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The Beauty of P.I.P....
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The Beauty of P.I.P.... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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I received this e-mail today. I have deleted names for obvious reasons.... I just finished reading your poem...and I am very touched by your words.My brother was just killed in Iraq this last weekend.If you have been watching the news, he was one of the pilots of the Chinook helicopter that was shot down.They have not released his name yet.His name is Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bruce XXXXX.He was from Iowa, stationed in Mount Joy, near Davenport, Iowa.My name is Brian.When I read your poem, I started crying because this would be the perfect poem to read at his funeral.With your permission, I would like to read your poem, Small Pain in my Chest.Bruce was an ace pilot, he was the training officer so he trained pilots.He was always the first to volunteer for everything, always making sure that all his troops were taken care of first, he even decided not to take any R & R till March so that other could come home.He was transporting soldiers that were coming home for R & R when they got hit with a missile.If I know my brother, he kept that Chinook in the air as long as he could and under control along with the other pilot from Illinois that also lost his life to get it on the ground and maybe saved more of the soldiers lives.That is why your poem just fits my brother.Please return my email to let me know that it is OK to use the poem as soon as you can, it will be greatly appreciated.Thank you and God Bless! Brian XXXXX, Columbus Junction, Iowa We never know how our words or the impact of what we do here will affect others....but what we do CAN make a difference. Ron - once again I thank you for giving us the vehicle in which we can share our words with so many people. For those times you are pulling your hair out over a computer crash or gnashing your teeth at pettiness in the Alley please don't ever question if it's worth it. It is - you have made a difference in this world (but I'm sure you know that  ) Thank you again...[This message has been edited by Balladeer (11-04-2003 07:27 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2003 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Trillium 
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Balladeer: What an incredibly touching story and thank you for sharing it with all of us. How rewarding for you, to have your poem chosen for such a solemn occasion and such a meaningful one. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I'm so sorry for this family's loss. I'm extremely grateful that they will have something to read that will touch the hearts of those who mourn, to honor his name. [This message has been edited by Sunshine (11-05-2003 08:48 AM).] |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
That's what we write for isn't it? To touch hearts in one way or other. I think that this particular poem is one of your very best Deer and I'm glad, though the reason is sad, that one in need found it here at this, our family home. That's worth all the pain isn't it Ron? Thanks my dear friend Balladeer for posting this letter and tell him please that there's a Dutchie who sends her deepest regards. Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Amen. And this is just one instance where the reader emailed the author. Imagine all the times when an email isn't sent but someone has been touched by something you wrote! |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
What a lovely thing to have happen~ Having had the pleasure of hearing you read this poem ... I can understand why it would make others cry~ Condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in the war~ Very touching, my friend~ *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost, |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
I am so sorry for the loss of this young man's life and my heart goes out to his brother and the entire family. I also feel proud at this moment that you Michael were able to be of some comfort with your written work. This is what we here at PiP strive for.. to reach out and perhaps touch the reader in some way. Thank you once again Ron for this place we can call 'home'. All your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Ron may provide the vehicle... and we're all grateful for that... But YOU and YOUR words are the key here, my Deer... Thank you for being you...  |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
In their time of need it will be your words that provide support and comfort to this family. We are all very proud of you, Michael. believe in what your heart feels... |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
I must have missed this poem  ...can you do me a huge favor and put the link to it in here?I have to run to a meeting and don't have time to search..thank you!!  "if you won't let me fall for you |
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Greeneyes
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
what a beautiful letter.....congrats Deer....  Lauren~ i carry your heart with me |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Michael...Thank you for sharing this touching and meaningful way in which your poem will be read. Each time I have read it, it has brought powerful emotion. I'm sure for this family, it will be deeply meaningful. Hugs! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kinda puts a lump in my throat. Once again, 'deer leaves his mark on the world. What a blessing you are.  If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
Thank you, Balladeer, for sharing this news with us. This poem of yours is indeed a very touching poem. I am happy that he wants to read your poem at his brothers funeral. But, saddened by his loss. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thanks to you all for sharing this with me. Yes, I feel pleased to have my words used in such a poignant occassion for sure and it makes me just shake my head in wonder at this age we live in where people like us, sitting in our living rooms, can have our words made accessible to every part of the world instantaneously and seen by so many people, thanks to the internet and people like Ron who create sites to give us this opportunity. There are those who claim the the world is going to hell in a handbasket and the old days were the best days but I feel we are living in an amazing time right now. Thank you again for your thoughts.... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
An extremely amazing time, when the tools are put in the right hands, and those hands care to share with the world. Thanks again, Balladeer. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Michael, to have heard you recite this piece out loud from memory, is something I shall never forget. That is a memory treasure that Nan, Liz, Sharon, Ruth, Sy, Isabel and I will forever have. This is a beautiful poem, and I'm so glad Passions is able to reach across the miles to comfort others in this way. |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
Thank you Nan for the link. 'Deer~You deserve the honor, congratulations! "if you won't let me fall for you |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
If any of you haven't read Balladeer's poem "A Small Pain In My Chest".....you should....it will give you chills and probably bring a tear..... |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Yes, that is "The Beauty of P.I.P. ~ and your poetry! My heart-felt condolences go out to Brian and his family. Blessings to Bruce who now has his own wings. Love to all, Linda |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggsssssssss) God Bless You, dearest friend, your poetry has always been sooooooo inspirational as so many poets here are to the world, and Ron is our wizard that has made this all possible to bring and share our ribbons of poetic pride throughout the world! (wipes tears) God Bless Bruce and all the other soldiers and their families affected by this war and may our condolences console and comfort those who have lost and may our prayers continue to warm the hearts of those families who wait for their men and woment to come home safe! Finally, God Bless Brian and his family and may your poem forever bring solace and compassion to their hearts, you truly make a difference to so many hearts, and I salute you, dearest friend! God Bless You Michael! Love, Noah Eaton I don't need no proof when it comes to God and truth I can see the sun set and I perceive ***Live*** [This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (11-08-2003 02:39 AM).] |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
that is so touching...what an honor thanks for sharing, Michael |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Please please convey our condolences and our pride in his sacrifice. There stands a hero. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I have to ditto Paula in sending my thoughts as well. Michael maybe now you understand that everytime you recited your poetry I cried? I don't cry easily unless it truly touches my heart, and there are not any of your poignant poems that do not find that "t-spot" Congratulations are in order today and everyday when it comes to your gift of words. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Mysteria, glad I could touch your T-spot...and thanks to all of you for your thoughts. As a follow-up I received e-mails from people who went to the funeral, thanking me for the poem. It was quite the deal...over 800 people there with F-16's and Blackhawks flying overhead in salute. The pilot was awarded the Bronze Star, post humously.....a very touching scene. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Again, our thanks, for touching so many hearts. |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Mike, You have a gift, one which you have shared with so many. You have done it without the slightest degree of hesitance or reservation. You are a vital part of Passions and this nation... I salute you my friend, and I am most proud of you and what you have given them... It is important that our men and women overseas, whether in Iraq or other lands that are foreign and frightening places, know that they are appreciated for what they have given us...our freedom...the same freedom we use each day as our hearts touch another key, as a tear falls from our own two eyes...with pride and humility... Thank You Michael...from one of many Vets. Barry [This message has been edited by Magnus (11-15-2003 10:54 PM).] |
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