by Robert - just a simple man - B.
Member since:
April 12, 2007

Gather News: Memorial Page for Chana

September 09, 2009 03:48 PM EDT (Updated: September 09, 2009 08:06 PM EDT)
views: 1453 | 2 people recommend this | comments: 291

 

 

 

 

Chana w. Streaker

 

My friends, please bear with me, I have not taken the time to pre-compose this message and words are eluding me faster than my thoughts can generate.  A little over an hour ago I received a phone call from Steve, Chana's husband, he was distraught and crying and asked me to share this news with the Gather Community, the Gather Family that Chana came to cherish as her own.

Following a heart attack earlier this week, Chana has passed away.  Many of you on here had more contact with her then I did but last week I was fortunate enough to meet her in person.  On my trip north, I was Steve & Chana's guest for a couple of days.  They opened their home and their hearts to me.  Treated me as though they had known me forever.  They took me out for breakfast and they took me out for dinner.  One afternoon Chana took me to the nearby Bedford Springs Inn to shoot some photos.  In fact, that photo-essay is what I had planned to post today but now that will have to wait.

Chana was every bit as sweet in person as she appeared to be online.  It only took a few minutes of being around her to know that her heart was pure gold.  And Steve is a humble country gentlemen who loves Chana deeply.  I last spoke to Chana this past Saturday, she was genuinely worried about my move to New York, she fervently wanted everything to go well for me.  I'll miss her.

I ask those that knew her to remember her in kindness and with love.  I ask all to pray for Steve who is suffering alone with this loss.  Chana asked me last week to not post any photos of her but I have decided to include one of her and Steve here.  However, at present I am in the library and the uploading of images is not allowed, so I will need to come back and edit in a photo of her this evening.  I pray she will see that my doing so is out of love and that she will forgive me.

In closing, just let me say that, Chana made me smile when I least felt like smiling.  She had that gift.

God Bless you all.

 

- Robert Burnham

 

 

 

 

 

 

(You can view Chana's page at http://discombobulated.gather.com , I am not sure what will become of her writings.  Steve is not a computer literate which prompted him to ask me to write this memorial)

 

 
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Comments: 291

Sandi S. Sep 9, 2009, 4:12pm EDT
Robert,

Thank you for sharing this. I can not believe what I am reading. How can this be? I am so very, very sorry to hear this. Chana will be greatly missed. I can not believe she is gone.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 4:15pm EDT
I am stunned myself. My thoughts are now with Steve. I hope there are many well wishes on this page that I can share with Steve in a day or two. Blessings my friend.
Nellie (The Bad Santa of Gather) Sep 9, 2009, 4:15pm EDT
Thank you for sharing.
Marie J. R. Sep 9, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
God Bless you Robert,,, God Bless Chana's husband,,, many prayers for you and Him,,,
so very sorry for this loss,,, be safe in you journey,,,
Marie J. R. Sep 9, 2009, 4:20pm EDT

Religious Comments

Spicecomments.com - Religious Comments



God Bless you Steve,,, He will give you strength,,, so very sorry for your loss,,,
Carrie Marie P. Sep 9, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
I can't believe it. Chana was so talented! Life is so short and so precious. My heart goes out to her husband and everyone who's life she touched.
Thank you for letting us know.
René Allen Sep 18, 2009, 5:49am EDT
I feel the same way as Carrie has expressed here. I was very stunned by the news of Chana's passing, and WE are sharing TRIBUTES to Chana in Our Gather Groups. I was pointed over to this Article regarding Chana by Lewis K.

Thank you Robert for sharing this with us.
Fred Hose Sep 9, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
I began to feel close to Chana although I had no right to feel so. It was just that she was warm hearted and appreciated a sign of friendship.
I know that she will go straight to heaven but my prayers are with you, Steve. I know how hard it is for the one that is left behind.
Mrslisae Photography E. Sep 9, 2009, 4:25pm EDT
Sorry for everyone's loss..I never knew her ~prayers~
Lee Y. Sep 10, 2009, 12:09pm EDT
Same for me .... never knew her --- saw her name a few times. Don't think I ever talked with her ...?

But am soooo very sorry for her loss - . . .. :(
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:29pm EDT
omg! I hate hearing this. can't talk right now
Jan C. Sep 9, 2009, 4:30pm EDT
So sorry to hear of this news Robert - my heart and prayers go out to Steve.
She will be missed here on gather!
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:32pm EDT
she was so loved *can't stop crying*
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 4:48pm EDT
Thanks baby. I've got stuff to do, yet I still sit right here, tears in my eyes, refreshing this page. I called the ones I had numbers for Jen, Tommy, etc.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:52pm EDT
(((((hugs))))) I hate hearing this. just reminds me life is so short. live it while you can. I can't stop crying. I just got through laughing with her a couple of days ago.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:52pm EDT
take time to cry robert. life is short.
Ruthi C. Sep 9, 2009, 4:36pm EDT
Oh Lord NO! Robert, I am so sorry you had to be the bearer of such sad news. I am ever so glad you got to meet Chana face-to-face and share in her good grace.

Oh my! Chana was one of the first to extend a hand of friendship to me when I first joined Gather a couple of months ago! My heart aches for our loss.

Please let Steve know that he is in my thoughts and prayers.
Again, thank you Robert...HUGs!
Brenda (square peg in a round hole) H. Sep 9, 2009, 4:37pm EDT
Chana will be deeply missed. I am so sorry.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:39pm EDT
she was so sad before she died. I hope and pray she had happiness when she died. thank you robert for telling us. she will be missed. just goes to prove, life is too short.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 4:49pm EDT
We had a couple of funny times last week. Her, her husband and I. When Streaker touched the elctric fence and jumped straight up, we all had to laugh.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:53pm EDT
kushal will be upset. they were friends as well.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:54pm EDT
tell her husband I'm sorry for his loss as well.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
I have emailed kushal and shared the photo that I shared with you.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
thank you robert. I am writing for her now.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 5:03pm EDT
I just saw the photo. thank you
Janie E. Sep 9, 2009, 4:41pm EDT
This news is so upsetting!! She was going to write a poem about me because she said I was an inspiration to her. I can't stop crying, either! I love Chana very much!! Please give my condolences to her husband and family for me, Robert.
Missy Cline Sep 9, 2009, 4:45pm EDT
How heartbreaking!!! Thanks Robert for posting this, I know Steve is even more devastated than we at Gather are! Prayers winging upwards!
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:45pm EDT
Steve, I'm so sorry for your loss.

As you can see, part of her wonderfulness was how many people loved here who never met her in person.

Prayers and well wishes.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 10, 2009, 8:23am EDT
well put dear friend.
Lewis (keeping those fires burning) K. Sep 9, 2009, 4:53pm EDT
I have not the words, right now...
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
my brother, i am aching. just last week.................... man, just last week...
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:54pm EDT
she was definitely an angel only here for a short time
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 4:55pm EDT
I must write for her now
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
If you write of her, please come by here and leave a link. This request goes to all of you. Thanks
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 5:04pm EDT
definitely. I will. working on something now.
David P. Sep 9, 2009, 4:56pm EDT
Words cannot express my sorrow over Chana's passing. She was an inspiration to all the many people that felt her genuine goodness. She was an angel here on earth. Chana will be sorely missed by everyone.
Nancy Silveria Sep 9, 2009, 5:11pm EDT
There is a silence in my heart right now, Robert. Though many knew her much better than I, I felt her hand of compassion reach out for me when I first returned to gather after my sickness. It was like never having to explain my heart when communicating with Chana. I was touched so often by her struggles and sadness for she truly had a spirit the did not comprehend inhumanity of any kind. I didn't get a chance to get to know her as I wanted too. There was always something in my life or hers springing to the surface to distract us from our friendship. I will always regret this, and I will learn from it so that it never happens with another. Even in leaving, she teaches me. I thought she was a phenomenal talent, but that she never comprehended just how good she really was as a artist. Her love for music, the thought of which just now brings tears to my eyes. Her heart so full of the view of peace sung in John Lennon's voice. I'm so sorry for that time was such an adversary to this sweet woman. My heart goes out to her husband, who she always spoke so highly and caring about in our exchanges.

Life is short, too short, and not fair. I feel like someone has stolen such a light from us. This is so sad, and yet I know she would be doing everything she could right now to life our spirits even at her own expense. So many times she made me laugh when I knew she herself felt like crying. She was so giving. I wish everyone would pen something for her, for I feel in my heart she would know it if we did.

And the tears continue to fall.... I have to get off gather now, and spend some time with Chana and my pen. It's my last chance to tell her how much I appreciated her friendship and talent.

Robert, thank you for telling me. HUGS as I know this has not been easy for you, and at a time when life is already difficult enough with moving and all. Feel my embrace dude, because I don't want to lose anymore friends...
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 8:11pm EDT
Thank you Nancy, my friend, ly. Please if you write of or for Chana, return here and leave a link. Somehow I am going to get Steve to see this page and show him how to click on links to other pages dedicated to Chana.

And thanks for yesterday. I needed you & you were there.
Nancy Silveria Sep 10, 2009, 8:48am EDT
As you were for me, when I need a friend months ago. hugs
Kelly Kay Sep 9, 2009, 5:12pm EDT
I am in awe of how you two had just met face to face and now she is gone. Time is fleeting what we do here in the time we are given is so important. I am deeply sorry for Steve and for everyone that got to know and love her. My prayers are with you and her family.
Janie E. Sep 9, 2009, 5:14pm EDT
Oh, Robert! This is so heartbreaking! Can't seem to compose myself. God bless you for letting us know. Godspeed, Chana, sweetie!
lena k. Sep 9, 2009, 5:17pm EDT
i am so sorry to hear this
ann c. Sep 9, 2009, 5:22pm EDT
Oh my gosh!!!! I cannot believe this!!!! Her poor husband. It's gonna be strange not seeing her here.
Maurice K. Sep 9, 2009, 5:30pm EDT
Chana was my friend and we had planned to meet. She was a very talented woman. I am stunned by this news. This is a great loss. She will be greatly missed.
Holly C. Sep 9, 2009, 5:33pm EDT
All I can say is that something inside me broke while reading this.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 5:36pm EDT
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977806198

~~dedicated to chana
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 5:37pm EDT
above is my link to chana's poem robert
Rhetta A. Sep 9, 2009, 5:40pm EDT
I never got to know Chana as well as I wanted to, but I cherished her and her writing just the same. I can't believe this and I can't stop crying. I will pray for Steve in my way and I hope that he will be given strength and comfort. Chana will be deeply missed.
libramoon C. Sep 9, 2009, 5:41pm EDT
for Chana

[The Sleeper Awakens]
Where in this dream called life
is calm, clear answer
held in still crystal
sense of wonder?


[I Remember You]
The thrill of the dance of the night
sense memory
intensely commanding
overtaking breath


[Naive]
The final truth
we are what we are
love replies in kind
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 8:12pm EDT
Lovely, she would like this. She does like it, I'm sure she watched you write it.
Linda T. Sep 9, 2009, 5:45pm EDT
I am in shock reading this sad news. Her words touched so many of us. When it is our time to go home there is rarely any rhyme or reason for it. I hope she is at peace now.
Linda B. Sep 9, 2009, 5:58pm EDT
She was such a huge talent and so special, so kind.

Please convey my condolences....she will be sorely missed.

Think I'll have to sign off now, for a while. Someone turned out a light....one of the stars.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 6:26pm EDT
turned out a light, that was so lovely linda
Sandre M. Sep 9, 2009, 6:23pm EDT
My thoughts go out to Steve and all her friends. We will miss her terribly.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 6:27pm EDT
take care robert. get some "you" time. afterall, life is short. I can't stay on here right now. too upset
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 6:32pm EDT
Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality. ~Emily Dickinson
Ava's Mom (formerly known as Robiyah) Sep 9, 2009, 6:35pm EDT
Holy crap.
Richard B. Sep 9, 2009, 6:35pm EDT
I'm very sad to hear this.
roger s. Sep 9, 2009, 6:49pm EDT
God bless you
Teresa A. Sep 9, 2009, 6:50pm EDT
I am very saddened by this news.
Nancy Silveria Sep 9, 2009, 6:51pm EDT
Here is my link to what I wrote for Chana.

Heaven Took An Angel
.* Sandi * Sep 9, 2009, 6:55pm EDT
I am in shock
I dont know what else to say
Please make sure Steve knows how important she was to a lot of people
♠~Dnbuster~♠ ~. Sep 9, 2009, 6:56pm EDT
I am so sad, my thoughts go out to you and Steve.
dee b. Sep 9, 2009, 7:01pm EDT
My condolences to you Robert and Chana's husband. The tears in time will dry, but the memories of the heart are forever.
Elizabeth S. Sep 9, 2009, 7:07pm EDT
She'll be missed by many.
Peter Joseph Swanson Sep 9, 2009, 7:10pm EDT
oh my god
anne ( way 2 crazy of a life ) c. Sep 9, 2009, 7:11pm EDT
wow i am so sorry to hear this
Nora Davenport Sep 9, 2009, 7:12pm EDT
Thanks so much for the info, Robert, and for letting us know.....what a terrible shock this has been to the Gather community. I had no idea that she'd had a heart attack earlier in the week. I'm sure that Steve is really hurting right now.....my prayers are with him.
Jenn P. Sep 9, 2009, 7:15pm EDT
she will be missed.. wow just shows you , that you can't take each day for granted
Randall C. Sep 9, 2009, 7:18pm EDT
Hi Robert. I called her last week before I left for the weekend. She was down, and we both tried to keep each other in good spirits. Thank you Robert.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977806265

My tribute to her
DIANE D. Sep 9, 2009, 7:20pm EDT
Oh no! I am without words right now.
lena k. Sep 9, 2009, 7:32pm EDT
does her husband have a page if so let me know it
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 8:15pm EDT
He doesn't know much about computers, couldn't even get on to find my number but he found it on a slip of paper.

I will try to teach hime to get to this page and then to any links any of you leave here. God Bless us all.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 9, 2009, 8:22pm EDT
Dear, this page, with all of your sweet comments is his page. Let's fill it with love.
Maria W. Sep 9, 2009, 7:34pm EDT
OMG. Chana was loved and will be missed by many, including me. My prayers to her husband and her family.
Erin O'Riordan Sep 9, 2009, 7:41pm EDT
I'm so sorry to hear it.
David W. Sep 9, 2009, 7:55pm EDT
I wondered why ther voice was still. I will say kaddish for her and light a memorial candle.

Shalom Chana, with tears.
David W. Sep 9, 2009, 7:55pm EDT
Please include a link to me when you post the photo.
Lee P. Sep 9, 2009, 8:04pm EDT
Such sad news. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for your lovely poems Chana.
Gessy D. Sep 9, 2009, 8:05pm EDT
I am so shocked to hear of Chana's passing. She was such a nice person. Steve my prayers are with you and your family. She will be missed.
Cathi L. Sep 9, 2009, 8:09pm EDT
She was so incredible! And I'm so terribly sad she is gone. She touched many with her words, her charm and her wit. My heart goes out to Chana's family.
I had read this a little earlier, but had to come back after my vision cleared. This is truly tragic news and it has saddened me. Since I had never had the opportunity to meet Chana online, I can not say what she was like "in person". However through seeing her hear, speaking with her, and reading her writings...I knew she was kind and I liked her. She will truly be missed.
I am sending positive thoughts to Steve and all those who had a relationship/friendship with this kind, sweet lady. And to you, Robert. Thank you for taking the time to write such a fitting and beautiful memorial for her. Hugs to you.
That's supposed to say "to meet Chana, except online, I"...sigh.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 8:26pm EDT
she was indeed a blessing
golds g. Sep 9, 2009, 8:32pm EDT
wow I'm shocked I remember she was writing poems and dealing with things ... I didn't know she had a heart attack she will be missed
I don't have any words right now... she was very kind to me. I will miss her writings and poetry.

necee t. Sep 9, 2009, 8:53pm EDT
oh my God... i'm sooo sorry to hear this.... Chana was a very special lady and i loved her like a sister... she will be missed terribly... God be with her husband and everyone who knew and loved her... be at peace dear one... love and hugs always... Shalom...
David N. Sep 9, 2009, 8:57pm EDT
Her tug in my heart is unbearable. I will miss you Chana. May God protect you under his wing. Tears my friend, for you. Tell Steve I am sorry .
Connie C. Sep 9, 2009, 9:01pm EDT
This brings such sadness to my heart. Chana was a sweet lady whom I thought a lot of. Although I only knew her from Gather, I could feel her sweet spirit.
I will not forget her.

Please tell her husband that I am sorry for his loss.
Sheri P. Sep 9, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
Robert...I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your dear friend. It's a gift that you were able to spend time with her before she passed away. I never did have the chance to talk with her. It seems like from all the posts here that I lost out on getting to know a wonderful lady.
Stirling D. Sep 9, 2009, 9:07pm EDT
Chana was such a sensitive and kind soul. I felt her spirit was beginning to lift and saw her poetry opening like a butterfly. May she fly on gossamer wings now. I will miss her.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Sep 9, 2009, 9:19pm EDT
I am so sorry about Chana's passing. Mere words can not express how much her and her words will be missed here on Gather.

My thoughts and prayers are with Steve, her husband.

Thank you for letting us know Robert.
Franklin Newman Sep 9, 2009, 9:25pm EDT
Poor Chana. From what I hear, the world has lost a good woman. Such a tragedy. All my sympathy for her poor husband.
Beth G. Sep 9, 2009, 9:26pm EDT
oh I am so sorry to hear about Chana passing away!
Sue Live Free or Die Sep 9, 2009, 9:29pm EDT
My sympathies to her family and friends...
Marsha S. Sep 9, 2009, 9:30pm EDT
very sad news indeed. I will keep Steve and her friends in my prayers.
I was not connected to her, but through the various groups have seen a lot of her work.
Ruthi C. Sep 9, 2009, 9:34pm EDT
Robert, as requested, here's a link for Chana...

A Toast to Chana
Lisa Frost Sep 9, 2009, 9:35pm EDT
I just got home from my specialist. I can't believe it. OM....Thank you for letting me know. i am going to miss her very much.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 9:53pm EDT
she was so happy to join the pantry lisa
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 10, 2009, 8:45am EDT
and in her memory I too shall join soon - let this poet take a couple days to get settled in his new world. A world that Chana's body has departed but in which her spirit still flourishes in all the love in all your comments.

thanks everyone.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I will be praying for her husband & family in the wake of their sudden loss.
Solskin Iam Sep 9, 2009, 9:48pm EDT
so very sad......Chana has found peace......she will live on in our memories and in her written word.....
Jennifer Lee Sep 9, 2009, 9:49pm EDT
Thank you for calling me first. It's tragic, indeed. All of the tribute poems are very nice.
Jennifer Lee Sep 9, 2009, 9:50pm EDT
I would have hated to come home and log in to gather and find out by reading this. You know me, Robert!
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 10, 2009, 8:46am EDT
You were my very first call Jen. You and Chana, though tested, had a bond strong as sisters.
Dianna Doles-Petry Sep 9, 2009, 9:51pm EDT
Steve has my thoughts and my sympathy. Thank you for sharing this and I know it came as quite a shock to you. I wish I had more words that would make a difference but at a time of such great loss, words are futile.
Mark H. Sep 9, 2009, 9:53pm EDT
I am truly sorry for the loss.
Thomas W. Sep 9, 2009, 9:54pm EDT


i can't.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Sep 10, 2009, 8:48am EDT
in your heart, you just did. i am glad you and i spoke.

tears and love my brother.
Thomas W. Sep 10, 2009, 10:28pm EDT

yes: tears.
and love.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Sep 9, 2009, 9:54pm EDT
we were gonna write a poem together.
What sad news to read! Gather will miss Chana deeply, it was an honor to have her with us.