Stephen C. McKinney Memorial Thread (1969-2001)

[Worm of Despite]

I'm still in awe of where this thread has turned. Has it really hit any of us? Can we imagine? It's definitely more than a message board topic--has been or years, but no one could have told me it would lead here. If there is any cohesive message or hope behind life I think this topic is the leading empirical proof.

At the same time the message of this thread has imparted me with sorrow...of course it has us all. But ultimately hope defying all the world's ill. I'm in shock at how sadly poetic and cyclical this has all turned out to be--from Stephen's first journal entry to this.

Who could imagine? Again--it brings me wonder that there might be something out there--some kind of good will. Perhaps. I hope. I really don't know but I hope a lot more, and I think Tracie would have loved that. She said in our last conversation she prayed for me everyday. I can't imagine better protection, a more humbling and serene thought. Thank you Tracie...so so much.

[wayfriend]

I'm sorry to hear the news. I pray for strength for all of Tracie's family. (I'm sure she's sending some down. easiest. prayer. ever.)

[Menolly]

I'm still in awe of where this thread has turned. Has it really hit any of us? Can we imagine? It's definitely more than a message board topic--has been or years, but no one could have told me it would lead here. If there is any cohesive message or hope behind life I think this topic is the leading empirical proof.

At the same time the message of this thread has imparted me with sorrow...of course it has us all. But ultimately hope defying all the world's ill. I'm in shock at how sadly poetic and cyclical this has all turned out to be--from Stephen's first journal entry to this.

Who could imagine? Again--it brings me wonder that there might be something out there--some kind of good will. Perhaps. I hope. I really don't know but I hope a lot more, and I think Tracie would have loved that. She said in our last conversation she prayed for me everyday. I can't imagine better protection, a more humbling and serene thought. Thank you Tracie...so so much.

...so say we all.

[Loredoctor]

I honestly do not know what to say. Shock and sadness has deprived me of words. Tracie was one of the most beautiful people I have ever known.

Farewell, Tracie.

[Durris]

Yikes. I have been traveling and out of access to the Watch since Dec. 22 and just found this now.

Russ and family, I continue to hold you in prayer.

I'll leave you with a memorial hymn from Christian antiquity, translated by Helen Waddell and set to music by Herbert Howells.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP8s4AY5HPs

Take [her], earth, for cherishing
To thy tender breast receive [her].
Body of a [wo]man I bring thee,
Noble even in its ruin.

Once was this a spirit's dwelling,
By the breath of God created.
High the heart that here was beating,
Christ the prince of all its living.

Guard [her] well, the dead I give thee,
Not unmindful of his creature
Shall He ask it: He who made it
Symbol of His mystery.

Comes the hour God hath appointed
To fulfill the hope of men,
Then must thou, in very fashion,
What I give, return again.

Not though ancient time decaying
Wear away these bones to sand,
Ashes that a man might treasure
In the hollow of his hand:

Not though wandering winds and idle,
Drifting through the empty sky,
Scatter dust was nerve and sinew,
Is it given to [human beings] to die.

Once again the shining road
Leads to ample Paradise;
Open are the woods again,
That the Serpent lost for men.

Take, O take [her], mighty Leader,
Take again thy servant's soul.
Grave [her] name, and pour the fragrant
Balm upon the icy stone.

Take [her], Earth, for cherishing,
To they tender breast receive [her].
Body of a [wo]man I bring thee,
Noble in its ruin.

By the breath of God created.
Christ the prince of all its living.

Take [her], earth, for cherishing.

- Prudentius (348-413), from Hymnus circa Exsequias Defuncti translated by Helen Waddell; used with permission

[duchess of malfi]

And the beauty of the world is less than what it was...

While glad that Tracie will feel no more terrible pain, and know that she is even now at the Saint's House by the River with her beloved brother and friends - this is still painful and devastating for those of us left behind. I cannot imagine what her husband and children are feeling right now, given that I was never able to neet her in the flesh and feel like a truck ran over me, even though I was expecting her passing. They were able to experience her love and joy for life and for all who live on a daily basis - it will be so hard for them without her.

The world is diminished by her death.

[Seareach]

I echo all the thoughts here.

[Fist and Faith]

Tracie's family can't come to the Watch just yet. They'll be along when they can. But Russ wanted me to thank everyone again for all the love, support, and prayers of the last several months.

[Kil Tyme]

I'm sorry to read of Furls passing. This has been a very moving thread. My condolences to family and friends of Tracie.

[aliantha]

Glad she's finally with Stephen at his cottage to stay. Sad for her family and friends -- including all of us -- who will miss her.

So say we all.

[Wyldewode]

I am so, so sorry to hear of this. She will be dearly missed by all who had the honor to know her.

[Fire Daughter]

I thought I could come here, but then I read Fisty's memorial...

Maybe I'll be able to come back tomorrow...

[Menolly]

{{{Brooke and family}}}

We are here for all of you, when you return.

[caamora]

It was an honor to know you, Furls. Godspeed into your Father's Arms.

[Godschild]

So sad to hear this. But we all know she is in a better place looking down on everyone. I continue to pray for Russ and the whole family.

[Harley Guy]

God bless you all.

[Fist and Faith]

I wish there was anything I could do to ease your pain for just one moment, Russ. I'm sorry beyond expression.

[Fire Daughter]

Hugs and love to all. Thank you for all your support and prayers.

I made some changes to Mom's profile.

[StevieG]

I just checked it out - very appropriate. Nice one Fire Daughter.

[Dromond]

Looked at the new updates, too. So very nice, Brooke.