achieve whatever they wanted with a few minor adjustments. Her kids are primo, hard working, successful and really good parents.

Sandy worked long and hard in the Freedom Support Act exchange student program. She worked with many and hosted several kids from the former USSR. Most of them have kept in touch and a few of them are now US citizens and most of the rest are using what they learned from her and their American friends and community to reform and reshape their countries into the American ideal of freedom.

Sandy studied for 2 years to be a Eucharistic minister in her faith the Catholic church. Several times a week she visited elderly and home bound Catholics to give them Communion, pray with them, visit with them (often their only visitor), and run a few errands and do a little shopping for them.

Sandy noticed a little girl who lives near where I work who had to tote an enormous backpack to school everyday. This backpack was almost as big as that little girl but the kid lived in the projects and that was probably the best that her family could afford. After Sandy Clause visited she has a smaller backpack with some kind of cute little pink stuff on it, a new wetherproof coat, and her older brother who is probably 7 or 8 also has a new coat and some kind of doll that turns into an ass-kicking monster.

When some Muslim neighbors from Kashmire started being persecuted by local and federal authorities she stood up for our friends supported them. She helped expose that our local hick police force were manufacturing false charges to persecute our friends based on their religion and country of origin. Thanks to her and others' efforts all charges were dropped and our friends are prosperous valuable members of the community.

Sandy once forcibly wrenched a child from her mother who was beating the child with a baseball bat, took the bat away from the mother, and laid her out with it.

I deeply sorry, although I've neve rped with her I am sorry to hear of one of our one passing away.

Hell of a thing to come home to.

I got started crying just reading all the beautiful things so many people have posted about Zooke, even though I hardly knew her. I can't begin to imagine how hard it is on those who knew her well. My deepest condolensces to her family and all the people she's touched both in person and electronically. The world could use more people as kind and understanding as the stories here make her out to be. I regret I didn't get the chance to know her.

She will be missed. :(

Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here
-Brad Paisley, "When I Get Where I'm Going"

Sandy you brought light and joy to this forum and will be dearly be missed by all.

Hell of a thing to come home to.

I got started crying just reading all the beautiful things so many people have posted about Zooke, even though I hardly knew her. I can't begin to imagine how hard it is on those who knew her well. My deepest condolensces to her family and all the people she's touched both in person and electronically. The world could use more people as kind and understanding as the stories here make her out to be. I regret I didn't get the chance to know her.

She will be missed. :(

Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here
-Brad Paisley, "When I Get Where I'm Going"

Mods are human too! :eek:

Thank you, Reploid. She was a great lady.

Ojcze nasz, ktores jest w niebie, swiece imie twoje, przjdz krolestwo twoje, badz wole twoja, jako w niebie tak i na ziemi, i odpuszc nam nasze wine jako i my im odpusczamy naszym winowajcom, i nie wodz nasz na pokuszenie ale na zbaw nas ode zlego, amen.

Just a little Polish prayer there. Sleep eternally with the Lord, Zooke. I knew little of you, but from what I do know, you were---no, are, for you live on forever in the Lord's kingdom---a great woman, and to lose you is a great loss.

So Sandy died as she lived, still giving of herself, still offering hope to those who have little cause for hope.

Geeze .... that made me weep. I don't normally weep for the departed because I know they're better off than we. I weep for the living and greive with them at the loss, but that above thought made me all at once realise that not only had us few lost someone special to us, but that the whole world was now missing what much of it would never realise it had.

Gah ... I'm babbling.

Funny, I don't recall you "giving me hell" for anything. Hmmm. Should anticipate your following her instructions at some later date? :p
I like to save up my credits...just you wait;)

Heh! Actually, she apparently told Sarkhaan to give me hell. His version may be just a tad different from Sandy's!
yeah...just a tad

The last few days have been chaotic around here but its settling down now. I sent Forrest an email and he can pass on what he sees fit. I don't know who most of you are but it looks like Sandy knew you and loved you and you all loved her right back. For that I respect you and say thank you. Doctor says she probably went easy which is a blessing. She just got tired and her body gave out on her. I'm ok and her kids and family are kind of relieved that she doesn't have to suffer any more. I guess I am too except I miss her and it is too quiet around here. You know she wouldnt want you all to be crying and upset. There is life after death and she is dancing happy in rain and shine. There is a God and sometimes he sends us one of his angels to love us. Aren't we blessed?

God bless, Ricky
I'm glad things are calming down, and it is nice to know she went peacefully. And that last line was truly...beautiful. Thank you for the info (you too Eut.)

I would suggest either humane society, breast cancer fund, or one of the groups that does work in developing countries...I don't know any particulars, but I know there are plenty...perhaps Christian Childrens Fund? I know they do great work, and although many of us are not Christian, they give most of the money they recieve to the people who need it.

Gah ... I'm babbling.
I don't think so. :fluffle:

Euro, not that I have a problem with you taking credit for it buddy, but just for the record..... :p


But regardless of who suggested it, I'm in full favour of the idea. Eut, if you want to send me your address, or some other way I can get money to you, I want to be a part of this and to chip in. Its the least I could do for someone so wonderful.

I actually didn't even see your post and hadn't taken credit for it, heh, but either way, I'd love to do this.

"We are all part of the Great Circle of Life"

~ Mufasa to Simba in "The Lion King"

From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far to much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round

It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
'Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life

It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
'Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life

I think it would be great if we could all agree on one charity to donate to in her name. We need to discuss this. Since Sandy loved dogs so much and rescued so many headed for euthenasia, I was thinking ASPCA. Please offer your own suggestions. If we get several proposals we can run a poll to see which one everyone prefers. Don't fret if you can't afford to donate, I'll make a large enough donation to cover those who can't and list all of you as contributors.

I support this, but would suggest that we all donate to our respective national SPCAs (for those of us who don't know what the abbreviation stands for, it is "society for prevention of cruelty to animals) and not "just" to the ASPCA, as that would save all those of us not in the US some hassle, while still honouring the same goal.

I support this, but would suggest that we all donate to our respective national SPCAs (for those of us who don't know what the abbreviation stands for, it is "society for prevention of cruelty to animals) and not "just" to the ASPCA, as that would save all those of us not in the US some hassle, while still honouring the same goal.

Agreed.

I support this, but would suggest that we all donate to our respective national SPCAs (for those of us who don't know what the abbreviation stands for, it is "society for prevention of cruelty to animals) and not "just" to the ASPCA, as that would save all those of us not in the US some hassle, while still honouring the same goal.While I'd certainly be happy to donate to the ASPCA, I think this is a great idea.

I support this, but would suggest that we all donate to our respective national SPCAs (for those of us who don't know what the abbreviation stands for, it is "society for prevention of cruelty to animals) and not "just" to the ASPCA, as that would save all those of us not in the US some hassle, while still honouring the same goal.
Excellent point. Thank you, bro.

I was wandering around the house and decided to check on here and found a thread by Nazz who just lost his nephew to a terrible disease-spinal muscular atrophy.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464048

Sandy would have been all over this and I think this would be the best place to make your donations. She loved kids so this would be perfect. Maybe from the Friends of Uncle Nazz and Zooke?

http://www.fsma.org/makeapledge.shtml

If its ok with Nazz.

I was wandering around the house and decided to check on here and found a thread by Nazz who just lost his nephew to a terrible disease-spinal muscular atrophy.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464048

Sandy would have been all over this and I think this would be the best place to make your donations. She loved kids so this would be perfect. Maybe from the Friends of Uncle Nazz and Zooke?

http://www.fsma.org/makeapledge.shtml

If its ok with Nazz.
Works for me. I'd be honored to make a donation to this group.

I'll take the poll today, since everyone who has a suggested charity has apparently already mentioned it.

My vote is with the RSPCA (I don't know the Israeli version, so I'll donate to the English version)

After reading all the things she did (Which Im sure weren't all of them) I couldnt help cry, but I wasnt sad. I was happy, that she wouldnt have to suffer any more, and that an angel got to come on back home. :) Eut, I cant thank you enough for being so strong and organizing all this. You're the best ;)

After reading all the things she did (Which Im sure weren't all of them) I couldnt help cry, but I wasnt sad. I was happy, that she wouldnt have to suffer any more, and that an angel got to come on back home. :) Eut, I cant thank you enough for being so strong and organizing all this. You're the best ;)
[ major blush ] Nahh. I just loved her.

Sad, very sad. I am deeply sorry.

I haven't replied until now because I never knew her all that well and I feel like I don't really have any place commenting here.

I just wanted to say that my thoughts are with her family and friends.

As far as I can see, she lived a full life and made the most of it, seizing her opportunities and fighting until the end. Having hardly known her, it's quite something that I admire her and would like to live life in the same way.

It grieves me and saddens me a lot to hear that. I'm actually very shocked to tell the truth. I never really got to talk to her that much, but she definitely left an impression on me. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

http://c-schulz.de/grafiken/gifs/himmel.jpg

Segen der Trauernden

Gesegnet seien alle, die mir jetzt nicht ausweichen.
Dankbar bin ich für jeden, der mir einmal zulächelt und mir seine Hand reicht, wenn ich mich verlassen fühle.
Gesegnet seien die, die mich immer noch besuchen, obwohl sie Angst haben, etwas Falsches zu sagen.
Gesegnet seien alle, die mir erlauben von dem Verstorbenen zu sprechen.
Ich möchte meine Erinnerungen nicht totschweigen.

Ich suche Menschen, denen ich mitteilen kann, was mich bewegt.
Gesegnet seien alle, die mir zuhören, auch wenn das, was ich zu sagen habe, sehr schwer zu ertragen ist.
Gesegnet seien alle, die mich nicht ändern wollen, sondern geduldig so annehmen, wie ich jetzt bin.
Gesegnet seien alle, die mich trösten und mir zusichern, dass Gott mich nicht verlassen hat.

Oh Herr, birg Du uns alle in Deiner Hand; nimm Du Dich unserer an.
Bei Dir bleiben wir - ganz gleich, ob wir noch leben oder gestorben sind.
Amen.

Marie-Luise Wölfing, December 1986

The blessing of Mourners

Blessed be all who do not avoid my company now.
Grateful am I to everyone who gives me a smile and offers me their hand when I feel lonely.
Blessed be those who still visit me despite their fear of saying something wrong.
Blessed be all who allow me to speak of the deceased.
I would not want to keep my memories silent forever.

I am looking for people whom I can reveal what moves me inside.
Blessed be all who listen to me even when what I have to say can be burdensome.
Blessed be all who don't want to change me but patiently accept me the way I am now.
Blessed be all who console me and assure me that God has not forsaken me.

Oh Lord, shelter us in Your hand; take care of us.
With You shall we abide, in life as in death.
Amen.

I haven't replied until now because I never knew her all that well and I feel like I don't really have any place commenting here.

I just wanted to say that my thoughts are with her family and friends.

As far as I can see, she lived a full life and made the most of it, seizing her opportunities and fighting until the end. Having hardly known her, it's quite something that I admire her and would like to live life in the same way.
It's easy to see why PM is so nuts about you. You have a good heart. :fluffle:

The blessing of Mourners

Blessed be all who do not avoid my company now.
Grateful am I to everyone who gives me a smile and offers me their hand when I feel lonely.
Blessed be those who still visit me despite their fear of saying something wrong.
Blessed be all who allow me to speak of the deceased.
I would not want to keep my memories silent forever.

I am looking for people whom I can reveal what moves me inside.
Blessed be all who listen to me even when what I have to say can be burdensome.
Blessed be all who don't want to change me but patiently accept me the way I am now.
Blessed be all who console me and assure me that God has not forsaken me.

Oh Lord, shelter us in Your hand; take care of us.
With You shall we abide, in life as in death.
Amen.
That's beautiful, as was the photograph. Thank you, GN!

For Zooke.


[/post7000]

Rest in Peace Zooke. I'm sorry to hear that news.

I never saw the point in posting here until I lost Sandy and you all sent our family your love and support without even knowing us. She loved you folks and now I know why. Thank you. You have no idea how much you have helped us all. I'm still not going to get into debating and stuff like her because I don't have the temper for it. She was the nice one. I know good folks when I meet them though. I'm just about done with all of the paperwork and crap you have to take care of when something like this happens and I've decided to load up the dogs and head on down to stay with some family in Louisiana. Theres a bunch of work to be done around there and Mississipi needs carpenters real bad when I get family built back up. Beats rattling around this big old house by myself and I'll be able to stay busy for a good long time. I wanted to say thanks and God bless.

I forgot to say that if you want to donate in her name I know she would like it best if you pledged to The Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy foundation.

I'm..saddened. I honestly wish I had had more time to know her. I do not believe in heaven, but if there is one she certainly deserves to be their to my knowledge. In my religion, Judaism, the belief is that the dead live on in the memories and love of those who knew them. Regardless of your faith or lack thereof, it is definite she will live on in this way a very, very long time for many people.

I never knew Sandy. I never talked to her or really saw too much of her here in my year or so of playing NationStates. However, this is still very saddening news. I send my condolences to her family and loved ones.
She sounds like an amazing person and I believe with the above poster.. Someone as kind-hearted and loving as her will not be forgotten.

Requiescat In Pace.

To Sandy's husband:

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I must admit that I rarely visit this forum, and as such have never had the privilege of crossing paths with Sandy. This I regret.

My mother passed away from breast cancer almost four years ago. She battled the cancer for six years; the doctors had predicted six months. Those were the most difficult six years of my life, and yet those I also cherish the most. I was able to really connect with my mother over those years, and as I held her hand as she took her final breath, I knew that death was a blessing for her.

I am sincerely sorry. From what I've read over these couple hundred posts, your wife was a wonderful woman. So often it seems that the truly wonderful ones are taken before their time, and this makes it all the more difficult to accept their absence. I hope you find comfort in family and friends. I hope your grieving brings you peace. And above all, I hope that you continue to always cherish those years spent with a wonderful woman. My condolences to you.

Be patient with life, despite its cruelty.
Often it seems careless of our pain,
But just as often brings us hope again.

Remember, I wanted happiness for you.
Under every foolish word this still was true.
Be happy, then, without, as you would with me.
In your life many sweet events remain.
Not in anguish, but in joy remember me.

by Nicholas Gordon

NOW what has Jolt done? [ cusses a blue frakking streak! ] :mad: :headbang:

Where's the poll for the memorial gone?

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464253

I didn't really know her, but I've seen some of her posts, and she seemed like a sweet lady. I hope this is an appropriate tribute, even though a different name appears in the lyrics, I think it sums up what a lot of people have been feeling this week.

(Laura, ooo, hey Laura, Laura)
Every once in a while
I'd see her smile
She turned my day around
The girl with those eyes
They'd stare through the lies
And see what your heart was saying

Think of Laura
But laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way
Hey yeah
When you think of Laura
Laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way

A friend of a friend
A friend til the end
That's the kind of girl she was
Taken away so young
Taken away without a warning

Think of Laura
But laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way
Hey yeah when you think of Laura
Laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way

I know you
And you're here
And every day we live
I know her
And, well, she's here
I feel her when I sing

Hey Laura
Where are you now
Are you far away from here
I don't think so
I think you're here
Taking our tears away

Think of Laura
But laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way
Hey yeah when you think of Laura
Laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way
Hey yeah
Well I know she'd want it that way
Hey Laura (Laura)
Hey Laura
I know she'd want it that way (want it that way)
Hey Laura (Laura)
Hey Laura
I know you want it that way
Hey Laura

Rest in Peace, Zooke/Sandy

RIP Zooke. You'll be missed. :(

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464486

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464048

DO IT NOW!

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464486

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464048

DO IT NOW!
LOL! Calm down, bro! Take a look at my signature! :p

Forrest

LOL! Calm down, bro! Take a look at my signature! :p

Forrest


I now you're dancing in the rain because she will always be the image of the girl dancing in the rain at Woodstock and shared that dance with everyone she met. She was made of love and music. Every song I hear I hear through her. But what the fuck! WWSD! FUNZ!

Write if you get a chance bro. I'm outta here.

I'm so sorry to hear that.....Oh my Lord.....Please give my condolences...I just learned....I'm so sorry..... *sad*

Um....May whomever you believe is your Creator bless your family....and comfort those that were left behind.....I know how it feels to loose a loved one, and I'm so sorry...

I'm so sorry to hear that.....Oh my Lord.....Please give my condolences...I just learned....I'm so sorry..... *sad*

Um....May whomever you believe is your Creator bless your family....and comfort those that were left behind.....I know how it feels to loose a loved one, and I'm so sorry...
:fluffle:

I'm sorry to here that. it must be very hard to lose a loved one, especially if she is that close to you. im sorry.

Forever in my thoughts.

I am very sorry to hear that. :(

I did not know her, but from what I have read on this thread it is clear that she had a profound effect on many people here. I have never heard of somebody on a forum for whom there was, and still is, such unfaltering approval for, who is loved by so many. People who are consistently genuinely nice, I find are a rare commodity online, and so it saddens me to hear that one of these positive, encouraging people is no longer here.

I offer my condolences to you, Eutrusca, and to Mr. Zooke and the rest of her friends and family. I know that the sadness of somebody that you don’t know means nothing, but I felt it would be an injustice to pass through here without saying anything. She seems to have had such an impact on so many people, and now she’s also impacted on me. I am sorry that I never stumbled across her on Nationstates. :(

I did not know her, but from what I have read on this thread it is clear that she had a profound effect on many people here. I have never heard of somebody on a forum for whom there was, and still is, such unfaltering approval for, who is loved by so many. People who are consistently genuinely nice, I find are a rare commodity online, and so it saddens me to hear that one of these positive, encouraging people is no longer here.

I offer my condolences to you, Eutrusca, and to Mr. Zooke and the rest of her friends and family. I know that the sadness of somebody that you don’t know means nothing, but I felt it would be an injustice to pass through here without saying anything. She seems to have had such an impact on so many people, and now she’s also impacted on me. I am sorry that I never stumbled across her on Nationstates. :(
She would have loved that, Armisria. Thank you so very much! :fluffle:

Yesterday morning ( Thursday, January 12 ) our good friend Sandy ( Zooke ) passed away. I got the news in an email from her husband while Jolt was down. She died of a heart attack sometime early in the morning.

Sandy was a very kind and loving person who has touched many people, both on here and in "real life." She made sure to tell me the last time we talked that she loves all of you.

I'll try to keep in touch with her husband concerning date and time of the funeral, as well as other matters. Please let me know if you have questions.

If you'd like to pass on some words of comfort to him, please feel free to post them here. He'll be back online later to read them.

Zooke, wherever you are now, I hope they take good care of you. God bless, sweetie.

Best wishes to all touched.


-Iakeo

This is indeed sad news, I know Zooke having spoken to her a few times in the past but never knew her like so many on this forum did. Her memory will live on in those who she was close to I am sure.

Kel

I am sorry, for I have lot my Grandfather, and his birthday was Christmas:(

This is my first time having someone I met online pass on.

Zooke will definitely live on in my memories.

She will be missed.

we'll miss you

we'll miss you
Yes, we will. I don't check this thread very often because I tend to fog up everytime I do. :(

I've been giving this lots of thought since I got the news; couldn't have slept if I'd wanted to.

Almost everyone knows that Zooke had cancer. It began as breast cancer, but kept reappearing. She had been on chemotherepy and that took a lot out of her. Then one of her greatly loved dogs had to be put to sleep, and I suspect all of it put together was more than her heart could take. Her husband indicated as much in his email to me.

We try to find meaning in untimely death, although that's a chancy thing at best. I prefer to think that the heart attack may have been a mercy, sparing Sandy a lingering death to cancer. There's simply no way of knowing.
My condolences to Zooke's family and friends.

I was away for most of the month of January and was saddened to see this post when I returned.

I too have given lots of thought to this before replying. Perhaps there is a message in all of this, but I would like to share two stories.

Many years ago, my ex's aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, yet refused to have a masectomy, not wanting to lose a part of her body. Eventually, the cancer consumed her and she died. Perhaps her vanity was her undoing?

Eleven years ago, a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had the masectomy and chemo treatments and she is now 11 years cancer free. Thank God.

I really don't know anything about Zooke's circumstances (whether she had a masectomy or not) or whether a masectomy would have helped her survive. All I can do is impart my knowledge and hopefully someone can benefit from it.

For the ladies here on NS:

How To Perform a Breast Self-Exam (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_How_to_perform_a_breast_self_exam_5.asp)

Guidelines Women Should Follow for Early Detection of Breast Cancer (http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/earlydetection.asp)

Live long and prosper.

My condolences to Zooke's family and friends.

I was away for most of the month of January and was saddened to see this post when I returned.

I too have given lots of thought to this before replying. Perhaps there is a message in all of this, but I would like to share two stories.

Many years ago, my ex's aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, yet refused to have a masectomy, not wanting to lose a part of her body. Eventually, the cancer consumed her and she died. Perhaps her vanity was her undoing?

Eleven years ago, a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had the masectomy and chemo treatments and she is now 11 years cancer free. Thank God.

I really don't know anything about Zooke's circumstances (whether she had a masectomy or not) or whether a masectomy would have helped her survive. All I can do is impart my knowledge and hopefully someone can benefit from it.

For the ladies here on NS:

How To Perform a Breast Self-Exam (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_How_to_perform_a_breast_self_exam_5.asp)

Guidelines Women Should Follow for Early Detection of Breast Cancer (http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/earlydetection.asp)

Live long and prosper.
Much appreciated, Canuck Heaven! I know Zooke would have been pleased that some on here might benefit from her suffering.

Yes, she had a radical mastectomy, but the cancer had apparently spread. She had several chemotherepy and radiation treatments, she never would tell me how many, and the cancer kept coming back. Just before she died, she told me that the chemo seemed to be working, but her heart had just had a bit more than it could bear. The death of a little dog she had for 18 years seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

I shall miss her until I too am gone.

ah poor zooke, even though i never really knew her, at least she was relatively happy during her final days