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hsystems
Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319
Murray, UT, USA

0 posted 2000-04-27 09:32 AM


Author's Note:  My mother worked with the physically and mentally handicapped, for 19 years.  When
she retired, I wrote this poem for her - putting myself in the place of one of the handicapped individuals she had helped, and trying to tell her the things that they would say, if they could.

      Empathy
  
I felt out of place and alone in the world,
And you found me a place in the sun.
You knew that my mind and my body were weak;
But, you taught my strong spirit to run.
  
When others had left me to fend for myself,
You lovingly stayed by my side.
And, when mocking fingers were pointed my way,
You helped me to stand up with pride.
  
You gave me new faith in my fond hopes and dreams,
And helped me to make them come true.
For all that I have, and all that I am,
I'm grateful, forever, to you.
  
      -Troy J. Hoecherl-

© Troy J Hoecherl
All Rights Reserved


 Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry
http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm



© Copyright 2000 Troy Hoecherl - All Rights Reserved
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
1 posted 2000-04-27 09:55 AM


Troy, this is a wonderful tribute to your mother and other caregivers throughout the world.  
Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136
Mobile, AL
2 posted 2000-04-27 04:59 PM


Beautiful.  

 Nothing can deter a poet, for he is actuated by pure love. Who can predict his comings and goings? "Thoreau"

PhaerieChild
Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787
Aloha, Oregon
3 posted 2000-04-27 05:07 PM


Beautful! Wonderful! Bravo!! All caregivers should be so blessed by a tribute such as this. I bet your Mom loved it and cherishes it.

 Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream.

Shawna R. Holder
Boise, Idaho



hsystems
Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319
Murray, UT, USA
4 posted 2000-04-27 05:14 PM


PdV - well, they certainly deserve a tribute!  It takes an awful lot of patience and love to work with the handicapped...and my Mom did it on a purely volunteer basis, through her church.  Glad you enjoyed!

Temptress - thank you so much!

WildChild - thanks for your kind words!  My Mom does love and cherish it!  I framed it for her, and she has it hanging on her living room wall.  

Thanks for all of your wonderful comments!


Troy

 Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry
http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm



Rosemary J. Gwaltney
Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997
northern mountains, Idaho
5 posted 2000-04-27 06:17 PM


I loved this - I love the love your mother gave, and also the love you gave her, in your recognition of her gift. And I love the way you put yourself into the shoes of someone less fortunate, to express it.  This is unique and a treasure!  Far too few people care about their fellow-people who are different in any way.


Lone Wolf
Member Ascendant
since 2000-03-16
Posts 5842
Lansing, MI USA
6 posted 2000-04-27 07:15 PM


Troy,
Love this!!  Writing from the heart there, my friend.  A loving and touching tribute to your mother.  I like the perspective of those she helped.  Sounds like a special person!!!  


 Friends are friend forever if the Lord's the Lord of them and a friend will not say never cause the welcome will not end.
--Michael W. Smith

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
7 posted 2000-04-27 07:24 PM


What a perfect title...It is obvious that your mother gave some of her caring ways to you...wonderful poem!
netswan
Senior Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 1369
Washington
8 posted 2000-04-27 07:47 PM


Troy - this is truly a great work of
art, and so touching -- what a wonderful
tribute to your mother and those that
loved her loving hands.

Hugs, my friend,
netswan

hsystems
Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319
Murray, UT, USA
9 posted 2000-04-28 11:47 AM


Thank you all for your kind words!  They really brighten my day!  

RJG - My Mom has a heart of gold!  Empathy is her favorite word, and she lives it!  

Lone Wolf - hey, girl!  Thanks for the kind words!  Yes, my Mom is the best!  

Martie - thank you!  And, yes - Mom passed on her tender heart to all 5 of her children, and I am grateful for that.  Tender hearts get bruised more often, but there is nothing quite like the feeling of overflowing love that they can feel!  

Teresa - thanks, buddy!  You always give me a  smile!  {{{HUGS}}} back, my friend!  

Again, thank you all for your kindness!


Troy

 Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry
http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm



hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
10 posted 2000-04-28 02:42 PM


Troy...working as a nurse, I know full well the meaning of the word and you have described it beautifully. God bless both you and your mother. A lovely piece of work you have here  
hsystems
Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319
Murray, UT, USA
11 posted 2000-04-29 03:42 AM


Ruth - thank you so much for your kind words!  You are one of my favorite poets here, and your praise means a lot to me!  God bless you and your loved ones, as well!


Troy

 Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry
http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm



tracie66
Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
12 posted 2000-04-29 05:51 AM


Troy~
A beautiful tribute to your mums dedication, it takes a very special and understading person to do such a job, someone who looks beyond it being a task but something that they love to do and what rewards your mum would have recieved because the handicapped have the most delightful and golden of hearts as too your mum  
Tracie~

 Keep all the windows of your mind open
Anne Rooks


Butterflies_dont_cry
Member Elite
since 2000-03-06
Posts 3733
Michigan
13 posted 2000-04-29 06:55 AM


Troy* what a beautiful mother you have to have evoked this from you, and what a great son she has to inspire this in you.  You spoke such depths of love and respect for her and yes I think you captured what her students probably have felt...you gave them voice.  Thank you for sharing your gift.
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