Hay algunas personas...
Hay algunas personas que son irreemplazables, que simplemente no se puede reemplazar. No es decir que no valgan los demás sino es destacar el hecho de que hay algunas personas que dan mucho más de lo que reciben en cambio, que hacen mucho más de lo que se espera, que van más allá de aquello por lo cual se pagan, o sea, por lo cual no se pagan.
Se me ocurre que Lazarus es de esta clase de gente. Durante su ausencia del foro, para mí, era un sentimiento—casi tangible, aún palpable—de pérdida. Su ausencia era como si el foro hubiera sido sometida a una lobotomía.
Por cierto, había cierta gente a la que le caía mal su “estilo particular” pero a pesar de eso, nadie puede negar el hecho de que su presencia en el foro no es sólo importante pero necesario, imprescindible, irreemplazable.
Heidita belongs in this same group. If Lazarus represents the brain of our forum, then it would not be a stretch to say that Heidita is our heart. To say otherwise would be extremely short-sighted. Nearly all the threads that have become veritable staples of this forum have her fingerprints all over them in one way or another—she has had a hand in all of them—the learning games; the word of the day; the picture of the day; the general discussion threads; welcoming new members; congratulatory threads; ensuring that educational games remain educational by the requirement that a moderator correct threads; weekly skype chats, and so many countless others.
Making statements such as “let’s just keep pushing forward” or “she is just one person” demonstrate a near-sightedness and a general lack of appreciation for just how much Heidita has contributed to this forum, for how much she has helped to build this forum up into the forum that we all recognize today, for how much of her own personal time she has dedicated to make it so.
This is understandable when such a sentiment comes from members who, relatively speaking, have not been here to see all the changes that have been implemented over time; however, this same spirit of “desprecio” is inexcusable (in my opinion), especially when it comes from those who have not only witnessed and benefited from the growth of the forum over the years but who have also relied on her daily unpaid labor to make it so.
From what I can tell, it is due to this spirit that we find ourselves at this unfriendly juncture, at this dark cross-road, at a point that could have well been avoided with a simple apology and a modest helping of appreciation. Let’s just be clear about one thing, Heidita is not just another forera. Moreover, her leaving would not be just another “bump in the road,” but rather, a nearly catastrophic injury that would leave a painfully noticeable and lasting scar.
It is my sincere hope that those who should will be big enough to swallow their collective pride and recognize that the loss of “just one forera” might come at too great a cost. If not, I for one am not sure that I have the stomach to bear witness as the forum is gutted in such a fashion, to watch as the forum goes through this unnecessary and unwarranted cardiectomy.
A body cannot live without its heart (If you don't believe me, just ask Marshall)
15 Answers
Making statements such as “let’s just keep pushing forward” or “she is just one person” demonstrate a near-sightedness and a general lack of appreciation for just how much Heidita has contributed to this forum,
The words of this thread are beautiful Ira. I agree completely with all you have said. 
It is because of the time and dedication that Heidi has put into this forum that people of such amazing intelligence and kindness, like yourself, have stuck around.
I am bumping these beautiful words up before they fall off the page. 
We can't all go on strike but we can form our own peaceful protest of frowning avatars. Please join Yesero, Pesta and me in support of Heidi and the amazing forum that we all became friends in!!!
Thank you Iza for saying all that which I am not gifted enough to say , but I am able
enough to applaud you for everything you have said, I wholeheartedly agree with
every sentiment expressed , as you know I have had my " differences " with
Heidi but they are of no consequence in the overall picture of a person ( Heidi )
who has devoted an inordinate amount of time and energy to create this SD from
the embryonic state it was and turn it into the best language learning site on the web.
And at the same time mould it into the thriving family friendly site that it now is.
Come on guys get behind this girl she needs our support .
We in the land of OZ have 4 things we hold sacred and never desert and they are ,-
A mate, a dog , a horse , and our wife / husband . Heidi is a good mate and I am
behind her to the bitter end .
I am a " dictaholick " in the middle of a " dictatragedy "
You are irreplaceable too, Ira.
Lazarus is our brain, Heidi is our heart, and you are our feather.
It is my sincere hope that those who should will be big enough to swallow their collective pride and recognize that the loss of “just one forera” might come at too great a cost. If not, I for one am not sure that I have the stomach to bear witness as the forum is gutted in such a fashion, to see the forum go through this unnecessary and unwarranted cardiectomy.
I had already decided I'd never post again here at SpanishDict for anything, certainly not to help anyone.
But given the eloquence and effort of Izanoni in this post, let me just say I echo his sentiments.
I simply have no words, Ira, you have not only been a wonderful and faithful friend, but a wonderful mod, you never had a problem with anybody, I wish you had had more time, but wow, with your family and all, I wonder where you took the time from in the first place !!
I am truly impressed at all posts on this thread, and I appreciate all that was said and done.
Please come to skype, we will stay in touch Send your nick to gary or me.
I would just like to add, that without self-respect we are nobody. Mods have been treated as dirt, and self respect must prevail.
Nobody is going to miss this forum more than me, but unless a miracle happens, as it should, this is what it is gonna be, a forum without mods who actually KNOW the forum inside out
Thank you everybody for your kindness
'It is my sincere hope that those who should will be big enough to swallow their collective pride and recognize that the loss of “just one forera” might come at too great a cost. If not, I for one am not sure that I have the stomach to bear witness as the forum is gutted in such a fashion, to watch as the forum goes through this unnecessary and unwarranted cardiectomy.'
Ira, acertaste, como siempre, amigo mío.
"unnecessary and unwarranted"... en el bolsillo, maestro...perfectamente expresado en el bolsillo...
she is just one person
Yes and most business have what is called "key man insurance" for those who are, like Heidita, "just one person."
Ira - I wish I had your way with words. On a day like today I feel even less eloquent than usual so I'll keep this brief. Without Heidita, Cogumela, Gary and our valued senior members this place will quickly become a haven for trolls. Best of luck, SD management. I hope this suits your "business model".
Bien dicho.
Words fail me (unlike Ira)
But pictures and a thousand words come to mind.
I always assumed that Heidita was a paid employee of SpanishDict. Now that I learn that she has done everything - put in countless hours - as a volunteer, I am amazed. There is no way for me to thank her enough for her efforts. I wish I'd been more appreciative all along! And that goes for all the other great volunteers who spend time researching and answering questions, correcting responses, enforcing rules and keeping the site "family friendly."
(If you look closely, the burra is frowning, too.)
Thanks for posting, Iza.
Ahh, well, silly me! I guess I have been thinking that SD was something like a democracy or something. No survey to see if anyone (I dare say that there is no one) wanted a new forum moderator? No solicitation of opinions or nominations for that (unpaid) job. But I now realize that the members' opinions and wishes are not all that important - just those of a small group?? Who are these masked persons? 
Beautifully said as always, Ira.
