In Memory of Pootie

I can see where the poem and the song might remind one of the other. When my brother died a little over thirteen years ago, I wrote a poem and read it at the service. The gist of the poem was that he was 1 year older than me, and that for all of my life I was trying to catch up to him. My dad passed away just this last September (which was why I was away from this site for a good portion of that month), and I decided to read the Henry Van Dyke poem at his service (the same that I had left in tribute to Pootie as well). The idea behind reading the Van Dyke poem for Dad was that it was my hope that my brother would be the one taking up the cry, "here he/she comes!"

As I was growing up, I knew only a few of the words - "fuaim" was noise, "pog" was kiss etc. The lady in the song fears that she will lose her lover to kisses other than hers. But that sense of standing on the headlands and watching someone sail off to an unknown place is what I thought of when I read Barnabas's post.

[wvwoman]

i found this translation when i was listening to it:

http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/mouthmusic/hoireann.htm

[gryhnd51]

Many thanks, Universalmom! While I don't understand the words, the music does indeed evoke feelings of love and loss, sorrow and joy and the endless ebbs of life and death. A truly melodic tribute to the Pootie that many of us miss.

Are you Scottish? Can you share the poem with us....in English?

A song came to mind...

As I read Barnabas's moving tribute to Pootie, I kept hearing this song in my head...It's an update of a very old Scottish air, and it vividly evokes a sailing ship setting out to sea. The singer is a young lady watching her lover captain the ship out of harbor, and her voice expresses love, admiration, longing and grief, which I have seen in all your posts as you remember Pootie. I re-read the poem while listening to the song, and it seemed just right. I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX51FPSCxHM

[MmeScherzo]

Pootie sounds like a person I would very much like to have known. I regret only that I found this site so late.

[momof7]

Avatar

Greyhound,
Your comment on how Pootie found you your avatar reminded me that she also helped me with mine. I wanted to use a family photo, but couldn't get it to work. A lot of people gave me helpful advice in the chat room, but I still couldn't get it working. Eventually, I emailed it to Pootie and she worked some tech magic for me so that I was able to use the photo.
Momof7

[WRQ9]

Thanx Pootie

I appreciated Pooties ernest responses and disregard for the ambigueties of the "online" persona.

[gryhnd51]

Perhaps the story will be told one day, but it's not mine to tell. Suffice it to say that Pootie made a deep impression on all who met her.

[wvwoman]

?

@gryhnd51 - what hospice folks? is there a good story you'd like to share?!

[gryhnd51]

When Donna first joined the site, we were fierce competitors....constantly chasing and passing each other. At that time, I had several different avatars that I would choose from, not being totally satisfied with any of them! And then one day Donna sent me a private message asking if my username stood for "greyhound". THis surprised me 'cause the few inquiries I had received prior to that translated it as "greyhair"..!! At the time, we had our first rescued greyhound. At any rate, the next day she sent me a link to the avatar that I continue to use, and from that day on we became friends. Every time I'm here I'm reminded of her kindness and love not just by my "greyhounds rock!!" avatar but also by her wonderful, witty and charming comments. She will be remembered by everyone who interacted with her ( including those hospice folks!! Jeez, that still makes me laugh!!)

[wvwoman]

hey, big sis!

i come across at least one comment from pootie on a puzzle page every day or so, so there's no WAY i can forget her--and i'm sure it's the same for all who "knew" her here! what a great way to be reminded of her--and comments stay forever.

Thank You

Forgive me for not replying sooner.

I thank you all sincerely and with deep respect for all your
kind thoughts, words, memories and condolences.

Pootie loved this site. Thank you Stephen for creating such
a fantastic place for people to come and play and make friends.

Please know that she loved you all in her inimitable way.

Once again, my sincerest thanks.

Please dont forget her.

Everyone take good care and enjoy this great game.

After an unusual break from Cryptos, I am saddened to hear about the passing of Pootie.

Although I didn’t know her (beyond a brief yet hilarious exchange concerning an imaginary overnight food-laden party for Crypto-nuts,) I admired what I saw as a straight-talking, protective, tough yet warm woman who clearly enjoyed this site, defended its integrity - as well as fellow players - and did not suffer fools. She earned and deserved all of the respect and accolades among these comments.

My warm thoughts and regards to her and her family.

- R

[Lily H]

Thank you, Barnabas, for posting Donna's (Pootie's) statistics. What a lovely way to remember her amazing achievement on this site. I was far behind her on the all-time list when she first became ill. I started playing less then because I didn't want to pass her. She encouraged me to play and became my biggest supporter. She even congratulated me when I passed her because that's the kind of person she was. She was a wonderful friend and truly an amazingly brave and courageous woman in the way she handled her illness.