I'm not sure how many of us might remember an Innmate named Valdary from the 'Pre-Great Crash' days, even some of those of us who were around at the time may not have interacted with her to any great extent...

Anyway, in the days before the great crash, Valdary was quite the active poster hereabouts, contributing frequently to the building of a dwarven dictionary and entertaining us with her spectacular poetry, among other things. I came to know her quite well when she contributed some of her poetic works to my efforts in the Tale of the Wishgranter (she contributed more than poetry, of course... songs, some world-building input, hell, the woman practically established the entire history of the dwarven folk in my little world). As often happens around here, she and I became fast friends and would frequently banter back and forth about everything and nothing... I'm sure all of you know how that goes...

I lost contact with Val right after the 'Great Crash' and, even after the Inn was revived, didn't seem to be able to reach her and often wondered why she hadn't been back since... After the e-mail I received from her recently, I almost wish I hadn't wondered so much. As it turns out, dear Valdary has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and, according to her doctors, doesn't have much longer than 6 months or so left among us.

I'll not go into too much detail as to the content of the rest of the e-mail as, honestly, I'm choking a bit trying to get this post out... the intent of this, of course, is for me to ask you all to please pray for/meditate on/put out the good vibes for Valdary and her son Duncan.

All my thanks,
Eol

I remember Val.
I'm so sorry to hear about this.

Her poetry is some of the most amazing I've read and it seemed so effortless for her. What a great talent she has.

I will hold her/her son close to my heart.

O' "She who paints with words" ... If it weren't for you and Val, Wishgranter would likely be devoid of poetry and personality all together.

Don't know if you still have her e-mail addess or not Lysk but, if you'd like to drop her a line or something, I'll be happy to forward it your way. I know Val enjoys your poetry, as well, and the two of you had some great back and forths in the Songs thread.

*hugs*

I don't remember much, but I do remember some contact with Val... That's rough. I'll keep her in mind and prayers.

I will indeed be praying for her. Thanks for the heads-up. I only regret that I didn't get to meet her, here or elsewhere. Shows of concern like this make me glad I found the Inn and proud to be a part of it.

I only managed to read her writings, didn't have many conversations with her back when I first joined, I was so small and all. But that is terrible terrible news, and I can't even imagine how herself and her family are feeling. I'm not a religious man but the very best of wishes extended from me all the same. Someone should try to get Olan to dig up her poems from the crash logs, to share anew.

Never knew her - wish her the best, though.

A Wish

Life is born, then fades unto death,
Sometimes it is too quick, like a single breath.
You, I haven't met, and now we may not,
But your memory will remain; an image to be caught.
In eyes and in ears, you are still here,
Even if in time you will not be near.
Flowers will fade; Darkness will invade,
But everlasting will be what you have made.
Hold no regrets and carry no pain,
Even if tears flow in the rain.
The threads of life tie everyone together,
Even moreso in the worst weather.
My only wish, is that I could have said hi,
Without in the same sentence say goodbye.
Pain and Reflection

Long lost scars, never truly gone,
A part of us, and lasting for an eon.
Pain washing away, as time flows true,
And allowing us to do what we need to do.
Gather the tears, and the hope inside,
Listening, wanting the truth defied.
Lay it aside and let the mind rest,
And use it now for the deed that is best.
Now gather the droplets, the things to know,
Use it for rebirth, allowing new life to grow.
Use what is now to make better tomorrow,
And ensure that life grows, even in the sorrow.

...very appropriate Reralae.


Good idea re: posting some of Valdary's writings by way of an 'homage' Grugg m'boy! I know I've got some (though by no means all) of her offerings saved somewhere. I'll see what I can do about digging them up and posting them.