Graham, spent few days last week with this one. Woke up one morning with “ are you watching” in my head, jotted it down , went for walk, wrote few more lines, on morning of anniversary of husband passing refined my thoughts. As I wrote it, there was a feeling of love and peace as my faith reassured me his spirit is around us.
Beautiful Linda this brings up so much of what we feel how much we wish they’ve could have seen unborn grandchildren and all milestones that have happened in our lives but this is how we keep our husbands in our heart ...my husband past away at the end of this month as well it’s a difficult month for a few of us sending love to you Linda ❤️
This is incredible Linda! Made me tear up ❤️❤️I had a similar experience a couple weeks ago. I woke up with Motherly Love in my head. I believe it was a gift from my Mom. It’s actually a song that a friend of mine has put to music. I posted it on my Substack if you haven’t read it.
Love this poem linda, I lost my father when I was pregnant with my daughter and I wished she had known him he was called grampie also. We do see the things our children say and do that reminds us of a loved ones passed on, that’s how we know they are with us always 💖
My husband was still with us when first grandchild was born, passed when she was 2, she doesn’t really remember him. It’s true, we do see things or hear that reminds us of loved ones.
You know, Linda, I absolutely love this! You have kept the love alive even after death for both you and your children. I have seen so many positive strides that you have taken in these few months that I know your path is in the right direction. Keep on keeping on Linda!
Your writing is amazing Linda!! I truly believe they are here with us. I see and feel signs, maybe they are wishing thoughts, but I do believe they are from heaven. My husband missed my son’s graduations, marriages, and future grandchildren, but I feel that he was there us in spirit.🥰I love the last line
Thanks, Vicky for your kind words. I truly believe you are seeing and hearing signs from heaven. My daughter shared last night that she was channeling her Dad on her road trip...driving through hot Utah, in slow moving traffic due to several accidents, the car started over heating, she remembered it had happened on a family trip years ago, her Dad turned on the cars heater to draw heat off the engine...so she turned off the AC, turned on heater, rolled windows down, car didn’t overheat, good for rest of trip. To me it was a sign her Dad was watching over her!
I have a similar story about my son driving from Lafayette to Dallas after work on a Friday night. He had to stop several times b/c of an oil issue also. He later came to a place where the traffic was not moving. There was a deadly accident ahead of him. I believe that if he had not had issues with his truck he would have been involved in the accident.
I believe his guardian angel was with him that night😇🙏🏻
So perfect! These are thoughts I sometimes have as well. I too have the feelings my husband who passed 7 1/2 years ago is present spiritually. My grand children were very young when he passed, but he did get to meet them . Now one of them just made the middle school soccer team and the other one plays youth football. I know he is there watching them with pride. Thank you for your beautiful poem.❤️
Hi Linda, you make it look easy, your writing is wonderful, I loved your poem, congratulations you showed a great talent for poetry... have a nice day.
Love this Linda. Made me cry. I hate that my hubby is missing all this here on earth but as I read this I think he isn't missing this. He is still here. Last week my oldest granddaughter was listening to some of her Pappys favorite songs...it was like he was there with her enjoying the tunes and her. Its the little things. ❤🙏
Jan interesting read. Even though you were a Counceler she trusted you that she was done fighting and knew you were there for the good behavior not just the bad, her being your hero was all she needed to hear.
Thanks, Kathy ~ I have beaten myself up a lot about finding the right words. One can't be sure what those always are. It's awesome when you find them... xoxo
I can really relate to your writing! You and I shared last week about our similar work with troubled kids. It’s so rewarding when you break through to them. You did an amazing job of putting it into words!!
Trust is a very magical way to achieve almost anything. If you are willing to accept the decision a child makes after listening to you it can be magic. If he or she trusts you and you trust really trust something fun can occur. It’s true that it’s challenging but the result is an individual willing to trust. Remember that the trust is the same trust God has in each of us.
Jan that was beautiful. That is not an easy job, and someone has to do. you do it well. My youngest daughter is a STEM instructor at her high school, but she has masters in mental health counseling and works part time at a rehab and she loves it. I am glad that she enjoys it. Like I said someone has to do it. Great job !!!
Tricia ~ I thought of you many times this week while refining this poem. I knew when you read this you could insert many young girls you know into the picture. Here's to saving more butterflies... xoxo
Thanks, Elaine ~ one thing I remember is she didn't even flinch when I brush away her hair. That was surprising since she was both physically & emotionally abused. I guess she was ready to surrender...
Let me preface before I start. If you have ever lost A GOOD friend to suicide you might feel my sadness. It is sadness that won't go away ever. My friend who was a happy fun person. A great nurse. She was in pain and I never knew 💔. So let me begin.
I understand your pain. My sister took her own life many years ago and I found out by watching a news report of what she did and then they gave her name. Shock set in and took a long while to go. So my thoughts are with you but you cannot blame yourself for what your friend did.
YOU DIDN'T MISS ANYTHING, Kathleen. Suicide is so hard to understand. I understand your pain. Your friend is at peace, now. I hope you can hang on to those playing and laughing memories. That's how you honor her. Blessings of rest for you.
Kathleen, I’m so sorry for your loss. I can feel your pain. I lost two cousins to suicide and it’s still difficult for me to process sometimes as to why it happened. Your writing is very powerful. Thank you for sharing.
Dearest Kathleen, I'm sorry that your friend took her life. I can't imagine the helpless feeling you had. We always think we could have done something but it is apparent that this wasn't something shared. I hope you know that there wasn't anything you could have done and to think of the good times you shared and bring a positive feeling of her back to you.
Thank you Barbara for your kind words it was really tough at the time it was so hard to know why and there is just no answer for that and it was not just me it was a couple of the other co-workers who had a particularly closeness with her and you know we're so shocked and couldn't understand she was such a happy-go-lucky person and such a good nurse oh my God she took such good care of her patients.
Kathleen I'm very sorry for your loss. My father took his own life but he told my brother and I what he was going to do. Many circumstances were in play but it's still so hard. Pray for comfort for you.
Thank you so much Cheryl for the kind words much appreciated it was truly a bad time. And by the way my friend that I spoke of in this her name was Cheryl♥️
Kathleen your feelings are so clear, they are palpable. You express well the shock of something so unexpected, and painful. Also the helpless guilt of "what could I have done". Though this happened a while back, I can imagine it's not to hard to enter back into the feelings again, as your writing shows. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
It was devastating Jody. When people your friend's family die in that manner it just seems to hurt so much more than a natural death or death from severe illness. Because you can't help asking yourself what could I have had done to help them. There really is no answer. Thank you Jody
Kathleen. I can’t say enough how my heart is hurting for you !! It’s so hard to lose a best friend !! Just know. She. Knew you loved her and was her friend. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
I have to be honest, I’m not a writer so when I saw this week’s challenge I immediately said to myself I can’t participate this week, I was stuck and not really sure what to write . I just didn’t want to write again about my grief as this is all I have been able to write about lately in my journal. So as I was sitting this afternoon in my garden ,relaxing,enjoying the sound of the birds , the gentle cool breeze , I was inspired to write the below poem. Not sure if this will work for this challenge but one thing is for sure I’m way out of my comfort zone but I’m really enjoying it at the same time!!🙏
Irene, so glad you decided to post. We never know when a little inspiration is coming. I love what you did here. We all have our people. In addition to all the previous people in our lives we now have this great community of people. Graham Wardle thank you for this. These writing challenges have been fun. I like you Irene, I am also out of my comfort zone. But we still keep working at it. CHEERS!!!!!
Beautiful wtritten, Irene! I love the way you speak about YOUR people. So many people in this group I can call MY people because they resonates with me. You are one of them, even at the othes side of te world💕✨
Irene. !! You are a very special person!! Who would not to be your friend?? You are a very passionate person and makes everyone feel good!! Love your self. Just reading all your stories. I always look forward to seeing more!! Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
What would we do without our people? Your descriptors made me think of my own. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy. And BTW, you ARE a writer. You just need to enjoy the process and appreciate the freedom and growth expressing yourself brings even if it's only just for you. 💕
I have refined this poem several times this week. However, it remains difficult to know whether some expressions used in Dutch also adequately reflect their meaning in English. I tried my best. I hope it resonates with you… Blessings to you all and thanks Graham for challenging me so much!🙏✨
It resonated with me. I found no language interference at all. You did a great job. I love your message and your imagery. I chuckled at "All the navel-gazing, not helpful in sailing." God bless you!
That is not so far away from Belgium. My sister lives in Cottbus. Maybe I can make a stop at your place when I go to visit her. I would love to meet you someday.
I believe my poem is to long to post it here in Duch. ..Veel groeten💕
Graham, over a month ago, I wrote what I thought was a poem, but ended up being lyrics to a song. Some who are subscribers to "One Day at a Time," have already read this. Since then, I've been editing it a little in order to write the melody. Last night, I finished writing the melody on the piano. Again, all that is in the very beginning stages. Graham, I thought I would share the lyrics to "THE CLIMB" with you since you have not read it as well as some others in this community. It's a little longer since these are lyrics to a possible song; therefore, I hope that is okay.
THE CLIMB
1st Verse:
The journey is long
The climb is high,
Yet my faith is strong
When I look to the sky.
I remember God is near
To take my burdens away,
He wipes away every tear
Each time I begin to pray.
Chorus:
I don’t know where I’m going,
It’s probably where I’ve always been.
For God is all knowing
Jesus took away my sin.
He died on the cross
And bared all the shame
To save the lost
In his Holy name.
2nd Verse:
Remind me the higher I go
The closer I get to my goal.
The road may be long and narrow
Help me to relinquish control.
For the heights of heaven
And eternity with you,
Is the only obsession
I wish to pursue.
Repeat Chorus:
Bridge:
The mountain I’m climbing is tall.
It often gets weary.
But through it all,
I enjoy the wonderful scenery.
As challenging as the trail becomes,
The greater my adventure will be.
I’m reminded how far I’ve come
For all is possible with Thee.
Repeat Chorus and end:
Thank you for allowing me to share these lyrics again with some of you and the first time for others. Graham, thank you for challenging me months ago to open myself up and get out of my comfort zone. Since then, I've been so blessed to share my journey with others. To be used by God to encourage or inspire others humbles me and blesses me at the same time. There aren't enough words to express my sincere gratitude to you and this amazing community. Take care and blessings to you Graham, and to everyone here. Thank you!
Thanks Christine! It’s still in the editing stages, so hopefully soon I will have something. I am so enjoying writing in general. Take care and God bless!
I love this Anne can’t wait to hear this song? I too expressed my sincere gratitude with this amazing community the support and encouragement is amazing 🙏❤️
Thanks Lucy! You are so right. The melody is very rough, but I wrote the melody only on sheet music last night. There's a rhythm and a melody now, so we will see how everything else develops. It will take time, but there's progress. I will share when I can at least get the piano chords, etc. pulled into place. I've never done anything like this before, but with God's guidance, what has happened thus far is all HIM.
Thanks Jan - I do appreciate that. I will definitely share it once all that is completed. It's all God - and praise God for that. Take care and God bless!
Thanks Joanne! If I write a poem or even a song, I tend to write with a rhythm/beat. I don't necessarily hear the melody at that time. The melody was finished last night but it's a very rough draft. Praying how and where to take it from here. God/Jesus will take the wheel as Carrie Underwood's song states, so he's got this. Thank you.
Wwooww, congratulations, this will become a beautiful song, to tell the truth, when I was in the chorus, I started humming, even without knowing the right rhythm, I wish you much success.
Thanks India! I appreciate that! You never know, it may be the same or similar. I tend to write lyrics to feeling a rhythm and melody later. So far the chorus has a little upbeat melody and rhythm. Hope to be able to share when all is said and done!
Thanks Anna! Like writing, edit after edit I’m sure. Learning as I go, and that has been rewarding as well as a lot of fun! I hope one day to be able to share with everyone. Take care!
Thanks Kathleen! I just edited it a little and when I published it earlier, I accidentally left a left out a line, so this version is the complete one. I will share once I've completed the piano version of it. Never pulled chords together for a song on the piano, but I'll give it a try. The melody I believe is there, and that is the beginning I believe. Thought I would share with those who haven't read it. Take care and God bless!
Thank you. I will try and share it once hopefully all that is complete. Work in progress and like Graham said, editing is all part of the process whether it's a poem or anything else.
My story was about the son I lost. What didn’t get said is that we had the man who hit him over to our house so we could say that we forgave him. I was amazed but my wife insisted. She felt no way we could go on without. So we did. We said the words that night. It took years for us to really forgive. BTW my picture would be sunset on a mountain stream bubbling over rocks showing rapids. Deep blue green and sunset colors. Peaceful
Believe me I know that it’s important to forgive. It was hard. The guy was drunk. He lived a block from our house. The strange thing is how we faired by forgiving. I can’t say he did as well. 💙🙏🇺🇸
Scot. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. !! I loss my grandson in a car accident. I heart is so broken for you and your wife. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
This reminds me of a story our pastor told at church this past Sunday. It was a true story of parents of a young child who got hit and was killed. the parents were angry for a while . They knew that they had to forgive the driver. He was a young kid they invited him over and eventually they adopted the young man. They gave him the love that he needed. So forgiveness is so essential to your healing. Thank you Scot for sharing.
This week is a tough week for me. A lot of emotions and thoughts I have been journaling . I didn’t know if I could come out of my comfort zone to share but I have decided to do so.
Loving Tribute
We miss you so much, this we know.
To ease your pain, we had to let go.
One by one the seasons have changed,
But our love for you has remained.
We reach for your hand, it’s not there.
We call out your name, no answer to hear.
We open our treasure chest, the one close to our hearts.
This put me in tears Jody! 😭 only because it’s been a year ago the 30th of this month that we lost my dad from Covid. I was the one who had to listen to his cries that he wanted to go home the whole time he was in the hospital. So this really touched me and made me think of my dad and how much I miss him. And how I hope he’s not mad at me for how things turned out with my mom after he passed. It’s very beautiful though and you did a wonderful job writing ✍️ it. 👏
Jody. I am so sorry for your loss!! I really feel your pain. I just loss my younger brother and I cannot believe he is gone. God is helping me with my loss. I just look to my lord to help me !! Sending you prayers and my love!! Blessings
Week 3: (This is a poem I wrote awhile ago. It's one of my favourites, so I thought I would share it this week. I worked on it & refined it, until I was happy with the final result.)
A ray of hope shines through the clouds of darkness.
Christine. This is beautiful!! Sounds like you have a wonderful family!! Enjoy them. Thanks for sharing this. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Thank you Patty🙏. Unfortunately my dad past away in 2019 & my mum passed away last year a day before my birthday. But with 3 sisters, a brother & 3 nieces and 6 nephews, I cherish every moment with them. Love my squishy hugs. 😊
Christine I am so sorry you lost both your parents ! My heart goes out to you!! I am thankful for your other family members you have. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Thanks Patty🙏. Has been very hard as I also lost my Uncle in 2019 & my Aunt in 2020. Has been extremely difficult & I sincerely appreciate your prayers. 🙏🙏
Nope, nope, nope!! She wouldn't infiltrate my beloved family by just waltzing in and becoming a Stepmom! No, No, No. This woman who wormed her way into my life and took what she wanted wasn't getting near me...or my kids for that matter.
Was this me talking? I don't usually think like this nor do I behave like this. But I did.
My husband of 20 years fell in love with someone else and left me in the dust.
And now this person who helped herself to my husband wanted to be cozy with me and my kids?
I was beside myself, behaving in an unusual way and low and behold not long after this I suffered a huge DVT which blocked the vein in my left leg from my knee to my belly button. I had the leg of an elephant and the prognosis wasn't favorable. Cut it off they said! Oh heck no! So I tried an experimental procedure that would either work or kill me and luckily it worked!
So all that resentment clogged me up. And I didn't realize it then but I do now and you think I would have learned my lesson! I held on to the resentment for a long time and then another clog! This time in my heart! Oh I wish they had rotor rooter for the body because I seemed to be stopped up all over the place. So two stents later and a close encounter with God himself sent me back to try again.
It was then I FINALLY realized I was carrying this resentment toward my ex-husband's wife too long. I needed to rid myself of my clogs if I was to have any chance of life so I finally did. I asked God to please forgive me for judging and resenting this woman. It was not my place. I was wrong. And I prayed that God would bless them.
Almost immediately I felt 50 lbs. lighter! What a great weight loss program that is!!
My heart and body are free. I no longer carry around that heavy load and I don't ever intend to feel resentment like that again for anyone. I feel so light I believe I could fly!! Or maybe that is a subject for another time.... :}
Powerful insights Barbara! I would love to see you condense this into a poem about how each stage of your journey felt and how you might be able to share it in a way to give others the courage to let go of judgement before the health challenges!
Ok Graham here is my poem. Thanks for challenging me. I enjoyed it!
Preface: In a years time I had lost my beloved Dad, my dear Nana and my husband of twenty years to divorce. I was now the matriarch of the family at 44 years old. I resented my ex-husband's new wife and held on to it too long to the detriment of my health.
TIME TO LET GO
I blamed you for my losses, it was easier that way.
My family was gone, it hurt deeper each day.
You walked away smiling while holding his hand,
And my tears kept on falling with no place to land.
The vice on my heart gripped ever so tight
As I held on to my children all through the long night.
I'm here for you always, don't ever forget
And cast my net around them with the biggest smile yet.
Not too long after, my body broke down
I looked for my loved ones, no one was around.
Prognosis was bleak I felt much despair
I narrated my will to a friend in a chair.
God intervened to show me the way
Relief filled my soul and I saw a new day.
I held on to old hurts in this new life of mine
Soon my clenched heart's beats were just out of time.
Thank you for the feedback Graham. I will give your suggestion a go. I generally feel less comfortable with poem creation but I'm going to wrap myself around this and see what I come up with.
I totally get your story Barbara and feel so made up that you have reached that happy place! Our happiness is not dependent on others and we cannot control their behaviour. Keep going!
Barbara, you are such a amazing person, all the things you have gone through in your life with the emotional and physical stuff you have had to deal with. Letting the resentment go makes me feel so happy for you that your heart and body are free now.
Barbara I’m crying my heart out I know how these feelings play on your health I can’t even tell you the physical things that have happened to me thru emotional stress I have a tendency to bury my pain the only thing is forgiveness 🤷♀️
Wow! Barbara that is so powerful. I’ve heard unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. So glad to hear you eliminated it and can move on with your life stronger and victorious. Bless you.
Wow, Barbara! What trauma and shock you suffered. And what courage you showed to move forward and raise your children alone. You are so very strong and brave to have dealt with this along with the health challenges. It is amazing how we internalize our traumas. Thank God you found your way to understanding your feelings, letting go of the resentment and to healing. I have enormous respect and admiration for you. Big hugs!
Wow Barb, I’m sure glad you let that resentment go. God was watching over you. You have been brought into my life for a reason I think. So I’m glad your health was restored.
Barbara ~ you are amazing & so is God. It wasn't even my husband, but I hated my ex-brother-in for cheating on my sister for years. You are right -- Letting it go certainly "lightens the load." Can't wait to hear about your ability to fly another time. xoxo
Good for you Barbara you went thru hell and your health took a toll on your body and you are now a bigger, better, and healthier person. Thats not an easy thing to do, carrying around resentment, and judging is hard to let go of. God is always by our side and never gives up on us thank God he sent you back.
Thanks Kathy. Yes, that type of resentment will mess with your body. It was only a year after my separation that I had my first health emergency. I wish I knew that I was causing this myself back then, but it took another emergency and an encounter with God to know that I need to let things go and be free for my body to function best.
I understand where your coming from Barb. I resented my sisters husband after she died. I blamed him for her death.I held onto it for Five years. I finally had to ask God for help in forgiving him because I couldn’t. Once I did that I was able to heal. I’m very happy you were able to get thru this.May God continue to bless you.
Doesn’t it feel so good when we face things we don’t like....sorry that you had to go through the health issues. Look where you are now, positive side of things...
Barbara. !! God is always the answer!! You are a very special person!! Don’t ever feel bad at your self!! How you felt was human nature!! It just had to sink. In. God was with you every step of the way!! Then you got the answer!! God be with you 🙏. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
I can surely relate. I am always asking myself why am I here. My life changed directions several times and I found the answers. Now retirement...I’m going in another direction. Just waiting for an answer to my question...what now Lord?
If we are honest with ourselves, I think we have all asked “Why?” at some point in our lives. Life’s a journey and we find our faith to let God guide us. Great poem.
Brenda. This is so true!! We always have these questions. But we put our Faith in God and. we come out just fine. You are a beautiful person. You found your way. Sending you prayers and love. Blessings
Have looked up and asked why am I here in the past. It’s been a process, have learned to listen/ see the signs. Faith gets me through good times and sad times.
Thank you to all of you. This one was definitely emotional for me to write. It’s been in the works for quite some time and the biggest challenge was getting it to 100 words or less. 🙃
I’m all about being strong and believing in yourself, but I know how hard it can be to make this big, hard, scary, decisions on life. You gotta keep your head up and keep fighting for what your heart and faith tell you to.
Graham, spent few days last week with this one. Woke up one morning with “ are you watching” in my head, jotted it down , went for walk, wrote few more lines, on morning of anniversary of husband passing refined my thoughts. As I wrote it, there was a feeling of love and peace as my faith reassured me his spirit is around us.
Watching From Above
Are you watching ?
How your spirit lives
Carried in our hearts
Memories as stories shared.
Are you watching?
Your son throw a line in the water
To remember fishing together.
Are you watching?
Your daughter when she listens
To your favorite music.
Are you watching?
Grandkids you never knew
See photos and say “ it’s Grampie”
I believe you are watching.
Always missed, always remembered!
Beautiful Linda this brings up so much of what we feel how much we wish they’ve could have seen unborn grandchildren and all milestones that have happened in our lives but this is how we keep our husbands in our heart ...my husband past away at the end of this month as well it’s a difficult month for a few of us sending love to you Linda ❤️
This is incredible Linda! Made me tear up ❤️❤️I had a similar experience a couple weeks ago. I woke up with Motherly Love in my head. I believe it was a gift from my Mom. It’s actually a song that a friend of mine has put to music. I posted it on my Substack if you haven’t read it.
Love this poem linda, I lost my father when I was pregnant with my daughter and I wished she had known him he was called grampie also. We do see the things our children say and do that reminds us of a loved ones passed on, that’s how we know they are with us always 💖
My husband was still with us when first grandchild was born, passed when she was 2, she doesn’t really remember him. It’s true, we do see things or hear that reminds us of loved ones.
You know, Linda, I absolutely love this! You have kept the love alive even after death for both you and your children. I have seen so many positive strides that you have taken in these few months that I know your path is in the right direction. Keep on keeping on Linda!
Beautifully said, Barbara. So dear, Linda!
This is really beautiful Linda ♥️
Your writing is amazing Linda!! I truly believe they are here with us. I see and feel signs, maybe they are wishing thoughts, but I do believe they are from heaven. My husband missed my son’s graduations, marriages, and future grandchildren, but I feel that he was there us in spirit.🥰I love the last line
Thanks, Vicky for your kind words. I truly believe you are seeing and hearing signs from heaven. My daughter shared last night that she was channeling her Dad on her road trip...driving through hot Utah, in slow moving traffic due to several accidents, the car started over heating, she remembered it had happened on a family trip years ago, her Dad turned on the cars heater to draw heat off the engine...so she turned off the AC, turned on heater, rolled windows down, car didn’t overheat, good for rest of trip. To me it was a sign her Dad was watching over her!
So beautiful, Linda. God is always speaking when we are 'tuned in' to the correct channel.
I have a similar story about my son driving from Lafayette to Dallas after work on a Friday night. He had to stop several times b/c of an oil issue also. He later came to a place where the traffic was not moving. There was a deadly accident ahead of him. I believe that if he had not had issues with his truck he would have been involved in the accident.
I believe his guardian angel was with him that night😇🙏🏻
So perfect! These are thoughts I sometimes have as well. I too have the feelings my husband who passed 7 1/2 years ago is present spiritually. My grand children were very young when he passed, but he did get to meet them . Now one of them just made the middle school soccer team and the other one plays youth football. I know he is there watching them with pride. Thank you for your beautiful poem.❤️
Thanks Karen, my daughter shared an experience she has this past week where she was channeling her Dad. Another sign his spirit is with us!
This is truly beautiful Linda. 🥰
Beautiful Linda
Hi Linda, you make it look easy, your writing is wonderful, I loved your poem, congratulations you showed a great talent for poetry... have a nice day.
Love this Linda. Made me cry. I hate that my hubby is missing all this here on earth but as I read this I think he isn't missing this. He is still here. Last week my oldest granddaughter was listening to some of her Pappys favorite songs...it was like he was there with her enjoying the tunes and her. Its the little things. ❤🙏
Brenda, praying a huge hug from above envelopes you. How precious your granddaughter enjoys some of her Pappy's favourite songs. 💗🙏🏼
Brenda, it’s those signs that let us know their spirit is still with us, and they are watching from above. Blessings to you!
Linda you shared this with me before, and I told you it was beautiful. So now today, again it in BEAUTIFUL. I love it . So many wonderful memories ❤❤❤
This is awesome, Linda. It really moved me. I have some people I hope are “watching” as well. Very heartfelt!
Faith tells me they are watching!
This is beautiful Linda. Your Angel continues His Promise of love and to be with you forever. 💕💕
Love this Linda it’s very memorable. I haven’t lost my Dad, though I wish I could see him more. Blessing Linda.
This is beaurtiful Linda. Many hugs and love to you.
Have had fun refining this poem since last week -- from my days as a school counselor
"Mrs. Stoneburner,
There was a problem in the cafeteria."
A defiant teenager stood in my doorway
In her steely suit-of-armor
Two turbulent eyes staring at me
Through her helmet of shiny black hair
Her hard voice echoed off my office walls
Like heavy metal.
“I don’t want to fight anymore. But
My mother says I’m only a loser if I don’t.”
I brushed aside her long bangs.
“My Brave Girl,
You are my hero today.
I’m proud of you for walking away.”
I saw her mother’s sharp barbs
Magically dissipating into thin air
And a beautiful, blue-eyed Soul
Emerging from fissures in her armor
FREE
No longer an
Iron Butterfly
That’s a beautiful story jan, hopefully you have forever changed that young girls life. 🤗
Thanks, Lisa! I know it changed me. xoxo
Jan interesting read. Even though you were a Counceler she trusted you that she was done fighting and knew you were there for the good behavior not just the bad, her being your hero was all she needed to hear.
Thanks, Kathy ~ I have beaten myself up a lot about finding the right words. One can't be sure what those always are. It's awesome when you find them... xoxo
I can really relate to your writing! You and I shared last week about our similar work with troubled kids. It’s so rewarding when you break through to them. You did an amazing job of putting it into words!!
Thanks, Jody -- I love it that you understand. xoxo
Trust is a very magical way to achieve almost anything. If you are willing to accept the decision a child makes after listening to you it can be magic. If he or she trusts you and you trust really trust something fun can occur. It’s true that it’s challenging but the result is an individual willing to trust. Remember that the trust is the same trust God has in each of us.
You are right, Scot ~ I redid the poem several times this week. It actually felt as if God was directing the refinement.
Jan, I love this! What a great word picture.
Thanks, Debbie -- I don't think in pictures so it takes me awhile to create it with words. I appreciate your support. xoxo
Jan that was beautiful. That is not an easy job, and someone has to do. you do it well. My youngest daughter is a STEM instructor at her high school, but she has masters in mental health counseling and works part time at a rehab and she loves it. I am glad that she enjoys it. Like I said someone has to do it. Great job !!!
Jan, once again you've captured the feeling, the essence of your experience so well! In my opinion, your response to this week's challenge is spot on.
Thanks so much, Pam! I'm a feeler not a thinker -- so sometimes people are wary. I appreciate your reaction to my experience. xoxo
Jan, I love this so beautiful.
Thank you, Jody!!!
Wow! So powerful! Love this💕💕
Thank you, Jan!!!
Beautiful Jan! I'm sure you left footprints in her life and in all your students. ❤
Thanks, Elizabeth! I hope so... xoxo
That's so beautiful. What a lovely story.
Wow! I know this story! Jan, very real and loved the imagery!
Tricia ~ I thought of you many times this week while refining this poem. I knew when you read this you could insert many young girls you know into the picture. Here's to saving more butterflies... xoxo
Amen!!! 🦋
Wow! So powerful...
every part of it I can see and feel it.
How rewarding
the last statement
No longer an
Iron Butterfly
Jan you breathed life and freedom into that beautiful butterfly ❤️
Yes, here is hoping her life was forever changed, for the good.
Thanks, Deborah ~ I personally loved the last lines too. I hope she is still flying free. xoxo
Jan !! You are a Angel! God put you in that girls path. He knew she needed you! You are special. Sending you prayers and Love
Thank you, Patty ~ I think God does have us in places at certain times; I just hope when He's using me --I serve Him well. xoxo
You gave this child hope with kind words and a soft touch. These profound moments are special in someone’s life.
Thanks, Elaine ~ one thing I remember is she didn't even flinch when I brush away her hair. That was surprising since she was both physically & emotionally abused. I guess she was ready to surrender...
A little TLC goes a long way.
What a beautiful way of sharing that experience with us! I am sure she will always remember and treasure your response to her needs!
Let me preface before I start. If you have ever lost A GOOD friend to suicide you might feel my sadness. It is sadness that won't go away ever. My friend who was a happy fun person. A great nurse. She was in pain and I never knew 💔. So let me begin.
ON THAT DAY.
It is Friday
March 14,2014
A day I will remember forever
My family is all home
Celebrating a birthday
My phone rings
A friend is calling
Horrible news
My good friend and coworker
Today took her own life
My emotions are exploding
Screaming Screaming
How could this happen
What did I miss?
She must have been hurting
No visible signs
We worked together
We played together
We laughed together
Again, what did I miss
Grief beyond words
I cried until no more tears would come
If only she shared
Could I have helped her?
Should I have seen that she was troubled?
On that day I lost a Hugh piece of my heart
I ask myself
WHY, WHY, WHY!!!!
A question that will never be answered
For she is gone now
RIP my dear friend
I miss you❤❤
I understand your pain. My sister took her own life many years ago and I found out by watching a news report of what she did and then they gave her name. Shock set in and took a long while to go. So my thoughts are with you but you cannot blame yourself for what your friend did.
Only you can feel the pain. Suicide is a terrible thing I myself have never experienced so I can't feel what you feel . Prayers is all I can offer.
So sorry about your sister . So sad
YOU DIDN'T MISS ANYTHING, Kathleen. Suicide is so hard to understand. I understand your pain. Your friend is at peace, now. I hope you can hang on to those playing and laughing memories. That's how you honor her. Blessings of rest for you.
thanks Patty
So sad ♥️
thanks Irene
Kathleen, I’m so sorry for your loss. I can feel your pain. I lost two cousins to suicide and it’s still difficult for me to process sometimes as to why it happened. Your writing is very powerful. Thank you for sharing.
Dearest Kathleen, I'm sorry that your friend took her life. I can't imagine the helpless feeling you had. We always think we could have done something but it is apparent that this wasn't something shared. I hope you know that there wasn't anything you could have done and to think of the good times you shared and bring a positive feeling of her back to you.
Thank you Barbara for your kind words it was really tough at the time it was so hard to know why and there is just no answer for that and it was not just me it was a couple of the other co-workers who had a particularly closeness with her and you know we're so shocked and couldn't understand she was such a happy-go-lucky person and such a good nurse oh my God she took such good care of her patients.
I cannot imagine your pain. Only you feel that pain. Prayers is all I can offer. Blessings
Thank you for sharing, this touched a very old scar for me
I totally understand. The best man at our wedding took his own life. Always so totally unexpected. He was my husband's best friend. A sad day.
So you know how it feels Donna. But still there is no answer to the question WHY?
I'm so sorry about what you went through. I could feel the torment in your writing. I hope you have been able to find some peace. 🙏
Thanks Christine .
Very powerful. Thank you for sharing.
Tricia, thank you.
Kathleen I'm very sorry for your loss. My father took his own life but he told my brother and I what he was going to do. Many circumstances were in play but it's still so hard. Pray for comfort for you.
Thank you so much Cheryl for the kind words much appreciated it was truly a bad time. And by the way my friend that I spoke of in this her name was Cheryl♥️
Kathleen your feelings are so clear, they are palpable. You express well the shock of something so unexpected, and painful. Also the helpless guilt of "what could I have done". Though this happened a while back, I can imagine it's not to hard to enter back into the feelings again, as your writing shows. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Myself and some of our other co-workers who so miss her we often talk about her she is always in our heart
Thank you Pam
Kathleen. I know how you feel. My brother in law took his own life . It was devastating.
It was devastating Jody. When people your friend's family die in that manner it just seems to hurt so much more than a natural death or death from severe illness. Because you can't help asking yourself what could I have had done to help them. There really is no answer. Thank you Jody
Very touching! So sad...✨
So sad. Suicide is so difficult to understand and so hard for those left behind. Sending a big virtual hug.
Thank you.
Kathleen. I can’t say enough how my heart is hurting for you !! It’s so hard to lose a best friend !! Just know. She. Knew you loved her and was her friend. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Thanks Patty. I cried today writing this. Brought back too many memories
Week 3
I have to be honest, I’m not a writer so when I saw this week’s challenge I immediately said to myself I can’t participate this week, I was stuck and not really sure what to write . I just didn’t want to write again about my grief as this is all I have been able to write about lately in my journal. So as I was sitting this afternoon in my garden ,relaxing,enjoying the sound of the birds , the gentle cool breeze , I was inspired to write the below poem. Not sure if this will work for this challenge but one thing is for sure I’m way out of my comfort zone but I’m really enjoying it at the same time!!🙏
MY PEOPLE
It is important to find your people.
They are out there.
When you find the right people
You will know in an instant.
Why they are your people
Your souls will feel the spark
Inside of you
Only you can feel and see it.
Around your people
You can be your true goofy self
They love things that may come as a surprise.
Your funny sound when you laugh
The faces you make when you are sad or happy.
Your bad singing voice
The way you get passionate about your stuff
They can see your worth
I love my people ♥️
Irene, so glad you decided to post. We never know when a little inspiration is coming. I love what you did here. We all have our people. In addition to all the previous people in our lives we now have this great community of people. Graham Wardle thank you for this. These writing challenges have been fun. I like you Irene, I am also out of my comfort zone. But we still keep working at it. CHEERS!!!!!
Thank you Kathleen, you are doing a fantastic job. Love everything that you have written 💜
Love that you're trying & you're having a go. Great job. 🙏☺️
Thanks Christine 🙏💜
🤗💕
Awww Irene! Glad you posted! Love this one! I’m so blessed to have my people! 💚❤️
Thanks Aimee, I decided last minute to post it.💜💚
Irene, I love this!!!!
Irene you are doing a great job, I loved this.
Thanks Cheryl 💜
I love this Irene so proud of you and I always find my people. I call my grandchildren “ my little people.”
We all need our people, finding them is one of life’s blessings.
I agree Linda , it’s a blessing to have the right people in our lives 🙏♥️
Beautiful wtritten, Irene! I love the way you speak about YOUR people. So many people in this group I can call MY people because they resonates with me. You are one of them, even at the othes side of te world💕✨
Aww 🥰 thanks Bie , i agree with you there are many here we can call our people 💜
I’m glad you decided to participate this week Irene. This is great! Finding “your people” is so important in life, for support, love encouragement. 🥰
So true Leigh, thank you 🙏♥️
That's right Irene, it's comforting to know that we can count on our people. Strength and faith. Cheers.
🙏♥️
Irene. !! You are a very special person!! Who would not to be your friend?? You are a very passionate person and makes everyone feel good!! Love your self. Just reading all your stories. I always look forward to seeing more!! Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Thanks Patty 💜
Nice Irene! I love my people too!
Don't we all .Thanks Barbara :)
Great job Irene! Love it!
🙏♥️
Lovely Irene. 🤗
🙏♥️
What would we do without our people? Your descriptors made me think of my own. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy. And BTW, you ARE a writer. You just need to enjoy the process and appreciate the freedom and growth expressing yourself brings even if it's only just for you. 💕
Thanks Cathey♥️
Such a lovely poem! Great job Irene👏
Thanks Mary 💜
The choice is mine
Life ripples
meanders…
How else could it be?
All the navel- gazing
not helpful in sailing
the high waves, the wild sea
A head full of worries
about yesterday and tomorrow
How can I be free?
By going along,
meandering
Consciously loving and be
Letting go and trusting
Building my strength
Miracles to see
It‘s all about my relationship
with the life
that was given to me
It can be hell
It can be fine
The choice is mine.
I have refined this poem several times this week. However, it remains difficult to know whether some expressions used in Dutch also adequately reflect their meaning in English. I tried my best. I hope it resonates with you… Blessings to you all and thanks Graham for challenging me so much!🙏✨
Great Job! Beautiful!
It resonated with me. I found no language interference at all. You did a great job. I love your message and your imagery. I chuckled at "All the navel-gazing, not helpful in sailing." God bless you!
Tu m’impressionnes Bie, ça résonne très bien dans ma tête. C’est super 👍🙏
Merci ! À bientôt 💙
Beautiful! ❤️
Congratulations on translating your words into English. Not an easy thing to do. 👍
Thanks, Christine 🙏
Very clear! Thanks for sharing!
Bie. !! Thanks for sharing this with us. It’s beautiful!! Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Your poem is perfect!! I can relate entirely. Kudos Bie 💕💕
Do you understand Dutch?
That is not so far away from Belgium. My sister lives in Cottbus. Maybe I can make a stop at your place when I go to visit her. I would love to meet you someday.
I believe my poem is to long to post it here in Duch. ..Veel groeten💕
Dat doe ik. Jij kan mij ook volgen Bie Matthyssen. Tot op de chat✨
Graham, over a month ago, I wrote what I thought was a poem, but ended up being lyrics to a song. Some who are subscribers to "One Day at a Time," have already read this. Since then, I've been editing it a little in order to write the melody. Last night, I finished writing the melody on the piano. Again, all that is in the very beginning stages. Graham, I thought I would share the lyrics to "THE CLIMB" with you since you have not read it as well as some others in this community. It's a little longer since these are lyrics to a possible song; therefore, I hope that is okay.
THE CLIMB
1st Verse:
The journey is long
The climb is high,
Yet my faith is strong
When I look to the sky.
I remember God is near
To take my burdens away,
He wipes away every tear
Each time I begin to pray.
Chorus:
I don’t know where I’m going,
It’s probably where I’ve always been.
For God is all knowing
Jesus took away my sin.
He died on the cross
And bared all the shame
To save the lost
In his Holy name.
2nd Verse:
Remind me the higher I go
The closer I get to my goal.
The road may be long and narrow
Help me to relinquish control.
For the heights of heaven
And eternity with you,
Is the only obsession
I wish to pursue.
Repeat Chorus:
Bridge:
The mountain I’m climbing is tall.
It often gets weary.
But through it all,
I enjoy the wonderful scenery.
As challenging as the trail becomes,
The greater my adventure will be.
I’m reminded how far I’ve come
For all is possible with Thee.
Repeat Chorus and end:
Thank you for allowing me to share these lyrics again with some of you and the first time for others. Graham, thank you for challenging me months ago to open myself up and get out of my comfort zone. Since then, I've been so blessed to share my journey with others. To be used by God to encourage or inspire others humbles me and blesses me at the same time. There aren't enough words to express my sincere gratitude to you and this amazing community. Take care and blessings to you Graham, and to everyone here. Thank you!
What an accomplishment to write a song. I'm glad that have found a new passion, Anne. 🙏
Thanks Christine! It’s still in the editing stages, so hopefully soon I will have something. I am so enjoying writing in general. Take care and God bless!
Anne I could read this over and over. It brings me such joy knowing that you wrote this. Congratulations it will be great.
Thanks Shari! I appreciate it!
I love this Anne can’t wait to hear this song? I too expressed my sincere gratitude with this amazing community the support and encouragement is amazing 🙏❤️
Thanks Lucy! You are so right. The melody is very rough, but I wrote the melody only on sheet music last night. There's a rhythm and a melody now, so we will see how everything else develops. It will take time, but there's progress. I will share when I can at least get the piano chords, etc. pulled into place. I've never done anything like this before, but with God's guidance, what has happened thus far is all HIM.
Anne , This is so awesome. You always write words that touch my heart.
Thanks Jody! I appreciate it. Take care and God bless!
Great job Anne my music friend!
Thank you my friend!
This is so great! I can’t wait to hear it put to music! I know I say this often... you are such an inspiration to me!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Jan - I do appreciate that. I will definitely share it once all that is completed. It's all God - and praise God for that. Take care and God bless!
Beautiful I knew you could do this with GOD's help. You are a special person with talent. Blessings
Thanks Susie! I do appreciate it. It's all God! Take care and God bless!
Can't wait to hear it, Anne!!!
Thanks Jan!
Love it, Anne! One day we will hear this on a worship album!!
Thanks Tricia! Who knows, got any connections? Lol!
That's awesome Anne good luck along the way
That’s a beautiful song 🎶 Anne. I found myself reading it to a medley, since you mentioned it was a song not a poem.
Thanks Joanne! If I write a poem or even a song, I tend to write with a rhythm/beat. I don't necessarily hear the melody at that time. The melody was finished last night but it's a very rough draft. Praying how and where to take it from here. God/Jesus will take the wheel as Carrie Underwood's song states, so he's got this. Thank you.
It’s beautiful! I can’t wait to hear it as a completed song!
Great job Anne ♥️
Thanks Irene - Working on the music now.
I can’t wait to hear the song !!
Wwooww, congratulations, this will become a beautiful song, to tell the truth, when I was in the chorus, I started humming, even without knowing the right rhythm, I wish you much success.
Thanks India! I appreciate that! You never know, it may be the same or similar. I tend to write lyrics to feeling a rhythm and melody later. So far the chorus has a little upbeat melody and rhythm. Hope to be able to share when all is said and done!
Anne, It's magnificent, I hope I can see it when everything is ready, thank you...
Anna !! This is beautiful! I always enjoy your writing!! Blessings to you. Sending you prayers and my Love
Thanks Patty! Melody came together last night. Very rough draft for that. Learning so much as I go, but it’s also fun! It’s all God! God bless you!
Amazing Anne. Looking forward to hear it with music. ❤
Thanks Anna! Like writing, edit after edit I’m sure. Learning as I go, and that has been rewarding as well as a lot of fun! I hope one day to be able to share with everyone. Take care!
I did see this before and it is great. Please let us hear it when it has music. Will look forward to that.
Thanks Kathleen! I just edited it a little and when I published it earlier, I accidentally left a left out a line, so this version is the complete one. I will share once I've completed the piano version of it. Never pulled chords together for a song on the piano, but I'll give it a try. The melody I believe is there, and that is the beginning I believe. Thought I would share with those who haven't read it. Take care and God bless!
I am encouraged my your courage. I hope to hear the song when it is completed.
Thank you. I will try and share it once hopefully all that is complete. Work in progress and like Graham said, editing is all part of the process whether it's a poem or anything else.
My week of refinement challenge and not sure I am doing it right? Here I go week # 3 Poem .
Be Brave
Even on the darkest day-
there’s beauty insight,
A chance of reflection
a moment of strength
an open heart
wisdom gained.
Be brave through the storm
gather knowledge and insight
when the clouds
part and roll by,
spread your wings
and in faith take the flight.
From your joy
from broken branches,
as they bloom in full colors.
Well done.
Thank you my friend 🙏❤️
Love it Lucy ♥️
Thank you my beautiful friend🙏❤️
I love this Lucy.
Thank you 🙏❤️
Beautiful Lucy. ❤️
Thank you 🙏❤️
Very well done!
Thank you 🙏❤️
Great writing . Thanks for sharing .Blessings
Thank you 🙏❤️
So beautiful! Thanks Lucy! ✨
Thank you 🙏❤️
Lucy. !! This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this. I love reading your stories. !! Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Thank you Patty🙏❤️
Beautiful poem Lucy, you are such an inspiration ❤️
Thank you 🙏❤️
Hermoso Lucy ! ❤
Gracias Elizabeth ❤️🙏
So beautiful! I pray for an ounce of your strength and faith ❤️❤️❤️
For everything you go through and you still give so much to others.
Thank you for everything. 💕💕💕
Thank you Jan and your welcome.❤️🙏
Beautiful Lucy! This is you through and through.
Thank you Anne it was just my journaling from my beautification journey and I re write into a poem .
Beautiful ... Lucy♥️
Thank you 🙏❤️
Beautiful Lucy.
Thank you 🙏❤️
My story was about the son I lost. What didn’t get said is that we had the man who hit him over to our house so we could say that we forgave him. I was amazed but my wife insisted. She felt no way we could go on without. So we did. We said the words that night. It took years for us to really forgive. BTW my picture would be sunset on a mountain stream bubbling over rocks showing rapids. Deep blue green and sunset colors. Peaceful
Such a hard thing to do. It took a lot of strength & courage. I'm glad you have found some peace. 🙏
I’m ready now
Scott so happy for you to come to this forgiving point in your life. What a weight lifted off of your shoulder.
Believe me I know that it’s important to forgive. It was hard. The guy was drunk. He lived a block from our house. The strange thing is how we faired by forgiving. I can’t say he did as well. 💙🙏🇺🇸
Scot. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. !! I loss my grandson in a car accident. I heart is so broken for you and your wife. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
This reminds me of a story our pastor told at church this past Sunday. It was a true story of parents of a young child who got hit and was killed. the parents were angry for a while . They knew that they had to forgive the driver. He was a young kid they invited him over and eventually they adopted the young man. They gave him the love that he needed. So forgiveness is so essential to your healing. Thank you Scot for sharing.
This week is a tough week for me. A lot of emotions and thoughts I have been journaling . I didn’t know if I could come out of my comfort zone to share but I have decided to do so.
Loving Tribute
We miss you so much, this we know.
To ease your pain, we had to let go.
One by one the seasons have changed,
But our love for you has remained.
We reach for your hand, it’s not there.
We call out your name, no answer to hear.
We open our treasure chest, the one close to our hearts.
And there we find you , never to depart.
You would be so proud to see us now,
Strength in the Lord , you showed us how.
Each day a new challenge was faced,
By God’s love we have been embraced.
Although we miss you and still feel pain,
In our Heavenly home, we’ll see you again.
Beautifully written Jody 🙏🏼
Thank you Graham for giving me this opportunity to come out of my comfort zone .
This put me in tears Jody! 😭 only because it’s been a year ago the 30th of this month that we lost my dad from Covid. I was the one who had to listen to his cries that he wanted to go home the whole time he was in the hospital. So this really touched me and made me think of my dad and how much I miss him. And how I hope he’s not mad at me for how things turned out with my mom after he passed. It’s very beautiful though and you did a wonderful job writing ✍️ it. 👏
Thank you Joanne.
Jody. I am so sorry for your loss!! I really feel your pain. I just loss my younger brother and I cannot believe he is gone. God is helping me with my loss. I just look to my lord to help me !! Sending you prayers and my love!! Blessings
Patty , I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you prayers and my blessing.
Jody, I am glad you were able to come out of your comfort zone and put your emotions in your journal. Your writing is amazing🥰
Thank you Vicky,
Wonderful word choices! So glad you came out of your comfort zone to share. Thanks!
Thank you Jan.
Oh Jody. That is really awesome. It makes me cry. Just so beautiful
Thank you Donna.
So beautiful and heartfelt. ❤️❤️
Thank you Jan
Beautiful Jody 🙏💜
Thank you Irene.
Jody this is beautiful sending love ❤️
Thank you Halina.
Jody powerful and beautiful read
Thank you Kathy .
Well done, Jody...could feel the emotions and like you were talking to him...
Thank you Linda.
So special Jody. You've struggled this week and managed to create this wonderful dedication to your husband...and it even rhymes! So great!
Thank you Barbara.
This is so beautiful Jody. 🥰
Jody so beautifully written. You make me want to cry. When I read this it brings me back when I lost my sister. Again beautiful.
Thank you Shari.
That was beautiful Jody!!!!!
Week 3: (This is a poem I wrote awhile ago. It's one of my favourites, so I thought I would share it this week. I worked on it & refined it, until I was happy with the final result.)
A ray of hope shines through the clouds of darkness.
The sounds of children as they play in the pool.
Family talking and laughing as stories are told.
Looking around, I begin to smile.
To see the love shine through their eyes.
The warmth begins to build and grow.
The dark clouds lighten the more I focus.
I can now see what I have forgotten.
I don't need to hide away.
I don't need to cope alone.
The love and support of family is always there.
So I reach out, and the clouds disappear.
Love it Christine!
Thanks Graham. Appreciate that. 🙏💕
Very well done, Christine. Family is so important.
Thanks Leigh. I totally agree 🙏💕
Love this!
Thank you so much, Brenda. Means a lot. 🙏💕
Christin I love this it beautiful written.
Thank you so much Shari. That really means a lot to me🙏🙏
So true and beautifully expresssed.
I truly appreciate that Barbara🙏. This poem means a lot to me.
Beautiful! The love and support of family is like a big hug. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much Jan🙏. I love my hugs from my family. Especially the squishy ones from my nieces & nephews.
Beautiful Christine! ✨
Thank you Bie.🙏
Christine. This is beautiful!! Sounds like you have a wonderful family!! Enjoy them. Thanks for sharing this. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Thank you Patty🙏. Unfortunately my dad past away in 2019 & my mum passed away last year a day before my birthday. But with 3 sisters, a brother & 3 nieces and 6 nephews, I cherish every moment with them. Love my squishy hugs. 😊
Christine I am so sorry you lost both your parents ! My heart goes out to you!! I am thankful for your other family members you have. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Thanks Patty🙏. Has been very hard as I also lost my Uncle in 2019 & my Aunt in 2020. Has been extremely difficult & I sincerely appreciate your prayers. 🙏🙏
So lovely, Christine!
Appreciate that a lot. Thanks Joan🙏
Christine ~ I can actually feel your smile growing in this poem. Nice!!!
Thanks so much Jan. That means a lot. 🙏
One of my favorites of yours, too! 💕
Thank you for all your support, Cathey. 🙏💕
Beautifully written Christine ♥️
Thanks for all of your support Irene. 🙏💕 You are always there for me. 🙏🙏💕💕
Thank you Ronja. 🙏💕
Nope, nope, nope!! She wouldn't infiltrate my beloved family by just waltzing in and becoming a Stepmom! No, No, No. This woman who wormed her way into my life and took what she wanted wasn't getting near me...or my kids for that matter.
Was this me talking? I don't usually think like this nor do I behave like this. But I did.
My husband of 20 years fell in love with someone else and left me in the dust.
And now this person who helped herself to my husband wanted to be cozy with me and my kids?
I was beside myself, behaving in an unusual way and low and behold not long after this I suffered a huge DVT which blocked the vein in my left leg from my knee to my belly button. I had the leg of an elephant and the prognosis wasn't favorable. Cut it off they said! Oh heck no! So I tried an experimental procedure that would either work or kill me and luckily it worked!
So all that resentment clogged me up. And I didn't realize it then but I do now and you think I would have learned my lesson! I held on to the resentment for a long time and then another clog! This time in my heart! Oh I wish they had rotor rooter for the body because I seemed to be stopped up all over the place. So two stents later and a close encounter with God himself sent me back to try again.
It was then I FINALLY realized I was carrying this resentment toward my ex-husband's wife too long. I needed to rid myself of my clogs if I was to have any chance of life so I finally did. I asked God to please forgive me for judging and resenting this woman. It was not my place. I was wrong. And I prayed that God would bless them.
Almost immediately I felt 50 lbs. lighter! What a great weight loss program that is!!
My heart and body are free. I no longer carry around that heavy load and I don't ever intend to feel resentment like that again for anyone. I feel so light I believe I could fly!! Or maybe that is a subject for another time.... :}
Powerful insights Barbara! I would love to see you condense this into a poem about how each stage of your journey felt and how you might be able to share it in a way to give others the courage to let go of judgement before the health challenges!
Ok Graham here is my poem. Thanks for challenging me. I enjoyed it!
Preface: In a years time I had lost my beloved Dad, my dear Nana and my husband of twenty years to divorce. I was now the matriarch of the family at 44 years old. I resented my ex-husband's new wife and held on to it too long to the detriment of my health.
TIME TO LET GO
I blamed you for my losses, it was easier that way.
My family was gone, it hurt deeper each day.
You walked away smiling while holding his hand,
And my tears kept on falling with no place to land.
The vice on my heart gripped ever so tight
As I held on to my children all through the long night.
I'm here for you always, don't ever forget
And cast my net around them with the biggest smile yet.
Not too long after, my body broke down
I looked for my loved ones, no one was around.
Prognosis was bleak I felt much despair
I narrated my will to a friend in a chair.
God intervened to show me the way
Relief filled my soul and I saw a new day.
I held on to old hurts in this new life of mine
Soon my clenched heart's beats were just out of time.
I saw God's bright lights and knocked on the door
He turned me away He had other things in store.
He urged me to bless you and send you on your way
To release the heavy weight and let it go today.
Out blew the dark clouds and in came fresh air
Now life's filled with hope. I can soar ANYWHERE!
Great job Barbara!
Thank you for the feedback Graham. I will give your suggestion a go. I generally feel less comfortable with poem creation but I'm going to wrap myself around this and see what I come up with.
Great challenge I know you can do it!!!! You go girl!!!
I totally get your story Barbara and feel so made up that you have reached that happy place! Our happiness is not dependent on others and we cannot control their behaviour. Keep going!
I am in tears reading this Barbara very well written.
Barbara, you are such a amazing person, all the things you have gone through in your life with the emotional and physical stuff you have had to deal with. Letting the resentment go makes me feel so happy for you that your heart and body are free now.
Barbara I’m crying my heart out I know how these feelings play on your health I can’t even tell you the physical things that have happened to me thru emotional stress I have a tendency to bury my pain the only thing is forgiveness 🤷♀️
Wow! Barbara that is so powerful. I’ve heard unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. So glad to hear you eliminated it and can move on with your life stronger and victorious. Bless you.
Wow, Barbara! What trauma and shock you suffered. And what courage you showed to move forward and raise your children alone. You are so very strong and brave to have dealt with this along with the health challenges. It is amazing how we internalize our traumas. Thank God you found your way to understanding your feelings, letting go of the resentment and to healing. I have enormous respect and admiration for you. Big hugs!
Wow Barb, I’m sure glad you let that resentment go. God was watching over you. You have been brought into my life for a reason I think. So I’m glad your health was restored.
Barbara ~ you are amazing & so is God. It wasn't even my husband, but I hated my ex-brother-in for cheating on my sister for years. You are right -- Letting it go certainly "lightens the load." Can't wait to hear about your ability to fly another time. xoxo
Good for you Barbara you went thru hell and your health took a toll on your body and you are now a bigger, better, and healthier person. Thats not an easy thing to do, carrying around resentment, and judging is hard to let go of. God is always by our side and never gives up on us thank God he sent you back.
Thanks Kathy. Yes, that type of resentment will mess with your body. It was only a year after my separation that I had my first health emergency. I wish I knew that I was causing this myself back then, but it took another emergency and an encounter with God to know that I need to let things go and be free for my body to function best.
I understand where your coming from Barb. I resented my sisters husband after she died. I blamed him for her death.I held onto it for Five years. I finally had to ask God for help in forgiving him because I couldn’t. Once I did that I was able to heal. I’m very happy you were able to get thru this.May God continue to bless you.
What a story Barbara. I applaud you for turning it all around.
Doesn’t it feel so good when we face things we don’t like....sorry that you had to go through the health issues. Look where you are now, positive side of things...
Yes indeed. And when I started reading You Are the Placebo, I knew exactly what it's talking about!
Barbara. !! God is always the answer!! You are a very special person!! Don’t ever feel bad at your self!! How you felt was human nature!! It just had to sink. In. God was with you every step of the way!! Then you got the answer!! God be with you 🙏. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Wow! You have been through so much! God bless you! ❤️❤️
I appreciate the blessing and send one right backatcha Jan!
Dawn is breaking
The world is awakening
Puffy clouds and sunshine up in
the sky
Do you ever look up and ask God
...Why?
Why am I here? What is your plan?
Do I follow my heart? Not knowing
where I'll land?
I look for a sign...which way do I
go?
My mind says this way....my heart
whispers ....No
As I listen closely, signs start to
appear
I'm being guided...the way perfectly
clear
I follow my heart.. it won't steer me
wrong
Enjoy life....and always dance to
my life's song.
Keeping my faith and just keep
going
I'll find my way .....without ever
knowing.❤🙏
Beautifully written and expressed Brenda. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much Graham for your kind words. I haven't written a poem since high school. And I can't believe that I shared with others. ❤🙏
I can surely relate. I am always asking myself why am I here. My life changed directions several times and I found the answers. Now retirement...I’m going in another direction. Just waiting for an answer to my question...what now Lord?
Prayers for your new journey❤🙏
Love this! 😊
Thanks so much ❤🙏
If we are honest with ourselves, I think we have all asked “Why?” at some point in our lives. Life’s a journey and we find our faith to let God guide us. Great poem.
Thanks Leigh❤🙏
This is beautiful, 😍 and absolutely true! Sometimes we end up where we needed to be without even knowing it. ❤️
Thanks Joanne❤🙏
Brenda. This is so true!! We always have these questions. But we put our Faith in God and. we come out just fine. You are a beautiful person. You found your way. Sending you prayers and love. Blessings
Prayers and blessings to you also ❤🙏
This is so good, Brenda!
Thanks so much❤🙏
So beautiful!!! ❤️❤️
Thanks so much❤🙏
Beautiful, Brenda!✨
Thanks Bie❤🙏
Have looked up and asked why am I here in the past. It’s been a process, have learned to listen/ see the signs. Faith gets me through good times and sad times.
Totally agree Linda...prayers for your future❤🙏
This is beautiful Brenda. Thinking of you today as I know this day has a special meaning to you . 💗
Thanks so much Irene. It is great to know that all around this big world there are a lot of people that truly care❤🙏
My third entry has been in the works for 50 years...
Wings
Masks? False
Fear forced through the window
The scream!
The car, devastation, confusion
F E A R
The Good Little Girl with the Curl ~ pleasing
A wall to hide behind
Big Bamboo Den, my hideout
Tears dropped on Big Teddy
FEAR
Rapunzel ~ needing
A tower to hide in
Sports, friends, my hideout
Tears dropped on pages
Fear
Chicken Little ~ reacting
A sea of what ifs to hide within
Mountains, groups, my hideout
Tears dropped on snow
fear
True Self embraces Freedom
My haven, seen, heard
Writing, listening, my hideout
Tears dropped on feathers
Safe under the Wings
Tricia. Thanks for sharing this !! I understand your heart !! Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Tricia, I get such a clear sense of your feelings from these words...so beautifully expressed!
This is really beautiful Tricia :)
Beautiful 💕 made some tears come! Blessings to you!
Thank you to all of you. This one was definitely emotional for me to write. It’s been in the works for quite some time and the biggest challenge was getting it to 100 words or less. 🙃
So beautiful 💕💕
Beautiful written, Tricia! I love it! ✨
Beautiful my friend! No doubt about it!
Believing
Holding onto heartache and heartbreak
Letting go was courage
Resenting betrayal and deceit
Letting go was strength
Exhaustion from torment
Letting go was relief
Trusting my values
I was stronger than I thought
Trusting my wisdom
I discovered the truth
Trusting my faith
I followed the light
I questioned why and
Trusted the plan
I listened to my heart and
Accepted the lessons
I traveled the journey with
Hope and faith
I became a warrior because
I believed
Powerful Poem Elaine. I can feel your strength and courage. 🙌🏼
Thank you Graham. 💕
I Love this Elaine!!!! 🥰
I’m all about being strong and believing in yourself, but I know how hard it can be to make this big, hard, scary, decisions on life. You gotta keep your head up and keep fighting for what your heart and faith tell you to.
I love the idea of women warriors! xoxo
I love the idea of being a warrior and the strength you displayed on your journey. Great job.
Loved this Elaine. And as long as you are strong you can get thru anything.
Thank you Shari. It took years of therapy and saved myself with my friend’s and family’s support.🙂
Yes!! ❤️❤️❤️
My 2nd attempt at a Poem. Thank you Graham for your challenges.
Challenge accepted
To do some writing
And step out of my comfort zone
Then they came
From the corridors of time
Words that say
You can’t do this
You are not good enough
So many times, these words have echoed
A response to something that was said.
Words that have hindered growth over years
BUT!!!!
Time to put those words to rest
Time to move out of the comfort zone
Time to step up and do something different
Time to write no matter how it seems
Time to believe ”You are good enough”
THAT TIME IS NOW
🙌🏼 That time is now! Love this one Teresa
Good on ya Teresa. 👏👍💕
Great job Teresa !!!
Time Has Come, my friend! Love this!
Yes, you are certainly good enough. Keep believing in yourself! Rise and shine, Teresa!✨
Teresa. Yes. You are good enough!! You can do anything you set your mind to. Now is the time for you !!! Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Love the Time to...theme! Here you go!!
I love this Teresa!
I sure know how this feels Teresa. Feeling your not good enough. You are most definitely. Yes the time is now. Your worth it.
Good job Teresa!
Yes! You are enough! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hope
Am I kind?
Am I good ?
Am I thankful?
Am I forgiving?
Am i helpful?
Am I loved?
I hope so
Do i forgive?
Do i care?
Do I try?
Do i question?
Do I pray?
Do I love?
I certainly do
Asking these questions of myself was such an eye opener that started me down a path of deep thoughts .
It was very cathartic for me. Now I use this beautiful list to jump start my day .
Thank you Karen 🙏🇬🇧
I’m not a writer but I’m trying thank you for your kind words Jan🇬🇧💕🙏
Are you a writer? You certainly are. Never doubt you have something worthwhile to say. xoxo
You are. You just need to believe in yourself. I still have the same feelings as you. ❤️
Simple, yet beautiful 💕