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Pink Ribbons
| Open Poetry #10 |
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Pink Ribbons |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana 
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I'm not the same woman I was last year. Pieces of the me I was are no longer here. But that's OK, for this way I discovered depths of courage I never knew I had. The dreaded diagnosis changed my life completely, But I've learned to appreciate just how very sweetly Breath is drawn at each new dawn. I've learned to cherish the joy, banish the sad, And experience the wonder of simply being alive. Don't talk to me of odds, for I know I'll survive! I'll wear my smile and share my style. I've not been diminished as a woman at all! I'm victor, not victim, no matter what you think, For I've stood up and stared down Death And made him blink And learned my way a bit each day. I'm a woman with pink ribbons, standing tall. For those who don't know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This was written several years ago for a very dear friend. Another very dear friend has posted it here a couple of times. These women don't just share a disease... they share class and style and courage... and a beauty that transcends mere physical perfection. I am honored to know them... and grateful for the love they give me so generously. |
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| © Copyright 2000 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Suthern, You are to me and always will be. *L* Sy |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
Thank you for this. It is a blessing to read these words of courage. Kathleen |
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Sunnyone Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334Staffordshire, England |
These words reminded me of just how precious life really is. We tend to forget that until there is a threat of having it taken away! Thank you for posting this today. Today is a gift.... That is why they call it 'the Present'! |
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jinxed Member
since 2000-09-27
Posts 86 |
am glad to see it posted under your name, your heart is incredible and your friends are lucky  ....really great writing suthern |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Bravo! A poem and a message that should be shared with everyone, men and women! Ladies!!! Get a mammogram!  |
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Local Rebel Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767Southern Abstentia |
Well, many of you here know of my own battles with this bleak enemy.... so ... I say not only take care of yourselves -- take care of everyone... get active at www.cancercare.org one in two men will get cancer, one in three women will -- the onus is on the government to allow breaking technologies that will save lives into the mainstream treatment -- and in manners that are affordable -- at the above site you can learn what the new treatments are -- and about getting care for people who can't afford it... I've personally lost two people who are on my 'most important to me' list in 1998 and in 2000 -- while knowing these cures would have worked -- but they just weren't available -- it's criminal... |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Thank you MotherHen...Everytime I read this it gives me a little bit more courage...but I'm not very stylish with tears running down my face...LOL Big HUSG "If you always do what you've always done You'll always be where you are right now." Author Unknown |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Seymour, Irish Rose, Sunny1 & Poet deVine: Thank you all very much! I appreciate your kind words. LR: Yup... any kind of cancer is devastating both to the patient and those who love that person. jinxed: Thank you... but I think you got that backwards... my friends are incredible and I'm the lucky one! *G* Little Chick: You wouldn't be arguing with me, now would you? *G* (Hands on hips, feathers ruffling) Wipe those eyes, stylish one. *S* Mother Hen loves you much. *S* |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Wonderful poem, Suthern, with a powerful, inspiring message. Well done! Denise |
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Alwye
Moderator
Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850In the space between moments |
Very powerful and inspirational work. The women afflicted with the disease are truly special, wether they live through it or die fighting it. Very well done! *Krista Knutson* "Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart." -Confucious |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Suthern, you are one of the most caring and kind persons I've ever had the opportunity to know...this post verifies that fully  |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Suthern~ Very thoughtfully and lovingly done. *Hugs* *Hugs* and more *Hugs* Love ya' gal. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
((((((Hugs)))))) and God bless! Elizabeth Something sweet, something sort of grandish, sweeps my soul when thou art near... hedeservesbetter@hotmail.com |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Suthern I could just squeeze you to pieces! Thank you for bringing this to our attention, in the sweet caring way that you have. I just learned this past August, that on both sides of my family Cancer of one form or another is rampant. It scares the daylights out of me. This is something I need to take serious consideration of and watch closely! I had no knowledge of this before then so it's not in any of my medical records. I guess we didn't ask, so they didn't feel the need to tell us this. ~Hugs~ |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Suthern, Thanks for posting this very important message, so beautifully put! |
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Poertree Senior Member
since 1999-11-05
Posts 1359UK |
Although i don't know you Suthern this poem came over as one of the most sincere and beautiful pieces of writing I've ever seen - the last line was especially poignant. And if that wasn't enough, it's a damn fine job from a technical point of view too. Thank you Philip |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Thanks for sharing these precious words of life...James |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Let's keep this one up top!!! |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
suthern, I've read this a number of times...I lost my mother to Cancer... but I think she gave up more on living because she so wanted to be with my father... regardless, I want to thank you for posting this. I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. Emotions seem to be tumbling my way lately, and I don't want to appear like a ninny... have I told you lately how much I appreciate you? Karilea When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
dsnyder, Alwye, Marge, Elizabeth, WhtDove, Dark Angel, Poertree, jmlee, & serenity: Thank you all so very much... you can't know how much your words mean to me. *S* Balladeer: So you've been reading that PR propaganda I released last week? *G* Thanks, 'Deer one... very much. Sunshine: Thank you, sweetie... And don't worry a bit about being a ninny. *S* I have memories that sneak up on me and have me blubbering at MOST inopportune times! *S* Thank you all... each and every one. Your comments have left me as humbled and heart full as can be... Bless. |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Suthern: Moi !!! Argue with you?... I'm going to be posting to this poem everytime I learn of someone going for a biopsy and that is true with this post now as well. On Saturday when you do your annual walk for "Race for the Cure" please know that I'll be with you, you could say I'll be on your back....and honoured to be there. Bless you MotherHen, you're truly one in a million! HUSG |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Suthern: Moi !!! Argue with you?... I'm going to be posting to this poem everytime I learn of someone going for a biopsy and that is true with this post now as well. On Saturday when you do your annual walk for "Race for the Cure" please know that I'll be with you, you could say I'll be on your back....and honoured to be there. Bless you MotherHen, you're truly one in a million! HUSG |
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Rosemary J. Gwaltney Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997northern mountains, Idaho |
suthern - no wonder you responded to my poem with such knowledge! This is really wonderful, and on such a positive note. Thanks for posting it! The spiritual wind that holds survivors aloft, plants the seeds from which bloom new hope ... R.J.G. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This message shall not be allowed to wither! Back to the top! |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
I commend you on your words of encouragement for ALL who are going through this. I am sorry it took me so long to find this but I did and do hear the importance in your message. I know personally of a couple in this situation and they are BOTH full of LIFE more now than ever and they are both survivors. I say we don't let this die throughout the entire month....let's keep this one flying to the top. RainbowGirl-Hugs and prayers to you. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Thank you for posting this beautiful and inspiring poem. It applies to all people with terminal illnesses. You words are thought provoking and comforting. Liz |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
RG: Yes, YOU! *G* "Burping" a bit there, aren't you? *EG* That's okay... hop aboard. I'll try to not trip over my own feet. *G* Rosemary, PDV, Mark & Elizabeth: Thank you all so very much. Your comments are greatly appreciated. *S* |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
This is an excellent piece of poetry....perhaps you should submit it to some journals that deal with patients with cancer, I think it would do well. If you need a hand on some publishers, let me know. HUGS |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Suthern~ this is wonderful, and I'm so happy to see it here. I'm going to go get a pink ribbon tomorrow and wear it this month. Cancer is devestating but can be beaten. -SEA |
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Dee Member Elite
since 2000-08-19
Posts 2330Queensland, Australia |
Suthern, I too am a survivor, not of breast cancer, but another type. Your poem brought a tear to my eye as it brought back old memories and fears. I have just found another lump and so this is even closer to my heart at the moment. Thankfully the doctor says it's nothing to worry about, so hopefully, now I will feel like posting again. Take care, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Dee. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Thank you Hoot, SEA, and Dee... I had the opportunity to participate in a Race for the Cure Saturday morning... and the river of pink ribbons worn by surviors and those who love them has an incredible emotional impact... This year, the rain hid the tears I inevitably shed. *S* Dee, please know that you're in my prayers... A good friend of mine wore a banner in the race... it had the names of her friends who are either fighting or who've lost the battle. The banner was over 6 foot long and filled with names... but the simple plea at the top applies to all cancers: STOP THE LIST, FIND A CURE! |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
For Helen, Suthern's friend Helen Marie Gros 10/19/55 - 10/15/00 /pip/Forum42/HTML/001393.html |
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Victoria
since 2000-08-12
Posts 5869 |
Thank you for posting this as i lost my sister and father to cancer..you are a survivor ..that is something to be proud of.. i am too...as i had thyroid cancer at one time..HUGS~Victoria~ A poem is never finished, only abandoned. - Paul Valery (1871-1945) |
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