So why now? Why stretch my imagination to write anything but prose? Why hope my ideas are heard? Why do I want to share my observations about life, our struggles and our accomplishments? Is there a richness worth sharing about love or caregiving? Do most of us take words for granted and do I think that by doing something a little different I have the potential to influence hope in someone?
Honestly? Who knows. But my ramblings are making a difference for me. In my journey of grief this matters greatly to me. For years people have been telling me to 'take care of YOU'. I found that almost laughable even though I knew in my heart it was true. It is only now that I am putting that into practice....
FINDING SELF
i changed my middle name to ‘pitbull’
as russ circled in the world of parkinson's;
pitbull by name
a force to be reckoned with
a force determined to turn my ’control’ issues
into loving management,
a solution to a difficult situation
becoming a person who hangs on
not able to release tension.
then I made my middle name florence nightingale
stretching the boundaries of care,
supporting friends
being a voice of reason
becoming a helper.
life throws us to the dragons sometimes
fire spiking breath filling the air.
but we are able to choose
choose love
choose care
choose compassion.
my days became an art of devotion
now transferred from my best friend russ
to friends and family.
life’s value shouts for me to remember
life is a splendid gift
i need to treasure it.
little can be done under the spirit of fear
you can soften the edges of pitbull
and morph into florence nightingale.
choose kindness.
don’t go back
move forward
make life beautiful.
find yourself.