Can we send our thoughts and love to someone "Called" even if she is not at a multiple of 10000 lurve?

@Gailcalled – Much love and warm thoughts go out to you!

@Gailcalled {{{{{{{ HUGS }}}}}}}

@Gailcalled We did not talk much but when we did our ‘talks’ were always pleasant. I especially enjoyed talking about gardening and our tulips. I hope you are comfortable and at peace.

Your friend – Jay

https://youtu.be/fahr069-fzE

Thank You for that post. The loss of anyone so accomplished and multitalented to this site is all but irreparable. I came here late to the game, but feel fortunate to have arrived in time to have experienced the wonderful participation of Gailcalled. I have a feeling that like combat veterans, we’ll look back on the times when her and other missing stars burned brightly here as the glory days. It’s a privilege just to be numbered even at the tail end of “the era of Gailcalled”.

I, too feel privedged to call Gail my friend. Her wit and wisdom kept me laughing and learning.
I will never again eat another pop tart after Gail informed me on more than one occasion that there was no nutritional value in eating pop tarts. And to be honest, they really have no flavor. I earned a new respect for cats, but in particular Milo. Gail shares my love of eclipses and other star and moon events. I learned about flowers from you Gail. I think of you every day and hope you know I love you. Xoxo.

Your presence made my life a better one.

Early last year, I PM’d Gail with a question about MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction). I was considering a local class and wanted to hear her experience. She responded with “let’s take this to email” and proceeded to spend her time engaging me and listening to me and my “problems” as we went back and forth.

There isn’t much more you can ask for from people – for them to give you their time and attention and really be there. She was there for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you Gail.

Love to Gailcalled! She’s the one who recommended this site to me back about um (looks it up) December 7th, 2007.

It was a lot harder than I expected to remember my login for any of my accounts here, but I managed to find my way back into the tidepool. Gail, you (and Milo), are memorable characters and have touched many lives with your conversation and friendship. Wishing you and yours peace and comfort in these coming days. -Neffie

Oh, hell.

You won’t believe it, but even with my even-more-sporadic appearances I had noticed your coincident non-appearance, and I had been prompted almost to the point of asking you on Facebook if you were simply tiring of the site. I never considered anything worse.

@Gail You have always been a large part of what is best about this place. Thanks for your insight, your humor, Milo updates, the grammarian gripes, lovely garden and wildlife observations, French tips, your willingness to engage, your plain good sense and life stories. Oh, and the photo of little you with the big dog; love that one. I have always enjoyed that you and I are in the same “clan” in sharing your maiden name. Thank you for being the first person to welcome me to our lovely Berkshires. Thank you for being a good friend.

@gail, I’ve noticed your absence and wondered where you are. I’ve missed your wisdom, but I’ve especially missed your wicked sense of humour. Although I’ve never met you personally, your strength, wisdom and humour shine through your interactions here. Your friend Milo’s contributions have been a regular source of joy and fun. I also know you’ve been a source of kindness and strength to many in the background. Thank you for all of that. And thank you for the conversations we’ve had over the years.

When someone mentioned you were sick, I asked how you were. Each of the people I spoke to said what a great friend you are to them. They called you their mentor. They said you’ve been a mother to them. I wonder if you know how many lives you have touched over the years, including my own, in a very positive way? I hope so. We’ve been blessed to know you. You are in our thoughts @gail. Thank you for generously allowing us an opportunity to share these words with you.

Someone who knows “how to pay attention,
how to fall down into the grass,
how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed,
how to stroll through the fields”

It has been my great joy to stroll through the fields with you.

@thorninmud “and tell me what it is you are going to do with your one wild and precious life?” Gail has quoted that to me often.

I work in the village where she once lived and I grew up blocks from a business her family owned. She has been wonderful to me on many occasions and I adored her wit. Love and hugs to @gailcalled. I don’t really know you, but I know you are a wonderful person.

Gailcalled, make sure someone is reading a good and steady diet of Walt Whitman to you. We miss you. You have touched us all.

Oh,..AND. I’ve taken in two shelter cats as inspired by Milo.

Gail, you were one of the very first people I noticed on here. Fluther in its essence is knowledge, mixed with wit, compassion and attention to detail – you effortlessly manage to achieve top marks in all these categories. We will try to keep up your standards.

You’re awesome. You are missed tremendously.

@LuckyGuy Thank you for starting this thread. It felt wrong to let Gail leave Fluther without some passing words.

(((HUGS ) ) )

I loved discussing the French language with you, and always felt all special and stuff when you asked me for advice on it haha. :) Here’s a memory; it used to bug me whenever you corrected my grammar or spelling, until I learned it was one of your passions. And now I miss those times, go figure. You’re in my thoughts Gail, you and Milo both.

She has been my rock over the past few years and treats my family like hers. I’ve noticed her absence and began to worry. I feel terrible for not reaching out. I love you, Gail.

*her own

Alright, what other mistakes did I make?

I miss you, Gail.

Will I have to become the Grammar Police around here?

{{{{HUGS}}}}, @Gailcalled, and I miss your French lessons!

After nearly two years of virtual silence, I’m signing in to show my admiration, love, and respect for our Gail.

Ben and Andrew were our founders and first gods, but Gail supplied the backbone of the community right from the start. I think the tone she set, of caring personal interaction, witty dialogue, and liberal sharing of knowledge, has been a major factor in the character of this community. Whatever the ebb and flow of Fluther’s fortunes may have been, Gail has been a stalwart presence.

So I’m here to say that I’ve enjoyed my experiences of friendship with Gail, both in fun and in sympathy, and I have learned from her.

Gail, you’re in my thoughts. I send you warmest greetings and thank you for sharing yourself with this small fluther in the Internet ocean.

Jeruba

P.S. Thank you, @LuckyGuy, for letting me know.

Don’t know what to say… You’re one of my dearest.

You’ve moved and touched me.

Thank you and please accept my love.

Thinking of you, my friend, as always.

Oh, shit.

Her presence decreased significantly after her knee surgery, but we still talked. But I had been growing concerned that I hadn’t heard from her for some time.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so unhappy to hear such news about someone that I’ve never met in real life.

You’re a class act, Gail.

Gail,

Vitut. Mennään keilailu.

Yours,

Jon

@syz Yes – she has been one of the most significant people in my life in recent years and we’ve never met. Not a mother for me (thank god on many scores) but a sister for sure.

You have my vote @janbb.

Gail, I’m jonsblond, but now I’m @dammitjanetfromvegas and I’m here to stay. xo

Gail has been a wonderful friend to me, and my surrogate mother for many years.

Simply put, I love you, Gail.

Hi there Gail, :-)

I too had wondered what had become of you and figured you were taking a break, thinking your knee surgery had gotten you down perhaps, until this turn of events in recent weeks came to my attention.
Knowing you has been a pleasure and I want you to know I have been thinking of you every-single-day for weeks now. Hugs and pats for Milo too.

A gracious presence here and elsewhere. you are in my prayers.

I love you, Gail.

Thank you for being a light in my life, a source of strength, and my personal cheerleader. I wish I could have done more to earn your care and friendship.

I miss you.

Thank you for all your years of being the Fluther Mother. I am sending warm thoughts to you, My wish is that you are surrounded by the love of family and friends and that you are free of anxiety and pain.
Much love!

Gail, you are someone to look up to, proof that culture and education make the difference. May the rays of the sun shine warmly over you. Thank you for calling Gail.

This is really depressing to hear. Best of luck to you and to Ben too.

I too returned from self-imposed exile.

Gail,

I wish what I read here was not true.

You taught me the power of words. I am indebted to you for encouraging me to be articulate and to strive for more. Thank you.

I hope for a miracle. The world is better with you being in it.
If I were there I would read to you- your choice of book. A beautiful escape into literature.

Oh Gail. I have definitely noticed your absence, and I’ve missed you. ♥ ♥ ♥

Oh damn, I hope your journey will be as joyful and honest as you made my time here, so long ago. You shared of yourself and your humor was priceless. Talking of your gardens and books made me dream of a cottage life. Fair skies Gail, thank you.

@Dog If I were there..

I’d been wondering about her.

I’m really saddened by this.

@gailcalled You were always in my corner, even when you didn’t agree. You were one of the first people I communicated with here, way back in 2008. You’ve always been one of my favorite jellies.

My thoughts are with you. You will be missed. I’m glad you were able to experience the joy of cat ownership and I’d like to think that I helped you find your way with Milo.

I don’t know what to say. I’m at a loss. Much love to you.

@janbb Thank you. I guess I will always be a work in progress.

@Dog You teach me to paint and I’ll teach you the conditional.

Ben and Andrew – I hope you see this and realize what an amazing community you built – with the help of Gail. When I first joine Fluther, I told my son there was this really smart woman there and he said, “I think that’s Ben’s aunt.”

Thank you so much for Fluther!

@gailcalled, your wit, wisdom, kindness, unflagging support, impeccable grammar and class made you not just one of my favorite jellies of all time, but one of my favorite people of all time. I am sending you all the good wishes there are. You are one of the very few people I know only online to whom I can say “I love you.” Thank you for helping to make me a better person.

—SuperMouse

Crying my eyes out.

Edit: “joined”

@augustlan me too. Sincerely, thanks for the Facebook heads up.

I love that interview. I’m so glad @LuckyGuy remembered it, and shared it.

@gailcalled You are one of the first jellies I remember encountering on Fluther. You helped me feel welcome to the site, and I felt an immediate bond. We had some similarities in our background, and your answers often reminded me of my own family. It saddens me deeply to know you are now in hospice care. I know we have had our conflicts over the last few years, but I want you to know I deeply care for you, even though I just know you through this virtual world.

You are the Fluther mom. You always will be.

Much love,
JL

Sending my love and gratitude for having had the opportunity to know you, @gailcalled. I’ve not had time to check in much, so I was unaware of the battle you’ve been fighting. I have learned much from you and enjoyed our interactions in the streams and privately over the past 8 years. You will be missed. Thank you for enriching this corner of the internet. I wish you peace.

Gail, you’re in my thoughts. You’ve always been so wonderful to me. Like a second mom.

Thank-you.

Lots of love, Gail.

From Jen and Nikki xoxoxo

Oh Gail, it’s been a long time since we’ve spoken. I’ve missed your wisdom, and calmness and humor.
Many gentle hugs to you.

Darling Gail. You did everything right. Thank you for referring me to that place where you
get good bras. Thank you for gossiping in a pretty nice way but not too nice to be fun. Thank you for teaching us how one learns to love a cat when one has never tried that before. Thank you for making sure people on Fluther quit using bad grammar. Thank you for always knowing exactly what I’m trying to articulate. Thank you for showing us pictures of the inside of your beautiful, clean, light-filled house, which surely is a good imitation of your beautiful, clean, light-filled heart. We all love you. I love you the very most because I’m the oldest. How odd that we’ve been so simpatico without meeting. Love you love you love you. Godspeed, if that’s the deal. Godspeed.

I haven’t been here in years, sadly. I am very sorry to hear this news. I will always remember the story of her name. It is my deepest wish that she is happy and pain free at this time and surrounded by the people she loves and who love her.

<3 <3 <3

I want to thank Gail’s family for allowing us this opportunity to express our feelings to Gail. This means a lot to all of us.

^ Yes. Despite its unhappy occasion, this thread is beautiful. Like so many others, I can’t help crying – but I very much hope Gail knows how much she means to everyone who has spoken up. I think she does.

Sending you {{{{LOVE}}}} & (((positive thoughts))) dear Gail & family.

Gail,
I haven’t participated in Fluther in years, but I always remember your kindness and encouragement in general, and especially when I was going through the college application process. You went so far as to mail me info which I truly will not forget.
All of my best wishes to you in your time of illness and may you be surrounded by light and kindness as you have shown to countless others.
Tali

Sending love from California, Gail!

—Dave

I’m about to start crying over all the people here, people I haven’t seen in years…

Dammit.

Gail is a sweetheart, and that sane, reflective voice during excited discourse. I will miss her.

Oh, wow. So many memories ‘round about this place. I haven’t been here in a long, long time.

Y’know what? If anyone was going to be the one to bring all of us together for an outpouring of love, it’d be @gailcalled. You’re a great lady, and I’ve thought of you and Milo often.

…Milo?

Gailcalled, one of my proudest Fluther moments was a message from you regarding a post about a couple of cats in my past. You said that is made you laugh. To have touched Fluther’s “Grande Dame,” even in such a small way made me happy.

I send you thoughts of strength, courage, joy, happiness and peace.

Hey, don’t hog the mommy you guys! Gail told me I was her daughter too living a parallel life once upon a fluther time.
I, for one, am not going to cry, I am going to celebrate a life well lived, we should all be so lucky.

Oh God, something told me she was sick some time ago, but I didn’t know she was that sick. She was one of the person who contributed to my English throughout my time, and she always did that privately so everything was always between us, no embarassment involved. She was a bit strict to me, but that was for a reason and I really appreciate it (yeah I was crazy back then). I can’t do anything but hope that she will recover soon.

And who’s going to take care of Milo now?

Thinking of you Gail . She is brilliant too. We love you .

It’s been a long time since I visited. I was told of this thread by a Fluther friend – all of the friendships I have made on this site have provided me with wisdom, warmth and great humor – Gail’s included.

Gail is a lovely presence and I enjoyed all of our exchanges on Fluther and later through Facebook.

Gail, you’re in my thoughts. And I suspect will be for a long time to come. :)

I am sure Gail sees and is awestruck by the outpouring of affection plus the fact that it’s like a blast-from-the-past with Jellies of Fluther. Gail is truly the backbone of Fluther.

Yes, it is so great to see all you old timers float to the surface again!
So many names that ring a bell from fluther past.

Gail!

I hope you feel our love, and know that we’re thinking of you! I’m so glad I had the chance to know you, even if only through bytes and bits and pixels. All the hugs for you, my dear (and Milo <3)!

Thank you, Gail.

Thank you for introducing me to the old poets and sharing your discoveries of the new ones.

Thank you for sharing with us your love for linguistics.

Thank you for giving me words like palimpsest, the proper use of exegesis, and the etymology of phrases like memento mori.”

Thank you for interesting me in Quaker culture.

Thank you for your dry, pithy humour that is so funny that I always feel privileged when I was the focus of it.

Thank you for freely sharing your personal photos with all of us, of your beautiful home in the Berkshires, your art, your textile work and other objects in your home, of the annual Prince Alberts on the lawn out back, of Milo, of the first deer sighting, of your mother and James Cagney, of the big house and car back in Brooklyn, your father’s car which nobody could identify and so much more.

Thank you for holding the bar so high here for so long.

Thank you for pointing out that, “_ma’ ami_” is always “mon ami”, because ”ma’ ami” sounds like mommy. And thank you for giving me a button I could push just to rile you by continuing to sign off to you as “_ma’ ami_”, my friend.

Thank you for encouraging me to be a better writer and your interest in my “expository” writing.

Thank you for showing me that a person could actually fall in love with someone they’ve never met nor seen.

Thank you for being such a classy lady.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us.

Thank you for calling, Gail.

Thank you for everything, ma ami.

This is a beautiful who’s who of “old timers”. What a gorgeous tribute.

It is amazing seeing so many people who I thought I would never see again! @casheroo, @aprilsimnel, @Seelix, @tranquilsea, @Jeruba, and on and on. Gail touched so many people.

@Coloma I’m glad you can hold it together. I’m pretty teary eyed myself.

@JLeslie Well…I’m emotional eating right now, I can’t cry or I will choke on my cracked pepper and olive oil Triscuit with Vermont white sharp cheddar and my apple wedges. If I stop eating I will cry. So I guess this means I will have to keep eating all night.

May I leave this with all of you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dO1rMeYnOmM

I am in awe seeing these old, familiar jellies swim back into the lagoon to speak of @gailcalled and share their love.

Wow. Just…wow. I’ve missed you all so much.

Me, too. I love you guys. <3

It’s really like a Who’s Who of Fluther.

We are a family. We may disappear, but we show up when we’re needed.

I stumbled on this site years ago October 9th 2008, eerily enough.

I remember being a naive, attention seeking, lonely girl in college. I found everything I was looking for and even more in Fluther. See I got the attention I thought I needed. I also got to meet amazing, intelligent, and eloquent women to look up to. @gailcalled you were one of them. As much as I guffawed at every grammar check or idea I didn’t agree with, I needed you. Even when I thought, “Ugh she just doesn’t get it!”
I know we didn’t have a close relationship outside of Fluther Q&A. However you should know there is now an independent and confident woman who loves cats just as much as you do. You are a part of of who I am. You are in my thoughts.

If everyone who has resurfaced on this thread after long, long absence would stick around, we’d almost have the old Fluther back, wouldn’t we? Imagine how that would please Gail.

I myself was just wondering where you were a couple of days ago, @gailcalled. I was surprised today when I saw what Auggie posted on her Facebook page, and I was saddened to hear the news. Like @IBERnineD, we never had a close friendship here, but you were and are very much a part of Fluther and it truly wouldn’t have been the same site without you. I’m sending so many warm thoughts in the direction of you and your loved ones.

This thread is honestly making me a little teary because so many old users are here. Hi, @Jeruba! It’s been a long time and I hope you’re doing very well!

I hope this thread makes Gail at least half as happy as it’s made me.

First, I’m sorry I called you a Grammar Nazi on more than one occasion.

Your way with words and your love of life has always been amazing, even if my stubborn little mind wouldn’t accept it for what it really was until after I had already parted ways with Fluther.

I don’t know what else to say in such a shitty time. I wish nothing but the best to you and yours. I know you’ll be the greatest teacher wherever this Universe may take you.

So sad to hear this. The word probably got around to you about who I was before I was dxs, so I’m sorry for all those shenanigans.

Look at all these people just in this online community that you’ve impacted. Gail, you’re a Fluther legend.

I don’t know how Gaii is taking all this but I’m a mess reading these comments.
You all are so wonderful.

Not that long ago there was once a WorriedGuy who himself was faced with his own mortality…it is more than fitting that he now as @LuckyGuy be the one to hold the hand of our beloved @Gailcalled as we remember how she impacted Fluther and each and everyone who were graced by knowing her. Soaking in all the memories here thanks to our dear Jelly @Gailcalled and our torch bearer @LuckyGuy….sigh

@LuckyGuy If she actually answers this, her answer would be immediately bombarded with so many GAs that the servers would burn down.The second Frisco fire.

I have tears seeing all of you and reading all of these responses. I’m not sad nor happy. I feel blessed and I have a feeling Gail feels the same.

I’m so Farklempt I can’t see my monitor.

Gail, I have no words, or at least not the right ones. You helped me navigate a delicate situation (how to deal with a loved one’s partner’s cancer?), and you gave me words of compassion on the down side of a painful breakup.

You have always been graceful and excruciatingly correct.

And, serious business aside, you have always been so goddamn funny.

I am so grateful for our friendship, electronic as it may have been.

The world is a better place for you having been in it.

I’m not very good with these things so I would just like to echo @IBERnineD‘s comment, having the same experience except possibly being more naive and attention seeking, having joined Fluther as a 16 year old high school girl. Gail was welcoming, friendly and supportive and probably had a subtle but strong influence on the growing up I did in the years I was active here. I have also become an independent, confident, cat loving woman, thank you Gail for your contribution to that as an inspiration, and friend.

I’m running out of food…wait, I have Tootsie Pops. I am going to gain 10lbs. tonight.
Sigh…this place is the greatest hidden gem on the net. What a group we are.

Sad, she helped this old stubborn truck driver a few times, hugs Gail you really did make this site a better place.

I’ve missed you @Jeruba. It would be so nice if you stayed. (jonsblond)

An old member asked me to post this since she no longer has an account:

I haven’t been around but Lisa was nice enough to link me to this question. I re-read our interview and then couldn’t help myself from looking through our old email exchanges and the pictures you sent me from your childhood and of you and Milo. I respect you for all the reasons already listed above by others in better words and with more eloquence than I can put together right now. You’re wise, full of spunk, fierce, open minded and a strong woman who has accomplished amazing things. No wonder you have been an inspiration for so many young women on this site.

As I was reading through your answers, I remembered that you are a fighter. You have fought illness before. And you’re still a fighter, except now you’re fighting for something that’s perhaps most important of all – spending whatever time you have left being with family, friends and focusing on quality of life. To be honest, as a physician, I see way too many people pass away in the hospital with three machines, numerous lines/IVs attached to them and it is a sad existence.

Hospice is a wonderful resource and though I’m heartbroken that you had to enroll in it this early on, I’m happy for you that you get to decide how you want the rest of the time to go. I can’t imagine an independent and determined woman such as yourself would want it any other way.

Love,

Devi

Dear Gail,
I’m not the kind of person who can recall exact memories from the past or bring up little details about conversations we once had. Instead I experience memory as emotion that was colored by those moments. So, when I shut my eyes, the emotional outline created by the memories of our conversations is a very powerful one. It is the recollection of a woman who was so pithy and wise that she intimidated me. It is the silhouette of someone who I admired for her cleverness and linguistic prowess. It is the index to a story of a strong influence in the direction that I chose to develop my persona.

What I write here can’t do justice to the appreciation and admiration I have for you so I will just say that the stamp you left on my soul is an impression that I hope that I may someday leave on others.
After writing and deleting about eight paragraphs I am just going to say this: I will be eternally thankful that you shared yourself with all of us. The sheer number of lives you emotionally influenced is truly profound and I hope that gives you great joy.
Please remember that you are loved and respected by innumerable random strangers around the globe just for being yourself. Enjoy relaxing in a retirement from adult responsibility.
Love, respect, and fond memories,
Delirium

Much love Gail. We didn’t communicate that much but when I think of Fluther there are a few people that pop up in my mind and you are one of them. Milo too!

OpryLeigh (AKA Leanne1986)

Sending hugs and much sparkly dust to brighten your world! You are awesome xxxx And I agree with @Jeruba I will make more time!! Thank you for all your wisdom over the years Gail xx

Sending out good vibes xxx

Sup Gail. Feel better bae. :)

@gailcalled You are one element that attracted me to fluther when I first joined and kept me active for several years. Even though I have visited here less in recent years, I have continued to revel in your humorous Facebook posts and our occasional message exchanges. You have always given so much more than you ever requested. You are someone whom those who meet you want to have for a friend.

Let me continue to be your friend and please be willing to receive whatever I can offer you to support you in this stage of your life’s journey. Please allow your friends to honour your contributions by offering you the best of themselves for your benefit. Love to you, Lawrence (@Dr_Lawrence)

You have brightened my life with your humour and attention to grammar. I’m not a cat person but I do like hearing from Milo as well. You are a great member of this little community.

This thread is so wonderful and surreal at the same time. All the old time jellies swooping back in for a friend in need. Unreal and amazing.

Now, if @90s_Kid shows up, my head will explode.

This is like Back to the Future!

I am another who has been on a self-imposed leave of absence. Thanks for the alert @LuckyGuy.
Life got in the way. Life… there are lives here too. Real people I got to “meet” in a different way. Gailcalled was one of them.
I’m so sorry to read this sad news. I have always had so much respect for Gail and her opinions.
I hope that she has comfort and gentle care during this time. I wish you peace.

It’s a little baffling to think that Fluther has already been a journey of eight years, and Gail, you’ve been there from the beginning. But there is peace at the ends of things, and you showed us that peace in the simplicity of your life in recent years. I wish you continued peace through this time. Thank you for your wisdom and for keeping the bar high. Love to you. —Kevin

Just thought I’d dust off my old Harp suit since this has become such a wonderful reunion of dear old friends. What a beautiful demonstration of our capacity to touch each others’ lives (despite all the snarling and snapping).

Gail- even though we didn’t have many one-on-one conversations, I admired you and appreciated your posts, presence, and wisdom. You are kindness and class personified. Sending all my love and gratitude.

Jelly world, I love and appreciate you all. I truly believe that I’m on this side of the grass, in large part, because of my jelly-friends.

And thank you, @LuckyGuy, for doing this. Hugs!

Gailcalled you will be sorely missed. Thanks to @LuckyGuy for posting a hint on Facebook to visit the other F site and check the Meta question. I’ve been missing in action here too, and without that thoughtful gesture I would never have know.

@Blackberry Gail would shoot you for saying “bae.” Since she can’t post I’ll do it for her. .... channeling…. ..... ....... @Blackberry, BAE is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London in the United Kingdom and with operations worldwide. Your post made no sense. ~ GailCalled.

@Dutchess_III I think he meant “babe.” haha

I know what it means. But Gail hates those kinds of temporary, idiomatic phrases…or whatever you call them. Wish she was here to tell me what you call them. Like, “Daddy baby,” and stuff. I’m having a hard time finding the right description. Help me, somebody. :(

Slang? Current vernacular?

Bennymattson/rarebear/osoraro here. Gail knows who I am.

Gail, you are my internet comrade in arms, my alter ego, my fellow skeptic. I can always count on you to virtually fight by my side when the woo hoardes attack. You were one of the reasons I stuck around Fluther as long as I did.

Only Gail could pull the community together like this…..I’m misty for the old days when Fluther meant so much more to me and all of these wonderful people were still here regularly.

@syz The old Grammare just ain’t what it used to be.

I always loved your posts. Wishing you the best.

As I am not there to read to you Gail I shall post one of my favorite poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in hopes you will enjoy it:

I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.

I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong,
That it can follow the flight of song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.

Hello to all the Jellies we haven’t seen in years. I’ve missed a lot of you.

@LuckyGuy:

This post is a gift rarely received, the chance to touch base one more time. So often in life, and most often, we are only united to wish we had said more.

Thank you

@Seek Yeah. That. Don’t know where my brain was this morning.

We miss you Gail.

Good morning Gail!

Thought you’d get a kick out of my ranch sitting gig starting this evening through the 19th.
8 horses & 3 mules named Kit & Kat, Cayuse, Diamond, Jasmine, Misty, Widow, Cracker, Reno, Kix and Mozie.
4 dogs, Dooley, Scout, Nellie and Josephine and a disabled chicken that eats canned cat food and is named ” Hallelujah” because that is what her call sounds like. haha

I just realized that @Blackberry‘s whole post, “Sup Gail. Feel better bae. :)” was designed to set her hair on fire so she’d grab Auggie’s whip and come here and let him have it. Wish it would have worked.

Gail, thank you for supporting Fluther from day 0, pouring yourself into it and changing my life along with so many other peoples’. This site wouldn’t have become what it is without you.

Looking forward to introducing you to my son next week. <3

Also, this is a beautiful thread.

And lovely to see you here, Ben!

Here is a gorgeous picture of Milo that Gail once shared in a cat question I asked. Kept thinking about this all day, had to post it in here.

^^^ I remember that picture, Awww, Milo, such a regal pussy!

That is one of my favorite Fluther pictures @Symbeline. Excellent call.

@Symbeline Thanks for reminding me of her fabulous house and property that was a reflection of her whimsy and love for nature and her garden outside that window. My fav pic was This one she share with me where I could imagine her sitting for hours on end just listening to the brook flowing by.

Those photos not only show a beautiful cat enjoying its life in feline paradise, but also have the most beautiful lighting and peaceful environment. Just looking at them makes one feel so serene. Gail, you are truly blessed to have lived in your own Eden.

I’ve got to go, but couldn’t resist browsing Gails albums for the last 30 minutes. Thanks Gail, for giving us a glimpse into your little Walden Pond zone. I love that Milo lookalike pillow.
Is lookalike all one word? Someone tell me! haha

^^ no

Now Jan, don’t be with holding….never mind, I’ll look it up myself. haha

look-alike, I think.

Gail, my favorite plant has been doing this the past couple of days. The picture doesn’t do it justice, but it’s growing up on itself, and it looks like a beautiful, green spiral staircase. I think of you when I look at it.

Gail, I’ve been going back through our PMs; I had forgotten that our relationship started over your questions as a first-time cat owner about Milo. And then our reading lists and favorite books. Comparing health issues. And of course, our gardens. Even though we’re entering the fall season, I picture you in my mind anxiously awaiting the signs of spring:

I put on a pair of Wellies and sloshed around this morning. Most of the snow is gone, and I have found dozens of small patches of snow drops in bloom. Being buried under the snow was fine, apparently. Less so for me. Boy, am I ready for spring.

I did hear both the drumming and the call of the Yellow-shafted flicker yesterday. That means he will start on my cedar siding soon. Redwing blackbirds have been konkareeing for two weeks, and there are small swellings on the lilac branches. – gailcalled

And because it is you, I apologize for the sentence fragments.

I have been reading here since shortly after it was posted. I am seeing names I have followed which I thought would never revisit this site, and I followed mostly for their quick access to old threads. I came to love them for what they left behind before I came along.
I didn’t know what to post here at first. I know now.
Gail, I haven’t loved you long, but it didn’t take long to love you. I wish you strength and joy, which it seems is what you have given to so many people over the years. It is deserved in return now to you.

What an amazing thread, and reading every word of it made me even later to the…event.

It’s like losing the Fluther-mother, that’s been here since day one. I, too, had noticed @gailcalled’s absence, but I was in hopes that she had reinvented herself under a new name, as so many have done.

I was notified that my Kiva account had funds to loan. Knowing it could do no harm, and that it made me feel better I added funds and made 3 loans while thinking of agailcalled. Breaks my heart to hear of someone so fiercely independent losing any of that freedom. Seems like just yesterday she was posting about being snowed in and still enjoying her birds and winter wonderland.

@Dutchess_III Yep, look-alike, thanks.

This thread is a gift. A gift to honor the unique human that was integral to this community. A gift to rekindle the best part of this community. A gift to all who will sift through the golden nuggets on this community in perpetuity.

Gail, I didn’t know you in real life, but should have. We share a love of language, nature, the glorious sky and a cat named Milo. Peace.

I win the GailCalled award!

Its good to see the old faces showing up in this thread. Best wishes @gailcalled you will be remembered. If I make a mistake in my grammar it is only in the hope you will come back to correct it.

Hope the old people who come here will stay, and hope one day we’ll have another Gail that can gather so many people like this.

Could be you Mimishu.

May I also say how nice it is to see so many familiar “faces?” However things have dispersed in recent years, we are clearly still a community.

@gailcalled See all the jellies you’ve brought together again? That’s the power, influence and impact you’ve had in this place!! I hope that all the jellies that have come back to the lagoon will now stay and we can be one big family again! I’ve missed all you “old timers”.

@gailcalled Although we never met in this life, I feel as if our paths will cross in another. You have been always a pillar of Fluther, and thus, a pillar of the community, which is Fluther. I remember the site’s glory days so fondly, especially seeing so many old friends come back to pay tribute to your goodness and influence.

I remember speaking in French and Latin with you; I remember you and I sharing poems with each other; I remember gazing with fondness at the pictures of the beautiful world you have created; I remember our shared love of nature; I remember us talking about caring for aging parents, and about losing someone close to one.

I remember your brilliant mind, your curiosity, your love and compassion for your fellows, your unwillingness to suffer fools gladly, your dry and oh-so-witty sense of humor. I remember all of these things, and I always will.

If this should be the end, please know how very many lives you have touched, and how very much you have given to the world including me. I wish you a pain-free and peaceful passage into the next stage of existence.

I send you my love. It is amazing to think you can love someone that you have never met, but you can and I do. I started out by saying that we had never met, but we have, as souls on the same journey. Thank you for gracing my journey with your presence.

Marina

^You brought me to tears.

Gail, the fact that you reached out to others in a very personal way during your lifetime is a tribute to your personality. This outpouring of love and support on Fluther hopefully brings a sense of relief and contentment. You were able to positively touch so many lives of those that never met you in person, and it is worthy of recognition.
As long as Fluther survives, the imprint you have made upon our lives will live as long as we do, and maybe even longer than that.

Gail, you probably missed Jon’s question about his podcast from three weeks ago. There was a special appearance from Sherry. There was also a special appearance in the chatroom during his podcast that week. whatthefluther. I know you would want to know about this.

Janet- xoxo

I haven’t posted on Fluther in years but I had to when I saw this thread.

Gail, please know how many lives you’ve touched, including mine.

Your brilliance, your humor, your compassion, and your lively spirit have shown through in all of your answers here. You’ve helped so many of us in so many ways, not just with your helpful answers but with your caring and wonderful presence.

You have made this community better. You have made people’s lives better. You are beloved by so many here.

If @cak posts I will cry tears of joy

Hola Gail,

Sending you happy thoughts and all the sandwiches you can eat.

Don’t forget we have a marathon to run together!

@Dutchess_III Yea I know, which is why I typed like that. A long time ago I sent Gail a PM and made the mistake of saying “lol”, and she basically told me she liked me until I said “lol” and told me she didn’t like me anymore. Ha.

So I hope she understands why I posted that.

@dammitjanetfromvegas – wtf was there?

http://i.imgur.com/k0B6CRx.jpg

This is the account he used when Jon first started his podcast.

@dammitjanetfromvegas Thank you. I still cherish the pipe he carved me. I think of them often.

“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”

~Thomas Carlyle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeFfhH83_RE

Gail, from another former Jelly who cares about you: “I don’t have an account [anymore] but will you post for me that Fiddle Playing Creole Bastard is thinking of her and sends his love?”

Fiddle Playing Creole Bastard…miss you.

Oh, I miss that bastard.

@gailcalled You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Many hugs. @LuckyGuy Thanks for starting this thread.

I haven’t had a thread affect me in such an emotional way since Gary (aka @whatthefluther) created the engagement thread.

I am suprised at my emotions from seeing so many old “friends”.

I second the suggestion by @Jeruba. We probably couldn’t re-create the “old” Fluther, but it might help the site recover from its current slump.

I just read the engagement thread. Not sure if I read it at the time, but it was beautiful and reminded me of the Fluther of old. It would be nice to see the engaged couple return. There are also a few Jellies I don’t see here – not sure if they’re under different names or if they’re out permanently.

Nikki and I are heading up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula next weekend, Gail. Our campsite will be right along Lake Superior. Perfect spot to see the Aurora Borealis.

We were there last year at this time and they put on quite a show!

The lights were dancing here over Norway last week. I wished you all here to see it with me. Hot chocolate and sweaters all around.

This happend to the north… in an area around Trømso
https://tv.nrk.no/serie/dagsrevyen/NNFA19100615/06-10-2015#t=38m39s

if that link doesn’t work… try this one: https://www.facebook.com/NRK/videos/900858576655042/

Hi Gail,
It’s amazing to see how many lives you’ve touched, over nearly 10 years of time, on an Internet site. Reading these comments, and thinking about our own interactions, both public and private has brought me a great sense of joy, though it has taken a great moment of sadness. My thoughts are with you.

@Blackberry Fear not, I am the queen of “lol” and it hasn’t earned me any brownie points either, but…oh well, I do laugh out loud a lot, all by myself, I am easily amused.

Oh my God – I can’t believe who’s showing up for this. How wonderful to see you all!

@gailcalled – Sending thoughts and prayers that your last days are peaceful! My father recently passed away after several months in hospice and I am glad that I got to spend those last moments with him.

During my days on Fluther, you were always the patient guru helping to guide the way for everyone as they joined. Your humor and wisdom added value to every thread. How lucky everyone was for your presence.

@ben – Congratulations on your new baby! I’ve had two since joining Fluther and they fill my days with joy (and exhaustion…but mostly joy).

@everyone else – great to see so many familiar jellies on this thread! my wife (Cupcake) was just telling me how few former jellies there were nowadays, but clearly the network created is still active, though more dispersed. :)

I’ve been told how ill you are, dear @Gailcalled. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Adding my thanks to @LuckyGuy for initiating this thread.

With all the wonderful jellies bringing me back to the great Fluther of old, this thread is filling my heart and shredding it all at the same time. It is so easy to remember why I enjoyed being here so much once up one a time. It is fitting that It is Gail everyone came out for.

A great tribute to you, Gail.
I always enjoyed your posts: humorous, smart, honest.
I am happy you get to see this extraordinary outpouring of love and admiration.

How warmly and satisfyingly fulfilling it must be to reach the point in your life where your presence is so felt, your personality so influential and secure and your knowledge so extensive, that people look up to you and appreciate your constructive criticism and approval. How relieving to step back and see you have done almost everything correctly and that what is not correct is at least accepted. How heart-warming to sit back and receive the love and admiration of past, present and future generations.

Oh my gosh, what a grand party indeed!
I almost keeled over when I saw mention of fiddle playing creole bastard.
Oh, the golden age of fluther when I was still but a wee gosling in the pond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwGnCIdHQH0

Sorry that I’m so late to chime in here. I’m barely on Fluther these days and have been away for social media due to a family emergency. But I’d like to send my love to you, Gail, and thank you for making Fluther a more comfortable and welcoming place. You’ve always been one of my favorite jellies and your posts are greatly missed. I especially want to thank you for taking the time to compile “must-see” places for me (and my family) to visit in Boston back in 2008. Your suggestions were very welcome and they greatly enhanced our trip. And even though we have your nephew, Ben, and Andrew to thank for this site, I’ll always think of you as the Grande Dame of Fluther. It’s odd signing on here and not seeing your valued input.
Love to you and your family.

This Q, and all the answers, should be printed out, framed, and hung on the wall of a special room in the mansion.

<3 <3 <3

Good morning Gail!

Sitting on the patio here in the CA. hills on a delightful morning, acorns zinging down from the trees and thwacking the roof before bouncing onto my head. haha
. Thinking of you while I take a few more minutes of zen time here.

I only just heard of this (not that active on Fluther anymore either), and am so saddened to hear of it. Gail, I think you’re the first one I think of when I think of Fluther and why I’ve always felt it to be a warm and welcoming community. Even though we’re all just posting short quips on some random website, they were enough to let shine through that you’re a wonderful person. I wish you all the best. Lots of love, Vincent.

We were on the road to Wichita yesterday, and I was thinking about you, Gail. I remembered asking a question as to why people would build great, huge, beautiful mansions and stick ‘em in the middle of Kansas fields with no landscaping, barely a stone’s throw from a highway.

Gail chided me for being judgmental. She chided me often. At some point in that thread I posted a picture of my dream house.

Gail said, “You love the Barrett house, and I love the Barrett house, but not everyone necessarily likes it.” Or something like that.

I had to read it three times before I realized….SHE LOVES THE BARRETT HOUSE TOO!!! I was really excited.

Dude, I love the Barrett House, too. I just need an oubliette apartment out back to store the Mother-in-law

It is amazing the influence one person can have. For some reason, I signed into Facebook for the first time in weeks, and I saw a post from another flutterer about someone in an online community earthly time coming to an end, and I immediately came here, hoping it wasn’t anyone from here.

Usually when such things happen on the other sites I visit, I don’t even know the person, their username means nothing to me. It’s sad, but only in the way all deaths are. And none of them ever made me cry, until this day. We didn’t speak one-on-one, but I remember you fondly, and will continue to do so.

Much love Gail. I, too, have less to say on Fluther these days..but remember you and miss your presence here.

@Seek , well, it was supposed to be on 5 acres. We could have built her a barn on the other side of the pond!

Hey guys, Fiddle here. A few jellies told me about @gailcalled via Facebook (and also that some other jellies were missing me) so I decided to make an updated account and pop in to show my support. You’re in my thoughts Gail. <3

hey Fiddle!!

@janbb hey Jan! Thanks for encouraging me to return.

Hey there ‘Fiddle’ I know Gail is pleased to see you back in the tide pool with all the rest and you can count me in as well!

Cuddles… Gail!

Good morning Gail!

I’m back in Vermont this week (for my final school residency) and the autumn colors are vibrant and rich and beautiful. The smell of wood burning floats through the air. I feel at ease walking across the expanse of grass and I’m thinking of you.

If I was a cougar, Fiddle would be my boyfriend.

Suddenly feeling old @wilma

Gail: The sky is achingly blue today, and the winy taste of autumn is in the gentle, cool air. Leaves are still green here although the change of seasons is definite.

@wilma glad to see you!

wilMAAA!

As I age, I think sometimes – more and more frequently now, though I’m in apparent good health and nowhere near as old as I look (shaddup, you kids) – I consider the legacy I’ll leave behind someday, whenever. I’m not a published writer; I’m nowhere near diligent enough to marshal my thoughts for longer than it takes to write more than a short essay (or email, or Facebook status… or Fluther post), so it’s gratifying to see that Fluther itself will be a legacy of sorts. Whatever happens to it from now until the end of time, the bits and bytes are out there and stored on some media or in some minds from time to time and in place to place.

What a thrill it would be, I think, to actually get to witness the effect of that legacy ahead of the day when it is finally given over.

Whatever else you leave behind, @gailcalled, here is evidence of a great legacy.

And dammit, I have not given up on you coming back here ere long and pointing out every damned bit of twisted syntax, misused vocabulary, misplaced modifier, hanging participle and every other grammatical faux pas (including some new – to me – French terms) and whipping this place into shape again.

These are all some great tributes. It’s times like this that I wish I could be a much better writer of feeling and emotion and spirit; I’d trade a lot of my technical writing ability to be able to tell you very clearly how much you mean to me as a fellow writer, a fellow human – a Jelly.

Where are jeffgoldlblumsprivatefacilities? I want him back!

Where is Red Power Lady?

How is Gail doing?

@Dutchess_III I thought about red power lady also! She is a Facebook friend, but when I tried to look her up I had a lapse in memory. I need to go through and see if I can figure out who she is. Do you remember her name?

Yarnlady too. I think she would want to be here.

Yarnlady was last seen on Answerbag in December 2014… I don’t know where else to look for her.

I wasn’t friends with her but I used to see her (Yarnlady’s) face on Facebook but haven’t even seen that in a while.

I haven’t been on much lately so I was very sad to hear this news. Hugs and prayers to you!

@PhiNotPi hasn’t been on in a while, either.

I sent Yarnlady an email.

I think of you often @gailcalled and I wondered why I hadn’t seen you around for a long while. I hope you are comfortable and someone is taking care of your kitty. If I could, I’d make you a giant vegetarian feast and bring some fresh salmon for Milo : )

Dear Gail

Somehow I missed this thread entirely….

I am so saddened to read the news about you. You must be missing your Milo and home terribly. Being extracted from one’s familiar comforts is one of the hardest things. I can only trust you have some very special people around you. And room for solitude when you need it.

I have really enjoyed our intermittent exchange of messages across the ether. Your encouragement to tackle writing the poem for what would have been my little grandson’s fifth birthday was particularly valuable. Your DVD recommendations.

I find this piece of poetry deeply meaningful. Not to mention deeply challenging. I hope it might hold some meaning for you also.

Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will this
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
(Alfred Lord Tennyson, Ulysses)

With very warmest love to you dearest Gail
From your antipodean friend Rebecca xx

I don’t see red power lady in my friends anymore. I remembered her name.

@Adagio She is at home.

@gailcalled – Ian and Russell want to send their love, too. Ian has been reading like a champ lately. He’s halfway through the second Harry Potter book now. We have a deal going: Once he finishes the seventh book, we’ll take him to the Harry Potter section of Universal Studios, and buy him a wand at Ollivander’s Wand Shop. By the time he does finish, we’re betting he’ll be tall enough to ride the Hogwarts roller coaster.

Good morning Gail,

I hope today finds you pain-free. Know that you are on my mind today and that, due to this thread, I have rekindled my passion for poetry. Thank you.

Oh yay, Gail, you are at HOME, with Milo, and in your lovely abode. I am so glad to know this!
Thinking of you.

@Coloma She came back? God everyone’s wish came true!

@Mimishu1995 @janbb said above that she is at home, in response to @Adagio‘s post, unless I misunderstood.

@Mimishu1995 Yes, nothing has changed, I just was clarifying that for Adagio.

Is Gail back home?

Simone sends her love and thoughts to you Gail.

@Dutchess_III Please read what was said. I do not want to keep saying the same thing and I do not want to give out information I wasn’t authorized to say. Nothing has changed to my knowledge.

The purpose of Hospice is to make sure, as much as is possible, a person can spend their last days at home.

I read what was said, @janbb, and I was still confused. Maybe we could mod that whole line of thinking so others aren’t left confused?

Woke up to a cold, crisp fall morning and was thinking of Gail. I am missing you, your wit and Milo.

Here too.
Spring was overbearing and completely emasculated summer. Autumn stood by, waiting patiently, but now the urge is great. It moves upon us, gentle but certain.
I hope autumn has the ferver to last, and hold off winter.

Hi Gail! Nikki and I are getting our gear together for our trip to the Upper Peninsula. We’re leaving Thursday. This popped up in my FB newsfeed this morning. Should make for an interesting time camping along Superior! Ha!

Eta: Okay I read through the article and I noticed that the warning only lasts until tonight. Still, I’ve been told that there have been strong winds and cool temps for the past week. I’m packing my warm woolies! :)

I’ll take pictures and post them here when we come back.

Gail, here are a few photos of my baby Dwarf goats (and mom) to brighten your day. Their names are Chocolate, Licorice and Butterscotch (left to right in this photo – sorry, it’s impossible to get a shot where all three are still!), and they are 7 weeks old.

Hello,Gail.
Big hugs to you,Milo and all of your loved ones.

@lucillelucillelucille Wow! Hiya!

Goaties. Eee.

@wildpotato Awww…kids! I like the ball caps on the nanny goat too. Haha, What are those, some sort of tennis balls, goat balls? lol

lucillelucillelucille, Wow is right! Hi there!

-Does anyone know how to get in touch with willlworkforchocolate?—
I don’t use facebook anymore.

Or pdworkin…

I can message Willworkforchocolate on Facebook.

Here I am. Seek pm’d me. Can’t get into my old account.

I can’t say how sorry I am to hear about this. Everyone loves Gail. My love and hugs go out to you, Gail, and your family.

Anyone seen @supermouse yet?

Hey there Lucille, nice to see you! Actually so nice that….....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6XdVefBj8UI

Keep warm, in our thoughts, Gail.

@StillWorksForChocolate hey, please stay and work for choc here.

I haven’t been on Fluther in a long time, but I wanted to stop by to send you my love. You will be in my prayers, and you are wonderful, Gail.

@Dog: Supermouse is now @FlyingWolf

Now when will she log in again…

Her account logged in today, so I think it’s safe to assume she’s up to date.

Gail, Jon and I are so happy in our new home located in town. I thought I would miss the farm but I really don’t. Jon has less than a mile to travel to work and Emily has a two block walk to the Jr/Sr High School. She’s in student council and still a budding artist. There is little light pollution here so we can still enjoy the beautiful night sky on a clear evening.

Sending our love, Jon, Janet and Emily

Dear Gail. I thought about you this morning. At about 4.30am, a family of kookaburras decided they would join in the dawn chorus. They were incredibly loud, and I can’t say their cackling was musical. I know how you love birds, and I considered recording the Australian dawn chorus to share with you. I imagine it’s quite different to the dawn chorus where you are. If I can figure out how to share it with you, I’ll try to record something over the weekend.

I love how this thread has also become a conversation with you Gail. I’ve often thought that what really matters in life are our interactions with others. Nelson Mandela said:-

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

If Mandela is right, one only has to look at this thread to see what a difference you have made Gail. Look at all these posts from people who just want to show they love you. Look at how many people have returned to this site only to reach out to you. And so many say what a difference you have made in their lives. (EM aka Bellatrix)

La Reine de la Mer
A villanelle in tribute to Gail

Magnificent lady of Fluther,
Hear now our outpouring of grief.
We lurve you beyond any other!

Were I to be granted one druther,
That boon would go to your relief,
Magnificent lady of Fluther!

For you are the jelly den mother;
Your illness is naught but a thief.
We lurve you beyond any other!

And were I then granted another,
I’d wish that your absence were brief,
Magnificent lady of Fluther!

Instead we must gnash, wail, and wuther,
And wish your return to this reef.
We lurve you beyond any other!

So as our dismay we do smother,
Forever maintain this belief:
Magnificent lady of Fluther,
We lurve you beyond any other!

Hi everyone. This is Gail’s daughter, Alison, writing. I wanted to let you know that my mother has been reading your wonderful comments and really appreciates it. She is overwhelmed by all the messages and tributes and thanks you all. She is resting comfortably at home with Milo by her side (unless he is out killing various furry wild creatures, to my dismay). Thank you all very much!

Thank you Alison, for the update on your mom. I am happy to read that she is comfortable and that she can enjoy knowing how her friends here appreciate her.

My old friend dear Gailcalled. I do hope you are feeling well and being treated right.

Look how much you are loved and missed.

Hope to see you around here soon.

☺

Thank you for the update, Alison! Please give Gail a hug for me.

Thank you, Alison!

From, Alyson

Thank you Alison!
We all needed to hear that.
Gail as always xoxo. Chyna

Good Morning Gail,

Thank you so much for responding via Alison! It is lovely to touch base with you even if it is third party.

I do hope that Milo is sharing his catches with you.

@Dutchess_III I don’t want to go down a tangent, but to try to clarify, for you, and others who might be confused also, @janbb said Gail is at home, which is what I had assumed all along, and now that’s confirmed. Maybe you assumed she was in hospice at a facility of some sort? Is that why you are confused? The way I read it, she is under hospice care, which is often done while the person still lives at home.

Often, but not always. It is commonly done in a facility if the person’s home is unsuitable for whatever reason.

Thanks so much for the update, Alison.
“Hospice” is a word that’s both shocking and comforting. Many of us were shocked that you’d come in need of hospice, Gail, and many of us are now comforted that you are home among the people and things you love.
I imagine the trees are turning there with beautiful displays of color. Rest and enjoy.

I hope that you can see the fall colors from your bed, Gail. I am so glad that Milo is with you. Cats are so healing. I am sure that Alison is serving well as a substitute servant for him.

I am so glad that you have family around you. How was Ben’s baby? Cute? A true Finkel? I hope you feel the love from us all surrounding you as well.

I would apologize for those who have tried so diligently but ineffectually to sideline this thread, but it is just so typically Fluther. Perhaps it gave you a chuckle.

Alison, thank you for the update.

Yes to clarify—Mom is under hospice care at home, which means they come here as necessary, mainly working on keeping her comfortable, in whatever way she chooses and they suggest. She has a beautiful sunny bedroom on the third floor of her house, which looks out on the fall colors, which are now peaking here. Milo wanders in and out at will but spends a lot of time next to her (and thwacking people as they go by sometimes) .

@gailcalled (Allison) – It’s nice to see that Milo is continuing to maintain his responsibilities as Grand Poobah of Gail’s terrain.

Aww, God bless Milo for protecting and loving his mommy.

I’m just extra-relieved to know that Alison-as- @gailcalled‘s writing is up to snuff. That’s a high bar to clear.

Thank You Alison for updating all of us. Your mom has made quite the impression here over the years.

@gailcalled I can just picture your sunny bedroom and the fall colors and Milo reaching out on the sly to thwack passerby. haha
Cats, the stealth thwack is the best. Love to you all this fine morning.

P.S. @gailcalled I think it only fitting that you appoint @janbb as the new, official, grammar police. She is second to none and would do a splendid job of watching everyones P’s & Q’s.
I do think she needs a colorful arm band with the initials GP. A whistle would be a good addition as well.
Perhaps she can photo shop an arm band and a shiny whistle onto the Penguin.

I thought I’d change my avatar for you, Gail. It’s one of my pictures with an insect photobomb. You have always been so kind with your compliments and supportive of my photography. Thank you so much! I will always chuckle and think of you in the future when those pesky insects appear in my photos.

Janet xoxo

Gail,

I’m so glad you are able to be in your home with your furry caretaker. I think about you everyday and ponder at the wonder of the Internet and how I now know it brings people together. None of these people would have had the pleasure of knowing you were it not for fluther and the Internet. I hope you can be at peace.

Alison, thanks for the update.

@Coloma Thanks for the nomination but @Jeruba is actually much better at it than me (than I ?) so maybe she’ll stick around.

Thank you for the updates Alison. I’m so glad you are at home Gail. It’s comforting to know you can still look out of your window and see the trees, hear the birds and that you have Milo there with you. Even if he is batting away the help!

Hello Alyson. So nice to meet you. Thank you so much for the update.

Maybe you can can make your own account and stick around for a while?

The sun’s comforting warmth, Alison floating in and out like a fairy nurse, Milo lazing round keeping a watchful eye on everyone and Gail gazing out of her window at the falling leaves.

Here, Gail, you can offend Milo by showing him a picture of the cutest kittens in the world (I’m biased, these are the last two of the litter that I hand raised). And, of course, their foster daddy, Spencer, who helped to raise them.

Thank you so much for the updates Alison.

(@alisoncalled ??)

Thank you, Alison, both for the update and for being such a great daughter to our beloved Gail.

Wow. I picked a lousy time to be away for several days taking care of real life pressing issues.

I’m trying to type through my tears, Gail, as I’m trying to process the news. But it’s also terrific and joyful to hear the tributes of all the Fluther folks whose lives you have touched so wondefully through the years. You really are a class act which was evident from the very first email we exchanged.

You are one of the main reasons I stuck around Fluther after the initial cursory looksee. It was so refreshing to find a site where language mattered and to encounter a fellow verbivore and cat lover.

You will be daily in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you much peace and joy from a life well lived. You truly are an inspiration.

I’m happyfor you that you opted for Hospice rather than hospital (and hope that the latter will not really be necessary).

I know firsthand how wonderful hospice caretakers are from my experience as a live-in caregiver to an elderly couple. It enabled the gentleman to remain in his own home surrounded by his family and beloved cat always by his side.

Hospice care made the entire experience more than just bearable for everyone involved. It was a peaceful time and I wish the same for you. Much love and hugs.

late to the party, and sitting here for an hour and still haven’t come up with a suitable post

@gail

I don’t do sad very well or often, so I’ll stick to my strong suits and ramble instead.

First, thank you. Thanks for sharing your little slice of the country, your beautiful house, and Milo. I feel like I can imagine them all.

Second, I have to admit I’ve been watching you. Well, your answers anyway. The last time I “came back” to fluther it was around the time my daughter was born and I intended to ask the ladies of fluther how I could help raise a happy, confident, multifaceted young lady. How did they get that way? I never asked. The wording didn’t come together and I thought the focus wouldn’t be where I intended. My fault.

Instead I started taking note of how the people I respected expressed their ideas here. You’ve always been confident, consistent, and somehow manage to be direct without apathy or unkindness. That’s difficult and admirable. I hope you know it’s appreciated.

Beyond that I hope that inner confidence is always there for you.

@funkdaddy seems like you already have what it takes to raise your little one so well, that she will possess tge qualities you mention! All the best.

Gail, while I was drinking coffee on my patio this morning, I found myself thinking of you and your impact on so many people. Sometimes the internet is obnoxious and intrusive, but it can also lead us to wonderful people.

I never got to meet you, and I can’t say that you and I were ever close. In fact, we butted heads on more than one occasion. But I’ve always appreciated you. Your wit and humor put smiles on so many faces. You’ve touched the lives of all of us, in one way or another, and that’s why we’re all here, sending our love to you.

Dear Gail: My best thoughts and wishes are with you. We were together in Fluther during the Golden Years, and you helped make it so.

Hiya @YARNLADY ! Great to see you!

@YARNLADY Great to see you again, lets hope El Nino drowns out some of our drought here. :-)

@gailcalled You once took me down a notch by telling me I was acting more crass than my breeding. I think I stuck out my tongue and raised my middle finger at you (of course you couldn’t see that, being on the other side of the monitor), but then I started to think.

I wanted to actually earn your respect. I was so happy to have friendly conversations with you after I got over being a brat.

I just want to tell you that you’ve been a positive influence. I try to present myself with more class because of you. <3

@YARNLADY Wow! You’re back! You’re here! I bet @gailcalled is tickled as pink as the color of Milo’s tongue : )

Please stay with us my friend.

Alison and Milo, if you need to visit the potty, This Nice Nurse can fill in for awhile.

Greetings Gail, hope this note finds you and Milo reposing in comfort on this lovely morning. This bowl of steel cut oatmeal with a drizzle of maple syrup is just for you!
I can wrangle up a nice fat gopher for Milo, sauteed and served with a garnish of catnip.

Best wishes & positive thoughts

Mahalo, Gail.

Dear Gail,

It’s Friday afternoon, here in Switzerland. Work’s almost done. The weather outside is a bit gloomy, but I’ll be on the way to my family in a little bit.

I’m thinking of you quite often. I wish you well and hope you feel the love of your family and this community.

For me, love always makes me warm inside, no matter where I go, no matter of what the weather.

You know I travel a lot and the love of the people in my heart has always made me want to stay and,nevertheless, has also always kept me warm when I needed to leave, after all. I trust you feel our love and I hope it gives you warmth.

Gail, I keep trying to think of a favorite poem to share with you, or some profound, heartwarming message. All I can think to say is that I’m thinking about you constantly and you’re in my prayers. Fluther would not have been the same without you and Milo. Thank you for being you.

Gail, you are one of the few people who inspired me to create a Fluther account in the first place, and one of the few people who I force myself to log in occasionally to check up on. I wish you well, and think of you often!

(And I also wish I could make that first sentence grammatically correct.)

I have been a bit overwhelmed with this whole thread, it re-awakens the whole sense of community which attracted me when I first joined.

Late last night when I saw @Hawaii_Jake had posted, and @augustlan and @zenzen and so many others, I feel like a kid at a family reunion with all the aunts and uncles and older brothers and sisters talking about how things were before he was born!

And it is a testament to @gailcalled that you have touched so many lives that we are here for you.

@gailcalled Back in 2008, this haiku was written by @kevbo, which mentions you by name.

Your “lurve light” still shines brightly.

Yesterday I thought of you when I was showering and looked out the window at a flash of blue. A pair of blue jays, male and female, landed on my deck and hopped and pecked around for several minutes. It made me wonder if blue jays could have been the bluebird of happiness. Miss you, Gail.

Good morning Gail. I am bringing in the hanging plants for the winter and cutting the last of the roses and dahlia’s…My fav part of fall is all the mum’s bursting their fall colors…hope you drink in this very fine fall day.

Hi Gail. We had our first (light) frost of the season here (I suspect you’ve seen your first cold weather already). The 4 flats of pansies are planted (yellow and orange, mixed with smaller yellow and orange Johnny Jump Ups for a contrast in size as well as color). Now I’m headed out the pay the price for the grass seed I spread this fall – time to mow.

Top o’ the mornin’ to you Gail, and Milo! :-)
Hope you’re all comfy and cozy and enjoying the fall leaves.
I too thought of you this morning when a flock of blackbirds went whooshing over.
Foggy here this morning, unusual for this area, I feel like I’m in London. haha

Flocks of parrots fly over my townhouse at sundown every night. They are quite a sight and make a little noise. They must be moving from where they forage during the day to where they roost.

Flowers I would like to share from my garden…
hibicus
Lily
Bud
2 lips
Noisemaker
Lily
wet purple
Personal fav
feeling sunny
Cactus Dahl
Just for you Gail

^All are beautiful.

Gail – Was just looking at some of your pictures, including Milo photo bombs, and enjoying a visit in your peaceful place. You helped me learn how rich it can be to live alone.

Gail, I wanted to thank you for your years of wisdom and humor. It has certainly made me a better and wiser person. I am honored to have known you. Sending you love and profound appreciation.

Good morning @gailcalled Here is your flower of the day

and….here is your cat of the day, Maru!
If you have never met Maru the Japanese resident Scottish Fold kitty, it is time you did!
Enjoy!

www,youtube.com/watch?v=WT3YGESCj0A

Oh…&*$#@@!!!! ONE second, no edit! Gah!
Okay…here we go again… pffft!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT3YGE5Cj0A

@Coloma Cute cat, but not a Scottish Fold.

@marinelife Yes, he is, but he is a “straight variety”, meaning he didn’t get the fold part. haha

How about a little kitty exercise?
https://www.facebook.com/Wimpcom/videos/10152491863735658/

Well, I’ll be, straight, huh? But I don’t know the point of calling a cat that doesn’t have a Scottish fold a Scottish Fold.

MUST we identify our cats by their sexual orientation? I thought we were getting past all that as a society.

@marinelife It has to do with developing a breed, scottish folds are bred to “straight’ strains to avoid inbreeding mutations that may have certain issues like cartilage mutation on the tail or deformities of the hind legs and feet. The offspring will be of the breed but some kittens will not end up with the folded ears.

Gail… My kitten, Leela, says she can beat up Milo.

You should probably work on training him to take her on. She’s feisty. I reckon it will take lot of energy to train him to run up steps Rocky-style, so I’m sending you some good vibes to help you feel a bit better.

Gail, the girls and I were together recently to celebrate Jessie’s birthday, and the beautiful fall day made us think of you. (L to R, Lainey, me, Jessie, Maddie)

Our cats demanded that I send their love to you and Milo, too. (Chance on the left, Mouse on the right.)

@gailcalled – It has truly been a long time since I’ve visited Fluther. Not because I don’t like being her or no longer have anything to say, and certainly not because I think any less of all the wonderful Jellies and their informed dialogue. Life just gets away from you at times, and I’ve been busy. And as my life goes along, so does everyone else’s and I suppose it had to happen sooner or later that a beloved Jelly would be stricken in some way.

I just wanted to stop by because not one, but two Jellies have taken the time to inform me of your hospice, and as I recalled, you were a constant source of knowledge, wisdom and thoughtfulness that brought Fluther to another level from the time I first started contributing (though in net, I think I’ve gotten more out of it than I’ve put in, and you are a big part of what I’ve gained). It is truly an endorsement of your sheer awesomeness to see that so many of the people I grew to know and greatly respect have the same level of admiration for you as I do.

I can only hope that my words reach you and bring some brightness to your day. I’m richer for having known you, and I only wish I had been able to write these words 2 weeks ago when I was first informed, but doing so has never been far from my thoughts, nor have you since this time.

All the lurve in the world.

So nice to see you @daleetrie, you’ve been missed.

So, others we haven’t heard from – Downtide, Knowitall, Livelaughlove. Anyone know how to get in touch with them?

^^No

@Seek I was fb friends with two of them, but off the top of my head I don’t remember their real names anymore. I’ll try searching through my friends and see if it sparks my memory.

Since this database has our email addresses, perhaps one of the mods could send them a message.

I love the outpouring of love this thread has brought to Gail. Thinking of you daily Gail.

@Seek and @JLeslie: I’ll get in touch with Knowitall.

Want to say “hi”. Gail. You are in my thoughts every day. I hope Milo is being a good nurse.

@Brian1946, that’s a kind impulse, but however much I may think of Gail, I don’t believe the mods ought to use our private addresses for personal purposes. That’s a very slippery slope.

Good afternoon Gail, thinking of you as well on this warm indian summer afternoon in these here hills. I have a little friend coming over later today, she is 8 years old and her name is Sydney. She loves to come hang out here and play with all the animals and now that she is taking horseback riding lessons she is dying for me to put her up on one of the horses here.
We are going to have dinner and Halloween cookies, watch funny animal videos and play my vintage autoharp as well.

She wants to be a cowgirl for Halloween so we have all kinds of authentic cowgirl stuff here for her to add some nice touches to her costume. Maybe a real bridle slung over her shoulder, a pair of spurs for her boots and many cowboy hats to choose from.
Aaaah, to be 8 years old again ey?

Hey Gail, I wish you peace at this time in your life, sweetie. It has not been in vain. Love and peace forever.

#8: A Thing of Beauty (Endymion)
By John Keats

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its lovliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkn’d ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

Milo would like you to know that he has thrown up next to the bed where the caregivers have been sleeping and brought in a dead mouse this am for them as well

@Milo We are so delighted you are taking such good care of Gail. Give her a big smoochy lick for all of us! It’s great to see you!

@Milo brings the best gifts.

@gailcalled Tell Milo I am sending him a box of mixed CA. lizards. Hours of fun, and will come in a customized assortment of small, medium and large. Especially fun when they run up the curtains.

Has anyone here heard from Dr_Dredd the VA doc from Buffalo who had a special hatred for post-911 airport security scans, bad body image, great sense of humor, smart as hell, and just a real nice human being?

Oh @gailcalled, thank you so much for chiming in. So glad Milo is reserving his spot right next to you! Much love to you!

@gailcalled Never a dull moment, eh?

He likes them. Aww.

@gailcalled So glad you can visit us. Be well.

Tell Milo to keep up the good work.

@KNOWITALL welcome back!

@gailcalled Allison, please give your mom a proxy hug for me!

@gailcalled Milo is such a generous cat. I hope the carers are all suitably thankful for his kindness.

@gailcalled Emily attended her first Jr. High dance tonight. It was the school’s Halloween dance and she dressed as a unicorn. She chose an adult size onesie so this will not be a costume that will only be worn once. She’s worn it every night since she’s had it. Now I want one. It looks so warm and cozy. (Emily is standing next to the shelf that is dedicated to you.)

Hi Gail,

Wtf?

You know I am bad at English (especially when it comes to putting my feelings in words, I can tell you), but I’ll try nonetheless.
Gail, there are few people, from the Internets, that have had impact on me, both online, and offline (outside, while riding my bike, for instance, you have been on my mind).
You might not even be aware of it, but you have increased my self-esteem quite a bit in recent years.
By complementing me, in public, and in private (messages).
But more importantly, and I am sure that goes for others here on Fluther, and no doubt in real life as well: you are such a sweet, loving, caring, heart warming woman.
You have touched my heart.
I sincerely hope and wish that you are now with your people around you; your family, your friends, your Milo, in the place that you love to be in.
Let me send you my love.
If I was there I would give you a hug…..
Bye for now, sweet Gail.

Your Dutch (no, really) friend, Ro
X

Good to see you @rebbel.

Heartbreaking update: http://www.fluther.com/184736/can-we-all-mourn-our-friend-together/

Matkustamiseen, Gail.

God speed….

Still thinking of you Gail.

Happy Hanukkah to Gail in heaven.

Missing you Gail. Every single day.

For you, , Gail, and your family.

I was thinking of Gail today because of the coming eclipse. She would have loved it. So I came back to this thread to reminisce.

@chyna She sure would!
I missed her this evening when I found a possible spelling mistake in my years old news caption question text.
My first thought, when I was thinking of changing it, was to ask Gail.
And I think of Gail regularly, for my own grammar and spelling mistakes, and when I read other people’s words on social media.

I was just thinking of her the other night, thinking it will be two years next month since her departure. Time flies when your dead. :-(

@Coloma In honor of Gail, I have to correct your “your” to “you’re.” Sardonic lol

Time is a very strange concept, I feel, as I had no idea it will be two years since Gail passed away.
A couple of weeks ago it was two years that we lost someone in our family, and I can not see these two deaths as having happened so closely to each other.
They are two totally separated, tragic events in my head, miles apart.
Both heartbreaking.

@janbb Smacks hand in face…how the hell did I do that and too late to edit. Gah. Gail would be proud of you Grasshopper.

It was the eclipse today and Gail has been on my mind. She often is, but especially today. Jon and I have had a series of set backs, loss and struggles since 2010 and Gail was always there for us even when she was struggling herself. She reached out and listened. She gave us advice, but also some humor or a kick in the butt if we needed it. The past two years have been extremely difficult and I think about how helpful Gail would have been. I think I would not have lost so many friends if she had been here to ask how I was doing. She was a true friend. I miss her so much.

I miss her still, indeed, as well.

It’s kind of nice though to see she hasn’t been forgotten

A truly kind soul