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Helen
| Open Poetry #10 |
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Helen |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana 
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Early in that very first interview I knew that I'd either love or hate you. Your firm convictions demanded respect. Still, you never asked me to be perfect - Just to do my best. And I quickly found Affection for you grew by leaps and bounds. Truth and justice were both your goals and rules. Always fair, but you didn't suffer fools. Small in stature, you were tall in my eyes. Many months passed before I realized The courage you showed us day after day In your constant fight to keep death at bay. For you didn't moan and you didn't whine, You just kept taking one day at a time. Disease might have taken both of your breasts And attacked your bones, but you didn't rest. I'm sure you had bad days. I never saw Anything but love for family and law. I left your employ. It wasn't the end - You weren't just a boss. You'd become my friend. Wherever I traveled, we kept in touch. Your support and kindness always meant much. The years were not easy and times were tough "The cancer's back." Those words said enough. The vertebrae they removed from your spine Took away your walk, but not your sharp mind. And when I needed belief in myself You found me this job. And like a bright elf You wheeled yourself in to cajole and tease With promises that I would surely please My new group - and further, you wouldn't steal Me away. You made me seem a great deal! So I owe you my job, but so much more. Your body weakened, your spirit still soared, You showed compassion, incredible grace Wisdom and humor, even as you faced What was certainly the end of the road. And now, dear lady, you've laid down your load. The skies are grayer, tears rain in my heart Entirely too soon came the time to part. I've no words to say how much I miss you - By the way, that first impression was true. Helen Marie Gros 10/19/55 - 10/15/00 |
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| © Copyright 2000 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Suthern~ I understand your loss, my Aunt just passed the 5th of this month, she was my hero....I hope in time your heart will heal. (((HUGS))) to you.  -SEA |
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Corazon Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 1209 |
oh gosh suthern this is so touching, am glad you were able to capture your friend in verse, she will live forever on your page and in your heart....great writing girl your silence this week is understood, am glad you are able to write...big hugs fine lady [This message has been edited by Corazon (edited 10-18-2000).] |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
A fitting tribute from one special lady for another special lady...I'm glad you knew each other.. Big HUSG |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
...This is sad, but also uplifting in a way. I think that's something each of us can hope for in our lives... someone to touch us like this. Well written - Succinct enough to bring a smile in places, and a sad sigh in others. Chris |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
SEA - Thank you. And I'm so sorry about your aunt... you have my sympathy! Christopher - Thank you. She won't be forgotten, that's for sure. *S* Corazon & Rainbow Girl: Big hugs, dear friends... and thank you. The entire department will be leaving for her memorial in just a little while... she touched so many lives with her kindness and courage. She was a pistol, a fighter, a champion of justice for all... and a savior of one ego-destroyed suthern gal looking for refuge. *S* |
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Beki Senior Member
since 1999-09-15
Posts 1569Newport Beach, CA, USA |
a wonderful tribute to love and courage..well said, my friend |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
A wonderful, powerful tribute to a tower of strength in your life. Thank you for sharing this very personal poem. Corinne |
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Local Rebel Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767Southern Abstentia |
Big HuggsZzzz Auntie... sounds like she engaged life with everything she had...she was fortunate to have you for a friend |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Suthern girl, I'm sure she cared for you as much as you cared for her. This is a beautiful testament to true friendship....and it gets no better than that. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Suthern~ Prayers for your loss. Hugs for your memories. A moving tribute for a friend. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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EagleOne Member Elite
since 2000-03-07
Posts 2829Between a laugh and a tear... |
A wondeful tribute. Very touching, sad but inspiring too. "The heart and soul have no illusion of boundries when friendship is the quest" ~ My Angel. |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Suthern, a touching and moving tribute. Kethry Growth demands a temporary surrender of security. Gail Sheehy |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Beki, Corinne, Rebellious Nephew, Deer One, Marge, Eagle, and Kethry: Thank you all very much... your responses touch me deeply. *S* The memorial service was truly a celebration of her life... and though some tears were inevitable, there was lots of laughter... and that was a fitting tribute to a woman who did so much for so many and then summed it all up "I had fun." |
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