For an Old-Friend

Between the ages of 18-21 I had a wonderful opportunity to belong to a church group called, "Young Adults." During this time my mother was dying of cancer. This group was a very strong support for me. I found great comfort during out get togethers. I received word a few weeks ago that one of those members has been diagnosed with cancer. The words from their Caring Bridge Website follow: Ed was diagnosed in September with pancreatic cancer which has spread to his liver and lungs. We've been told there is no cure for this type of cancer. They are a family with strong faither and are open to miracles. As I read of their struggles I remember the pain and suffering my mother and sister endured during their illnesses. I pray for Peace for Ed and his family during this difficult time. I know they find great comfort in a loving God. Today I dedicate this poem to them and ask that you join me in prayer.

The Moments

In times of trials
In times of pain
Remember to grasp
The moments
In Between

Those short tiny moments
Are there for our respite
To help us find Peace
Among the chaos

An Explanation ... before and after

(Wednesday is my day "off" from "work." Typically I spend this day balancing errands and fun things for me.)

Wednesdays

Waking up quite groggily
From late night Tuesday talks
Splendid sharing times remembered
Welcomed morning coffee

Kids to school
The day is mine
Long hot bath
While I unwind

Putting away laundry
Topless – if I want
The house is empty
Except for the dog
And …
He doesn’t seem to mind

Cleaning, clearing, owning
This space, called “mine”
With no interruptions
From the offspring or …
The Spouse

Listening to iTunes
Rock to Meditation
So many different genres
Musical Whiplash
For Most
Expressing this Eclectic Me

U
. . . N
. . . . . . . T
. . . . . . . . . . I
. . . . . . . . . . . . .L

He calls
“I forgot my flash drive and can’t get by without it.”

It was pleasant while it lasted.
I pause for a 30-minute rescue
After lecturing about:
The Importance of
Being responsible for your own things!!!!

Then I’m back
On Track
In My Space
Doing My thing
Without interruption
This time I proclaim it so!

(I meet him outside the college. He's eating some kind of icecream bar coated in rich dark chocolate. He has pulled up in his wheelchair to to window of my van. I say, "I'll trade you." To which he says, "huh?" I say, "I've got something you need. I'll trade you." To which he says, "Mommmmm." To which I say, "At least give me a bite." He has to. Does he have a choice?)

Healing Tears

Bloodied and tattered
I struggle to my feet
Standing firm in
My Beliefs

The salt from my tears
Stings the fresh wounds
Cleansing and healing me
Magically

I Can Hear Your Whispers

I hear the conversations
The inquiries about me
Though I do not hear the other side
Just the “how is she’s”

I know this goes on
I am not naive
Though people think I am
Pretending it’s not happening
All to “help” me

I will share when I am ready
If it pertains to you
You’ll hear

If not, just hold me gently
Cover me in Light
As I begin to wonder
Is this worth the fight?

Trying to help someone
Understand what they cannot
Is a task that’s never finished
It “costs” me quite a lot

It’s my choice to seek completion
Or to just leave this undone
As my Life moves on in circles
Underneath the sun

Quilt

Of tapestries
And patterns there
A quilt of me, called Life

Woven
Tightly bound
By golden threads

Waiting to be recognized
And with one shake
Released

The patterns serve no purpose now
Really just imagined
Bits of my experiences
Repeating now and then

Suddenly they stand out
As if it was always clear
I smooth out the wrinkles
And huddle tight, my dear

It wraps me now in comfort
Without the constraints called lies
I Heal all that’s within me
And gently close my eyes

A Trip to Baltimore

Traffic jams
And broken phones
Satellite signals lost
GPS confused as me
As I wonder
Aimlessly
Through Baltimore

Road construction
Great big trucks
Threaten my every move
Survival is on my mind
And “there’s no place like home,”
Rings true

Knowing Peace is out there
Just beyond my grasp
But I am stuck on this track
Of negative mishaps
And can’t find my way off
This Audubon

I make it home
For a quick moments break
And connect with some strong folks
I ask for light and prayers and such
Without an explanation
Other than, “this day is tough”

Suddenly the madness stops
A gentleman is kind
He seems surprised as I thank him
For being the catalyst
That changed my day
From bad to good
In Many Ways

Reflections on the Heron's Passing

I am Free
Many thanks to the one
Who rescued me

No longer trapped
In human webs
Nor influenced by their
Constraints

I soar above you
Though not seen
Connected through
Our Spirits
You and Me

Forever