For three or four days now I've been trying to think of what to say to this and I'm still at a loss. I guess there's too much to say and not enough words to say it with. I've always hated the finality of "goodbye."
Sandman, you and I didn't know each other very well and I think that is going to be a matter of regret for me because if anyone is worth knowing well it’s you. You've always been able to give us good advice when it was needed, been there to calm our tempers when they were unjustly perked, shown us some subtle logical flaw in our arguments so we can learn from our mistakes and have been like a father figure to a great many of us. Every time you would make a post it was always well reasoned, well spoken and always a pleasure to read. The knowledge and wisdom you've shared with us has helped to improve us as humans. You've taught many of us new ways of thinking and of looking at things. And much of the injustices we see in the anger and indignity of youth, you've been able to see through the lens of time and experience and help us to understand that as bad as things are they've been worse and they will get better.
We've rarely spoken directly but you have still earned a great deal of my respect. I'm glad to be able to say that it hasn't been misplaced. And while we've never met in person, there are very few members of these forums whom you didn't touch in some way and always for the better. I doubt it would be unfair to say that in your life, you've lived more than most others can ever dream of. I hope that you're able to look back on it without regrets.
There is a large part of me that wants to urge you to resume treatment. Maybe it’s selfish of me to want that, but I trust that you're making the decision that you know is best. But I have to agree, no one should ever spend the end of their time in misery.
I want you to know that there are only a handful of people whom I know of that I can say are a credit to their religion and beliefs. While there are many Christians out there, few of them have been able to show me what it means to truly be Christ-like as you have. Others profess their faith from the rooftops. You haven't done that, you were too busy living it and serving as an example to others. It’s because of those select few people, of which you are one, that I can't bring myself to paint all Christians with the same brush I do the fundies we spend so much time mocking.
The chance of you being anointed the next King of Israel is slim, but I think 1 Samuel 16:7 applies to you. God looks at hearts and we don't need divine wisdom to be able to see that yours is a good one.
I can't say what may happen in the future; I don't know if I'll forever be an atheist or come to some spiritual belief but I would like you to know you will remain in my thoughts. And while I don't know what, if anything, awaits us after our final breath, I just can't see it being anything short of bliss for a man like you. Anything short of that would be an injustice.
I admit I want this message to be longer because I know that there will be things left unsaid that should be given voice. I know they're out there but I just do not know how to say them. You've made an impact on us, Sandman. Your presence will be sorely missed and the community we've built here and the world at large will be that much emptier without you.
Sithidh Criosda leat.
(Peace of Christ be with you.)
Slàn leat.
(Goodbye.)