Marion’s Garden of Hope
                   Last year’s garden was bleak,
                  A few annuals were all she could do,
                  Mammograms and Lumpectomies,  Radiation and Reconstruction
                  They took up most of her time.
 
                 This year’s sun is stronger and brighter,
                 She’s planting perennials now.
                 Gaillardia and Primula, Rudbeckia and Hosta,
                 Perennials for all those years to come!
 
I wrote that poem in 2007. It was written about my wife’s battle with Breast Cancer. Her mental strength through life’s tests, not just dealing with her Cancer, is what keeps me going. Death of an [ ... ]

 
    Eileen lost her husband Gerry several years ago. She recently wrote this Christmas letter to him:
Dear Angel Pop,
 I hope after two years that you have earned your wings.  I remain here on earth faithful to your memory.
Many people give me advise “get involved” “be around other people”.  I am trying very hard, this past week I went to five social gatherings.  I enjoyed them for the time they lasted.  Reminds me of  song “What’s it all about Alfie?  Is [ ... ]

         We were trying to write poetry that joined areas of stress with words or images that nourish us, that help ease that stress.   Here are two such poems  from our Berlin group.        
                                  ALL I WANT
All I want is to find my purpose in life
It seems that I am just marking time
Each day is endless from sunrise to sunset
Until it is time to lay my head down
I say the child’s prayer before sleep,
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the
Lord my soul to keep, [ ... ]