Nick: Watson
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 12:24 PM PST
Subject: In Memoriam: Message Board
Message:
For the members of TheOneRing.net's message boards who wish to post a memorial for our departed friend Widfara, I have activated a guest book on my website where people can post their thoughts and read those of others. I will leave it up until Thanksgiving, at which point I will archive the messages and pass them on to those who wish to keep them in a permanent location. Please note that it is not meant for interactive chatting or discussions, and the current message length is limited to 500 words, text only. The site can be accessed at http://www.mj-holmes.com/widfara
Nick: Celandine Brandybuck
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 12:39 PM PST
In Reply To: In Memoriam: Message Board
Subject: Later this afternoon
Message:
I'll link to it from the other one. Can't do it from work, unfortunately.
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 12:47 PM PST
In Reply To: In Memoriam: Message Board
Subject: I look forward
Message:
to putting many posts up on that site.
Thank you, Watson and Celandine!
Nick: Roheryn
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 12:56 PM PST
Subject: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Message:
I have "Bilbo's Last Song" in a paperbook book, illustrated with lovely pictures by Pauline Baynes. I'm going to read it aloud for Wídders, and hope that, wherever she is, she knows we're grieving her loss and hoping she's found her peace.
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 12:58 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: (((Ro)))
Message:
Thank you!
Nick: vedhed
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 1:13 PM PST
In Reply To: (((Ro)))
Subject: Just letting you know I was with y'all.
Message:
I'm not huge on memorial services, but this one seemed perfect.
Nick: Uitlander
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 1:27 PM PST
In Reply To: Just letting you know I was with y'all.
Subject: Thanks ved...
Message:
*sends hug westward...*
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 1:27 PM PST
In Reply To: Just letting you know I was with y'all.
Message:
I'm glad you're here with us, ved.
Nick: Aunt Dora Baggins
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 2:25 PM PST
In Reply To: Just letting you know I was with y'all.
Subject: Me too. The meeting faded around me...
Message:
and I was on the shore, watching the white ship sail away. What a wonderful memorial. I can't remember who suggested it, but it was a great idea.
Nick: grammaboodawg
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 5:36 PM PST
In Reply To: Just letting you know I was with y'all.
Message:
me too
Nick: jordan_the_discursive
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 12:58 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Message:
((RO)) I will join you, outside, facing west. Let's go........
Nick: Uitlander
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 1:08 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Message:
Namarië, Wídfara.
Nick: Nessimë
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 1:12 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: *with a tear and prayer*
Message:
And 'The Breaking of the Fellowship' playing in the background.
"But in dreams
I can hear your name
And in dreams
We will meet again"
Goodbye and God bless, Wídfara. Be at peace.
Nick: Weige
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 1:32 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: I will be joining you all in loving spirit.
Message:
Widfara - May you find the peace that you so sorely missed.
Nick: Earendil The Mariner
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 1:33 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: 28 mins to midnight in the fair land of Montenegro...
Message:
Probably the only tribute to Wid in the Balkans, so I better do it properly...
Nick: Mar
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 1:57 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Message:
You all are wonderful human beings.
Nick: Tauriel
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 2:05 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: I think this was a great kind of memorial
Message:
It's dark and rainy here, but at least I know where west is when I'm at home, and I could really picture the Undying Lands, and Wíd there at peace. And to know that around the world others were doing the same thing...well, what can I say? TORn is a wonderful place, and I love you all - not a new thing to be said, but still a very true one!
Nick: River-Woman
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 2:27 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: It is a wonderful clear night here in the burbs of London ...
Message:
and a full moon.
It is cold; the kind of night when your breath leaves your body in thin wisps. There is the tang of woodsmoke in the air. A rustle in the bushes tells me that the hedgehog is on his nightly ramble and in the distance, our local vixen barks.
The garden is quiet, only the faint hum of traffic in the distance breaks the perfect peace. The house lights are warm and inviting as I look back.
I make my way through the garden, down to Old Man Willow. He stands thirty foot high and his trunk is so thick that two people can just about link arms around his span. He's been here since the beginning of the last century. His canopy reaches up to the sky and his skirt of leaves trails the earth.
I stand by him, touch him in greeting. I look up into the ink black night and lift my arms. Facing west, I give up my prayer and blessings. They float away on the wisp of my breath, up into the night; up into the universe; up to the stars.
Gaia, the keeper of the world, takes my message and holds it in her hand before blowing it with her sacred breath into the unknown, where all spirits dwell. She knows who the prayers and blessing are for. Mine join the others as they whirl and float above our beautiful blue-green planet; then, in a twinkling of an eye, they disappear as the universe takes them and in gentleness, delivers them.
Widfara's light shines brightly in the sky among the family of stars in the firmament. The tribute is recieved and acknowledged.
My arms drop to my sides and I hug Old Man Willow. His thick bark, rough against my skin. I walk slowly back towards the warm, glowing lights of my house. I shiver; winter is coming and I know that in a few more days, the robin will be back in my garden.
I will miss Widfara, but I will see Robin every day.
River-Woman. Who made the Standing Silence for the friend she had never met, but who, for a short time, touched her life.
Nick: greenleafphf
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 2:35 PM PST
In Reply To: It is a wonderful clear night here in the burbs of London ...
Subject: that is beautiful, River-Woman
Message:
Blessed be...
I will be in the mountains this weekend, a moment spent by a little stream will be my remembrance...
Nick: Mirkwood Maiden
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 2:57 PM PST
In Reply To: It is a wonderful clear night here in the burbs of London ...
Subject: Wow... that was tremendously uplifting RW
Message:
Thank you so much for sharing it!
Blessed Be,
Anne-Marie / MM
Nick: Eledhwen
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 3:37 PM PST
In Reply To: It is a wonderful clear night here in the burbs of London ...
Message:
*sniff*
Nick: Roheryn
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 3:50 PM PST
In Reply To: It is a wonderful clear night here in the burbs of London ...
Subject: Very moving, River-Woman.
Message:
I love the imagery. Thanks for sharing.
The mention of Old Man Willow reminds me of one of Wid's first SAST posts. I remember her saying she was brushing willow leaves out of her hair, that she'd been doing some research down by the stream, and that Old Man Willow himself had given her a pinch. Or something along those lines. Of course I had to tease her about that.
*sigh* We'll always have the memories.
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 4:38 PM PST
In Reply To: It is a wonderful clear night here in the burbs of London ...
Subject: ((River-Woman))
Message:
This was so beautifully-done, so haunting and evocative. Thank you for sharing such a personal and loving tribute to Widfara. I hope you will submit it to her tribute page.
Nick: grammaboodawg
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 5:35 PM PST
In Reply To: It is a wonderful clear night here in the burbs of London ...
Subject: Thanks River-Woman
Message:
For taking me to a very special place. What a wonderful feeling. Hugs m'dear. Just lovely.
Nick: greendragon
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 5:44 PM PST
In Reply To: It is a wonderful clear night here in the burbs of London ...
Subject: Oh River-Woman
Message:
Your beautiful words brought tears to my eyes - and made me homesick for London. Thanks for
sharing - don't know what else to say. Your words say it all.
Nick: sherlock
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 2:39 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: I sat in my living room in front of the
Message:
woodstove with my dog (I know she was an animal lover) at my feet, facing west.
Nick: PoppyB
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 3:13 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: I've been away all week...
Message:
so I've only just found out about our dear Widfara. Even though I'm on the other side of the world, and have never met her, this news has me in tears now. God bless Widfara and God bless our TORn community that so many wonderful people so far apart can come together...
Nick: Nemain
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 3:40 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Message:
fare thee well Widfara.
Nick: Telkemeniel
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 3:50 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: Was too late but...
Message:
Spent a moment of peace with thoughts of Widfara, people grieving, and people lost.
Ever since hearing of this, these words keep going through my mind:
'We still remember, we who dwell
In this far land beneath the trees,
Thy starlight on the Western Seas.'
Comforting, and dear.
Farewell, Widfara, be sure your light will be remembered.
~Telkemeniel
Nick: KiwiSamFan
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 4:10 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: Such a lovely thing to do...
Message:
Me Milk and Smokering are going to have a gathering on Novemeber 1 All Saints Day which I think is a good day and drop some flowers into the river...I am still really stunned that she is gone, I really hope that she did know how much she ment to all of us...
Nick: Aerlinn
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 4:47 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: Namarië
Message:
I was at work... I told the person in the cube next to me I had to go downstairs for a minute ... I felt like I needed to be outside ... ran down, went out - there were people leaving for the day all over. Where to go... I had noticed a while ago that there was a little garden area in the middle of the parking garage of my work, of all places, but had never gone there before - I headed there ...and it was beautiful. The air, improbably, was sweetly scented, there was a little paved path winding along between twin gardens ... so there I stood, in an impossible little scented bit of Shire, and faced West, and thought of Widfara - with a tear and a prayer, as Nessie says. And remembered all of you. And I felt a tremendous peace... Namarië
Nick: Smokering
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 4:52 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: I did that yesterday at noon...
Message:
standing in the garden facing West, praying for her. I'll miss her always.
Nick: Elwen
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 5:04 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: I was with you...
Message:
I was away from my computer so I went outside. I'm sure she heard you. {{Roheryn}}
Nick: Vairë the Weaver
Date/Time: Thu, 10/24/2002 at 5:59 PM PST
In Reply To: It's nearly time for the Standing Silence
Subject: I joined in
Message:
Amazing how hard it is sometimes to take even one tiny minute in the swirl of things. But I did.
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 7:48 AM PST
Subject: Widfara's Service
Message:
This morning, I called Paula, Widfara's boss and friend, to ask about the service. (It was Paula who contacted me about Wid on Monday night.) I knew we'd all want to hear how it went.
Paula said it was beautiful. The service was held in a little church right on the Mississippi and which faced, yes - west. It was a cloudy day, quiet and still. There were about 100 people there and many readings were shared. Paula was asked by Pat to read our reading, which she thought was very lovely. There was not a dry eye in the house. The flowers were very beautiful. She also said Pat seems to be realizing what a positive thing TORn had been for Wid and just what kind of commitment she made to our home here.
That's about it. I just want to add that I am filled with overwhelming gratitude and pride for the love that has grown here and the support we've shown each other. I've felt as though I've had arms wrapped around me all week. Thank you so very much.
~Mrs. B
Nick: Thevina Finduilas
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 7:54 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thank you for that.
Message:
This is truly a wonderful, caring community, as widespread as it is. Many thanks for giving us the updates. I still can't believe I won't get to meet her in January... but I can look forward to Jordan the Discursive and anyone else who wants to come to Nashville!
**huge hugs**
Nick: Aerlinn
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 7:56 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Oh, Mrs B - thank you again
Message:
*West*
I said it in a post last night, and I'll say it again. I have felt, often, this week, close enough to everyone here that all I have to do is put out my hand and someone will clasp it. I've never been prouder of anyone or anything than I am of *here*. Thank you.
Nick: Eowyn_Shieldmaiden
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 7:56 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: bless you Mrs. B
Message:
*pours Mrs. B a lager and pulls up a chair*
Here's to you and to TORn and to the memory of Widfara. Thank you for the update. I was wondering. I have been so moved all week by the outpouring of support from everyone - and the general plea that everyone know they don't have to fight their battles alone. Everyone has been giving out email addresses and letting people know that they are free to talk at any time. It has been a real blessing. Cheers Mrs. B. :)
Nick: Scout B
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 7:59 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Very glad to hear it
Message:
It sounds nice. Facing west...that's a nice touch.
Nick: Eledhwen
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:01 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thank you
Message:
How appropriate that the church faces west.
((General hug))
Nick: River-Woman
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:03 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thank you Mrs B. ... I am pleased that ...
Message:
the service went well. I know it is a daft thing to say about memorial services , but you all know what I mean.
I will post my message on her site this weekend. And thank you all for your kind words - last night was a very special night and I just wanted to share with you.
Blessings and {{hugs}} to you all.
Nick: Mar
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:04 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Message:
Her spirit is alive, here with us.
Nick: Elwen
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:07 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thank you for sharing that....
Message:
I'm pleased to hear the service was beautiful. Take care.
Nick: Altaira
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:12 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thanks Mrs. B
Message:
Thank you so much for relaying that account for us. TORN is indeed a unique and wonderful place where Wid's memory will live on for a very long time.
Thanks also to all the exceptional people here who organized flowers, donations and info. And to those who's beautiful expressions of both grief and hope helped us all through this tough week.
You are all wonderful!
Nick: Patty
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:23 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Message:
Thanks for sharing all this info Mrs. B. Take care of yourself.
Nick: Uitlander
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:23 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: You have...
Message:
...had arms wrapped around you all week. All of ours. ((hugs)). Thank you so much for posting that. It makes me feel a little better...
Come have a drink, now!
Nick: Mirkwood Maiden
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:27 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: How perfect. How fitting.
Message:
Thank you so much for relaying that information to us, and thanks again for everything.
I am very pleased to hear that Pat is beginning to understand just how much Wid loved TORn... and how much we loved her in return. Unless you're involved in it, it can be hard to fathom how one can be so attached to some names on a screen.
And BTW... I love the addition of the candy corn to your footer! How appropriate. I laughed out loud when I made the connection, and then did a virtual shot... I just used a corn reference in my Fiesta post *giggle*
As ever,
Anne-Marie / MM
Nick: Ginger
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 8:46 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thank you, Mrs. B.
Message:
How comforting it is to hear.
Nick: Morwen
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 9:06 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thank you, Mrs. B
Message:
It sounds like the service was lovely. I know Widfara would have approved.
Nick: Galadlinderiel
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 9:10 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Message:
((((( Mrs. B )))))) good job! :)
Nick: Frodosgurl
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 9:25 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Message:
*hug*
Nick: Tauriel
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 9:31 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: ((Mrs B))
Message:
Thanks for telling us this. And for keeping us informed all though this. You've been simply great :-)
Nick: Roheryn
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 10:34 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thanks so much, Mrs B
Message:
for sharing this and for all you've done this week. I was hoping we'd hear about the service; it sounds lovely. I know we were all there in spirit.
{{{Mrs. B}}}
Nick: Aunt Dora Baggins
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 11:41 AM PST
In Reply To: Widfara's Service
Subject: Thank you so much, Mrs. B. This is what memorials are for;
Message:
to gather and heal and remember. Your choice of a reading was wonderful.
I've been thinking that part of the heartache of being in a large community like this one is the deaths that come along.
When I joined a church twelve years ago, I didn't realize how many funerals I would be attending over the next few years. That's part of widening one's circle of friends. It's painful, but it's worth it.
Nick: stridersGURL
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 11:54 AM PST
Subject: I know I may be a little late...
Message:
but I was informned about Wídfara last night. I have to say I'm seriously depressed and I'm somewhat confused about why she would have done such a thing. But, no matter what, I hope she is happier where she is now. I love all of you and hope that you're all doing okay.
.:*Love*:.
~*sG*~
~XOXO~
Nick: Aunt Dora Baggins
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 11:58 AM PST
In Reply To: I know I may be a little late...
Subject: Love you too, SG.
Message:
Sounds like you could use a group hug.
Nick: Scout B
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 11:58 AM PST
In Reply To: I know I may be a little late...
Subject: {{stridersGURL}}
Message:
I'm sure folks will be finding out for a while to come. Hugs to you.
Nobody really truly understands why somebody would do such a thing, except that they felt terrible beyond description. We do know that we will miss her.
I hope you're doing okay. Hang in there.
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 12:01 PM PST
In Reply To: I know I may be a little late...
Subject: ((((sG))))
Message:
I'm sorry for you, dear. There's lots of support here. We love ya.
Nick: jordan_the_discursive
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 12:02 PM PST
In Reply To: I know I may be a little late...
Subject: {{{{{sG}}}}}
Message:
I think we could all use a group hug! So here you go:
{{{{TORnsibs}}}}
Nick: Roheryn
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 12:26 PM PST
In Reply To: I know I may be a little late...
Subject: {{{stridersGURL}}}
Message:
There's never any good answers when something like this happens. Hang in there and know we're all here for each other. She'll always be a part of us, held close in our memories.
Nick: stridersGURL
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 12:30 PM PST
In Reply To: I know I may be a little late...
Message:
Thanks everyone. Now I must go hug my horse, he'll understand.
Nick: grammaboodawg
Date/Time: Fri, 10/25/2002 at 3:41 PM PST
In Reply To: I know I may be a little late...
Subject: It's never too late for a hug
Message:
or to talk about something as awful as losing Widfara or anyone in our lives. I'm sorry you've had to hear it this was... but talk as much as you need to about it. It's been a really long week... and I still cry whenever I think about her. Hugs m'dear. Take care.