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Downsizing
| Corner Pub #3 |
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Downsizing |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State 
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“Mother” she cried, You cannot crowd everything in smaller space. Ridding yourself of some of it is something you must face.” I was opening a small red box as she began to speak. When I saw the contents that it held my aging legs turned weak. I’d put them away when he had died for seeing them made me sad. They were still there all neatly tied, love letters from her dad. I turned to her with welling eyes. “These go with me to my grave. Your daddy wrote them to me, they are something I must save.” “Of course, Mamma, it’s up to you. I’m just cautioning you a bit. We must weed out the useless things. They simply will not fit.” I put the box on the dresser where some other treasures lay, items I knew I must go through before I moved away. I gazed at the familiar room and the furniture it contained. I fancied I heard the pieces scream, “Am I discarded or retained?” I called my daughter to me and asked her to sit down. “Don’t be disgusted with me Honey, I’m not moving into town. I know you think I am not safe, alone on this old farm. I’ve lived here now for sixty years and have never come to harm. Your dad and I were frugal, we didn’t buy unneeded things. The only jewelry that we owned was our two wedding rings. I’ve never had a garage sale. I had no excess to sell, and we had no reason to buy new, when the old worked just as well. I fit in here as comfortably as I do in my old shoes. Everything in this old house I love or is of use." Knowing I’d made up my mind, my daughter sweetly assented. Staying in my home with beloved things, I never have repented. My letters in their box are on my little bedside table. I’ll read one with my prayers each night, as long as I am able. By: Joyce Johnson6/18/11 |
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| © Copyright 2011 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved | |||
Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Joyce, I have responded to so many of your poems that you know how much I enjoy your writing. I have learned a lot about putting poems together by reading your poems. Thank you for that. As I write this response, my throat is a bit clogged up. I wish I could reach through the screen and hug you. You are an amazing woman in my eyes (I can see you denying that you are), and your poetry shares so much of your history, your life and your wisdon. Thank you, dear lady friend, for sharing these pieces of your life with all of us. Thank you for the poetry. Thank you for the friendship that you have extended to us all. You are truly a lady of grace. With love, Alison |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Dear Alison, You are always so generous with your praise. I wish we could go through these pages and find our friends out there. I am glad that you have found worth in my poetry. Love, Joyce |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
"Treasures" are meant to be kept. ..."These go with me to my grave... they are something I must save.” I understand. Thanks, Melton |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Dear Joyce: I can really appreciate your feelings as I am trying to "downsize" myself right now. There are so many things that mean something special to me, and not to anyone else. It is a difficult decision with each one. Very meaningful poem! Love Betty Lou Betty Lou Hebert |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
There's no place like home!  |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Thank you all my dear friends for reading and commenting. I am hoping to post mre in the coming days. Love, Joyce |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Dear, amazing Joyce, I can't tell you how much I appreciated reading your wonderful poem. It moved me to tears. Sooner or later we must all face this kind of "downsizing", yet a move to a smaller home can be very stressful for the reasons you mention here with your usual skill. Good for you that you could avoid the stress. May you be well and safe always. Love, Margherita |
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Word Weaver Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437California, USA |
Dear Jpyce. You hit home with this poem in more ways than one. My children decided I should "downsize" and move to a smaller space. They didn't get very far with their ideas of what's best for Mother. Love, Marcia |
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