G'bye Ronnie

[darogle]

I just heard the news that former President Ronald Reagan died today. He was 93.

One man that changed the face of the world. He helped bring about the end to the long and bitter cold war. He served his country with honor. He was a loving husband. He made it ok to be patriotic again.

Goodbye Mr. President. I, for one, will miss you.

[englishrose]

Restful Sleeping Ronald x

[LixyChick]

I came back to post this...but I see you got it covered ((darogle))!

R.I.P. Mr. President! You had one hell of a presidency, but a tough time in your "golden years"! I hope you are feeling much better now!

[jennaflower]

It is sad when such a human being leaves this earth... his accomplishments are too many to list... but he has left an everlasting mark on this world.

I can only imagine the grief that his family is now enduring... tho to some degree they have edured it for many years.. watching him slowly slip away... may each of them gain comfort that his days of suffering are behind him...

I think that any future President (not to mention those in the past) could gain alot by learning by the life of Mr. Reagan.

[Vigil]

History throws us symmetry from time to time - perhaps so we should understand the truly big events of our time.

One of the greatest figures of the Twentieth century has passed from us on the eve of the sixtieth anniversary of DDay.

I believe that Mr. Reagan and his allies finished the job that was begun by the young men whom we are honouring today.

[dicksbro]

Well said, everyone. We need more people with his conviction and sincerity and a true ability to inspire and encouarge people.

I think he made most Americans feel proud of their country and all that we could be. He is already missed.

God bless you, Mr. Reagan. Sleep in peace.

[Irish]

I have watched,many,things,about him on TV lately.One of the
things that impressed me the most,was that he was liked by
Republicans & Democrats alike.That he would argue a point &
after,still be friends with everyone.Different reporters said,that he
was told,on different issues,that his stance,wouldn't help his
popularity!He said lets do what's important for the country,the
politics,will sort themselves out!I wish that more people,had that
dedication!Unfortunately,people worry more about politics,then
what is right! Irish
P.S.I was never a big fan of his wifes,but her dedication,in his
"sick" years,was very admireable!

[LixyChick]

Ahhhh...so true Irish...of Nancy and her popularity. Especially after her shopping spree for new dishes when there was perfectly good china already in the big house! LOL!

But...her "Just say NO" policy still rings loud and clear in my head. Not that I ever said no...just that for a few of the more dangerous drugs...I never said YES! LOL!

Actually...she was/is an incredibly loving and devoted wife and First Lady...who, I think, BECAUSE of her visible strengths, was referred to as manipulating and bitchy. Tis the plight of many a strong woman. I admire and applaud her strength, courage and devotation to her husband...before, during and after his terms as president. Matter of fact...I respect her more since Ronald's onset of altzheimer's, and the inner strength she found to care for him to the end! I know how hard this illiness is on the family left behind. The patient isn't aware...but the family is in turmoil the entire time! May Nancy rest assured that she did all she could do to make Ron as comfortable as possible...and that now he, and therefore she, is out of pain and done with the suffering! I wish the family a fleeting mourning period and then many wonderful memories of this great man!

[imaginewithme]

I remember in the first grade our teacher showing us about voting and it was about him and I remember being excited that the one I chose won.

I know he's at peace now.

[Cheyanne]

Most people always remember their "firsts". Ronald Regan was the very first president that I was eligible to vote for... and the only president that I never regretted voting for after he took office.

[jseal]

A very interesting and influential politician.

RIP

[Irish]

I remember,my best friend,saying how great that he was.It was
the first time,that he ran for President.I knew nothing of him,&
remember telling my wife,that my buddy was crazy!After I found
about him,I changed my mind!I should have known.My buddy didn't fit in with the rest of the crowd,but he was always someone
that you could depend upon & was fairly intelligent.It's too bad,
that someone isn't COOL enough for you,but when you're older,
those things aren't important.Having your back is!He & his wife,
moved to Hobe Sound Fla.We still keep in touch,because his wifes
family still is here! Irish
P.S.Sorry,just reflecting back!

[Lilith]

Darogle~ do you get Friday off???

This was sent to Mr. Lil this morning


Please read the following message from the office of Governor Jeb
Bush:

"As you know, President Bush has declared Friday a National Day of
Mourning and all federal agencies will be closed for business. Our
state agencies will remain open on Friday; however, in honor of
President Reagan's memory, please be respectful of any and all of your
employees who wish to take personal or annual leave on Friday."

Below please see Governor Bush's statement regarding President Ronald
Reagan:

"Columba and I join the entire world in mourning the loss of President
Ronald Reagan. President Reagan showed the world the light of freedom
and we are all better for it. Our thoughts and prayers are with the
Reagan
family during this sad time."

[Irish]

I had the TV on in my exercise room,last night.R.R. was noted for
many sayings.He was a Democrat,until he changed parties(I think
around 1983?)One of his sayings was,his definition,of a Republican & a Democrat.He said:Republican---Thinks everyday,is
the 4th of July.Democrat---Thinks everyday,is April 15th.I thought
that was funny.Don't shoot the messenger!It's his definition!
Irish :p

[Irish]

Lilith---One of my Brothers-in law,works at the Ports. Navel Shipyard.I know that he has the day(night) off.I think that it's a
federal holiday,so if you work for the Govt.,you have the day off!
Not sure about soldiers tho! Irish

[LixyChick]

I find it really odd that they are taking Reagan's body all over the country. OK...well, not all over...but to a few places, to "lie in state", as processions of people go in (to where it happens to be) and walk past the coffin. I never did quite understand this process of mourning. It's gotta be just me...right?

Here's how my strange mind works...

1) Won't the body start getting ripe?

2) Is his body REALLY in that coffin? I'd have an almost uncontrollable urge to open it just to make sure!

3) If you can't see his body (like in a true "wake"), what satisfaction does looking at a coffin get you?

4) Do they (those in charge of "watching" the coffin) realize, this could be a golden opportunity for a terrorist strike?

I'd better stop...but I have a million questions! I know...I know...this confirms it! I'm a kook! Sokay...I know it! Anyone wanna take a stab at some answers for me?

[Lilith]

1) the body is drained of all it's natural juices and preserving agents are put in

2) no way to know

3) to me closed casket would not give me any closure

4) they do, it's been reported that there is serious security

I thought of all the same ?????s too Lixy~ you are not a kook or at least not the sole one.

[WildIrish]

I too wonder about the lack of closure people may experience by seeing the closed coffin. However, those in charge may want people to remember him as they'd like too instead of what he might have physically become.

I'll miss him.

[Irish]

WI---You're, probably, right!I know that when my uncle(fathers
brother) died, he had requested,of his wife, to have a closed casket.He was a,very,large,muscular man,that had a reputation,
for being very strong & tough.He died after a long bout with cancer.He wanted people,to remember,him as he once was,not as
he had become.Even tho,it wasn't his fault,the way his body was
eaten away,by cancer.He was always proud,of his previous reputation & didn't want people to see him as he had become!
Irish
P.S.It's, probably,a generational thing,but physical shape,
strength, & reputation,etc,meant alot to,most,of the males,in my
family!

[Lilith]

I must say Nancy looks well preserved as well. In a pic I saw, she had less wrinkles than I do. Of course her's are probably filled with botox and collagen where as mine are just filled with fat :p

[Irish]

Lilith---This is NOT to boost your ego.I think that "MOST" men
would rather be with a "REAL" person,rather than someone who
is enhanced!Physical attraction,is just that-meant to initially attract.Once you get to know a persons character,physical attraction,doesn't mean that much.Some of the prettiest women
that I have met,are real bitches!I'm not saying that this is always
true,but alot of times,the person is so wrapped up,in themselves,
that they don't pay attention,to others. Irish
P.S.I,probably,ruined my masculine reputation,but sooner or later,
the real me appears!

[Lilith]

((Irish))

[Aqua]

I'm right with you on that one Irish!

*Hugs Lilith cause she's a sexy "'real" woman!*

[Irish]

My wife said something,last night,that makes you think.She said-
"I wonder,how long she'll (Nancy) last now?"Many years ago,my
cousins mother died.Approx,a month later,her father died!The Drs.,couldn't find anything wrong with him.He was married,to her,
for 50+ yrs.The Drs. said that he just lost his will to live!Like
anyone,they had their arguements,but without her,he just didn't
care! Irish

[darogle]

Originally posted by Lilith
Darogle~ do you get Friday off???



Just by virtue of my working the past 8 days and them taking pity on me :p

I do know that they will be having a 21 gun salute here at that time, but that's all I've heard of so far.

[Irish]

NEWS FLASH!!---I just intercepted an Al-Queda(sp?)e-mail!The
body,in the closed coffin,is not Ronnie!It is a cadaver,gotten from
the morgue.The coffin is loaded with explosives.There is a cell-
phone,in the bodys pocket.When enough,important,people are
around the coffin,a terrorist will call the body & set off an
explosion! Irish
P.S.Could Happen!!!!:(

[LixyChick]

I'm gonna be respectful here and say...Jiminy H. Christ onna bike! I love you guys!

I've thought about my reply in this thread allllllllllllllllllllllllllllll day today...and I kept thinking...these guys are gonna HATE me for being so (seemingly) disrespectful! I am SO thankful to come back here tonight and read that I fretted for no reason today!

Lilith, Lilith ((((((Lilith))))))! There are times in my life when that vocal (or typing) shut-off valve would come in so handy...but I've not been blessed with it, and so I spout what I have to say and then sit and wonder what everyone thinks...sometimes feeling, "Holy f'ing shit "Lixy"...why the hell did you say that"? From what I know of the deceased, I understood that the body of Reagan is probably heavily dosed with formaldehyde, but I was concerned with the heat around the country lately (was 96f today and the body was taken to the Capitol in Washington...same weather as in Pa.), and that, in and of itself, could ripen an undeveloped pear! Just a thought! And, the rest of your answers.......TY, TY, TY! In restrospect, I always think it is "just me"!!!!!!! Kinda good to know I am not the only one!

WI & Irish...I agree! Nancy and/or Ron may not have wanted his body to be seen now...but remembered as we do when he was doing well and feeling like "him"...not the shell of the man he may have become! TY for the perspective!

*giggle, giggle, giggle* @Aqua! He didn't add much to my queries...but the drooling was oh so cute!


Just some closing thoughts on my part....*hugs to darogle for allowing this forum*...

As I somewhat stated above, I just watched the funeral cortege to the Capitol! Boy oh boy do American's love ceremony (which was mentioned in the news... and yes, I was surprised to find out the 3rd in line for the presidency, the speaker of the house, is a man named Dennis Hastard <sp?>).

Sorry...I digressed again!

Um...I watched the F-15's fly over and I got goose bumps! I cried when they did the 21 gun salute! One for the Gipper, in that he appointed Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court...a woman...no shit Ron! *hugs* I just really have no closure if, during a wake, I cannot see the body...no matter the state of the body, I hate that it's a wake and a closed coffin. Exceptions to my feelings here...babies and accident victims...and, of course, cremated folks! Abraham Lincoln was toted all over the country and had an open casket!

None the less...as the flag covered coffin made it's way up the street...as I watched the slight, aged (82) Nancy follow it, as I saw his "children" waiting for the ceremony...I cried!

Just wanted to let you know...I am not all "science and purpose"! I have feelings...and for Mr. Reagan, my emotions bubble over!

[Irish]

Lixy---Different strokes,for different folks!When my father died,my
oldest daughter(Colleen) would not look in the open casket!
Everyone handles things,in a different way.I have to joke around,
& not dwell,on things,otherwise I couldn't handle it.But that's me!
Irish

[jseal]

Gentlefolk,

I thought the funeral went off rather well.

[cowgirltease]

Thanks for the tribute Darogle. I loved him too.:(

[Lilith]

I watched most of the ceremonies today...I was really touched by how much he meant to Margaret Thatcher.

[jseal]

I found it remarkable to see both Mikhail Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher among the mourners.

How the world has changed!

[Vigil]

Originally posted by Lilith
I watched most of the ceremonies today...I was really touched by how much he meant to Margaret Thatcher.

She came to and continued in power because she was 100% woman and 50% cast iron balls. She lost her husband, Dennis, recently.