Sunday, December 15, 2002 3pm Eastern Time

Emba

We're here today to remember our friend Steph, known to most of us online as Kolohe or Cowgirl, and to celebrate her life and how she touched the lives of those who met her. A Brahmin Philosopher once said: "Honest men esteem and value nothing so much in this world as a real friend. One to whom we impart our most secret thoughts, who partakes of our joy, and comforts us in our afflictions. One whose company is an everlasting pleasure." Kolohe was such a friend. As I think about who she was, and how my life was enriched by knowing her, I am reminded of a Native American Proverb: "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in a manner so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." Kolohe certainly lived her life that way.

Emba turns and places a small lei fashioned from dainty white orchids on the alter, then takes his seat.

Julius

You went too early, too young,
But that doesn't mean you didn't
Leave a full impression.
One that will always be remembered.
It's okay now, nothing is needed anymore.
Go to sleep now, and rest. Your fight is over.
We'll make sure that a star will sparkle in the CP-sky.
Reminding us of you, wonderful Kolohe.

*kiss in farewell*

Atonal

I had the great privilege of meeting Steph over five years ago -- she was the 2nd person I met when I started in the online talker community. As we got to know each other and become friends, I was constantly struck by her ability to stand apart from her online persona and to view some of the more "interesting" online events with unfailing good humor. Steph always loved a good laugh and nothing made her happier than to laugh at herself. The notion of Steph taking herself seriously under most circumstances was impossible. She had two passions, animals and friendship. We had numerous discussions over whether or not she should leave Hawaii and go back to school to become a veterinarian. It was typical Steph -- she wanted to care for animals but hated the idea of sitting in a classroom all day. Her greatest gift though was her ability to love and be loyal. When she first became ill, she poured out her fears and thoughts -- but also couched it in her firm determination to beat cancer. No matter how ill the treatments made her, no matter how tired she was, no matter how often she said "this sucks", I could always hear the smile in her voice when her mom would put her on the phone. Her smile was there because she knew that she would triumph -- one way or the other. And she has. I was lucky enough to be a confidant and friend -- and I will always value her love and friendship.

Atonal places a white rose and red heart on the altar and returns to his seat

Rina

Remember Me
Do not mourn me
I have lived a life filled with joy and love
Do not mourn me
For I have known love of another
Instead celebrate the life that I have lived
Remember the joy I gave to you
Remember the love from my heart that wraps itself around you
Celebrate the life that I have lived
Remember the laugh of mine that warmed your heart
Remember the special places we have gone
Celebrate the life that I have lived
Remember the special times that we shared
The special feelings between us
Remember Me

>

Ladon

Ladon has known steph almost as long as I've been online. She and I always got along great. She was a wonderful person to know and I was very honored to know her. Even when she and I lost contact for a year or so, she and I were able to pick up where we left off and updated each other while we did so. She has always been a type of person who was more than happy to cheer on your successes and help you get through your rough spots. While she wasn't able to make it up here for the meeting we were going to have, I was still glad to know her online and she'll always have a special place in my heart and will always be a dear friend. I know I have a great person up there looking after me and to talk to if needed too

Les

Les approaches the altar, takes a worn silver flask from his hip pocket, keeps his back to the pews and takes a long pull from it before placing it the altar. He pauses then quietly turns and leaves.

Xaveria

She was one of the first people I met at CP... when I didn't know people and was meeting a lot of hng's... and... well.. brats, some of whom tried to get me into trouble. Kolohe took me under her wing. She told me which doms to avoid and, at least in one case, she intervened on my behalf. As I learned and met people, I still would talk to her... what did she think about X or Y... and we would giggle over the 'activities' and attitudes of certain people. I knew that I could always get an honest answer to any question. She enveloped you with her love, she gave you her attention and her support. One day, I called her the guardian angel of newbies and she laughed. But I still think that there are many who would agree with me. I feel sorry for all those who will not have the support of someone like kolohe. I only hope that some of us, in her honor and her memory, will greet newbies and help them as she helped others. She will truly be missed. My religion does not believe in flowers or such... instead, we believe in giving a donation to charity in memory of a person. And, so I will do so... remembering steph and all she meant to me.

Bitsy

In her memory, and so no one else ever uses her names, the accounts of Kolohe and Cowgirl will remain active as long as this port remains.

When Kolohe first came to Bondage Bay, she helped us establish a new room just off the beach, called Sharks Cove. She wrote the description for the room, basing it on the real Sharks Cove in Hawaii that she loved so much.

bitsy turns and places a gold covered sharks tooth and a small pair of gold spurs on the alter.

We've erected an alcove in Sharks Cove in her memory, with an eternal flame inside. The tokens you've left on the alter today will be placed inside the pedestal that holds that flame. This is our way of remembering her and celebrating her time with us.