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Open Poetry #16
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rosepetals25
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0 posted 2001-10-28 07:34 PM





This is for a resident where I work…Roger.  He is a great person.. one I’ve gotten to know.  It is pretty definate that tonight will be his last.  Part of me prays he holds on, while the other bids him a peaceful good-bye, wanting him escape his ever present pain.  Anyway… I needed to get this out… so here it is.

Good-bye

I see your soul struggling
To leave this world, be free
Time has taken its toll
On your aged body
Your eyes knowingly watchful
Your body simply waiting
To take it’s last breath
The life you lived
The family you raised
The work you did
The love you gave
All comes down to this
God’s love calling you home
I hold your hand
Let you know I care
So you know you aren’t alone
Knowing the next time
I am here you will not be
My soul cries with loss
That has not happened yet
My heart says a silent goodbye
As I stand to leave turning
To look back one more time
At the one I’ve been lucky
Enough to call a friend
Let God’s love cradle you
Take you to your peaceful home
Know that I will miss you
And that you will not be forgotten
Your memory embedded in my heart.


[This message has been edited by rosepetals25 (edited 10-28-2001).]

© Copyright 2001 Tara Baldridge - All Rights Reserved
Nightshade
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just out of reach
1 posted 2001-10-28 07:55 PM


rosepetals25 - this is a lovely tribute. It is a calming thought to know that when we depart....we are really just going home.Chris

Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away.

Gentle Spirit
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since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

2 posted 2001-10-28 07:57 PM


beautiful and loving write Rose.  He and you are both lucky to have each other.

On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free.
~Me~

(I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance~Garth)

Midnitesun
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Gaia
3 posted 2001-10-28 08:37 PM


Such a gentle soft goodbye. I hope you share this with his family. It is beautiful, kind, and full of love.
Tracey
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since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808
where insanity meets breeding
4 posted 2001-10-28 08:48 PM


A beautiful and touching piece you have written for him. He must be a special person. I agree with Midnightsun, you should share this with his family

If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please?

rosepetals25
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5 posted 2001-10-28 09:23 PM


Chris - I'm glad you liked it Thank you for stopping in.

Gentle Rose - I am lucky to know him. Thanks for stopping in.

Midnitesun - Well, I see pictures haning in his room, but I've never seen his family unfortunately.  Thank you for taking time to read.

Tracey - Thank you for your kind words. He is a special person.  He has a great sense of humor.



Honeybee
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
6 posted 2001-10-28 09:48 PM



Oh, Tara ~ you're going to make me cry  
Well expressed, hun ~ from the heart!

~hugs~  it's just a sad fact of life, although, I wish that it wasn't~

Take care,
Melissa~

"Poetry is not an opinion expressed...
it is a song that rises from a bleeding
wound...or a smiling mouth"

~Kahlil Gibran~

DawnG
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United States
7 posted 2001-10-28 11:25 PM


Rosepetals,

This is a truly beautiful dedication to him. I just wish along with others that there was a way to share this poem with his family. I know what a position you are in working in the nursing home, your told not to get close to the residents, but yet when you work that closely with a person it is impossible not to.

                                 Dawn

rosepetals25
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8 posted 2001-10-28 11:54 PM


Melissa - *hugs* Thank you for your compliments. Yes death is a part of life.. I can't wait until I'm better at handling it... I suppose the day will come..someday.

Dawn - Getting to know the residents.... that is the best and worst part of the job. I'm in activities... so I do alot of talking with them.  I love my job... it is wonderful.  But at times... like this.. it is sooo hard.  I wouldn't trade it though... not for the world. Thank you for your comments.

Don't marry for money...  You can borrow it cheaper!

Auguste
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By the sea
9 posted 2001-10-30 12:08 PM


big hugs, sweetie, BIG ones!  You have a wonderful and such a tough job.  Take care!

Michael

Michael Auguste~
There is more depth to the heart than the mind can comprehend and it only has boundaries when we choose to fence it in.  

Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
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In Your Poetic Mind
10 posted 2001-10-30 12:59 PM


I am sorry for you loss, I hope you find peace in knowing he will go to a much better place....HUGS...


Greeneyes~

[This message has been edited by Greeneyes (edited 10-30-2001).]

Apachecat906
Member
since 2001-09-04
Posts 217
Michigan, USA
11 posted 2001-10-30 08:41 AM


What a lovely poem.  I'm sure your friend was better off for having you care for him.  I give you a lot of credit for letting yourself get close. My gram was in a nursing home, and while she had visitors, other residents did not, and I know that your comfort and love helped him.  Take care and know that he will be at peace.

[fontcolor=red]Go ahead, push your luck; find out how much love the world can hold[/font]

Mistletoe Angel
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12 posted 2001-10-30 08:46 AM




(big hugggsssssss) Oh Tara, this is so so sad, I cried all throughout this sad but beautiful poem! (sigh) Roger will always love you, sweet friend, and he has a very loving heart that will make everyone proud always to know what a sweet and loving person he is, just like you! (wipes tears) His time may be coming, but he will always look down upon you smiling, and will always be happy to know how lucky he was to know such a beautiful and loving Tara who always shines with love! (big hugggssssss) Oh Tara, we all love you so mch! (kiss on cheek) God Bless You, dearest of friends! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Tara, thank you for sharing!

May love an dlight always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton



catalinamoon
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The Shores of Alone
13 posted 2001-10-30 08:49 AM


How sweet, I bet you brightened up his last days so much. This is one reason why I could not work in such a setting. For a while I volunteered in a hospital, and an elderly lady there left such a mark on my heart, 20 years later I remember her name and face, though I only saw her twice.
I'm glad there are sweethearts like you there for the old folks.
Sandra

Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
14 posted 2001-10-30 08:54 AM



Little One, I wrote this the other day and posted it in Spiritual...perhaps you can use it and if not today...another time, perhaps...

sending hugs to you...you do a very important job, more important than you know...

Leave Behind a Prayer


do not call me back
for I must go, you must stay
it is not your time

the ages I’ve seen
are stories given to you
share them from your heart

leave the soul to fly
wellness springs awaiting me
leave me smile again

when it is your time
I shall greet you at the gate
you will know me then

let me go with peace
in prayer warm hands take yours
let Him comfort you

The Lady of Shallot
Senior Member
since 2001-10-03
Posts 818
USA
15 posted 2001-10-30 10:50 AM


I thought you were leaving the forum (whew) this is so sad and tender...God bless you

-befriend yourself and you will never be alone-

vandana
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16 posted 2001-10-30 10:53 AM


nice write for a friend
rosepetals25
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17 posted 2001-10-30 06:02 PM


Wow.. Thank you everyone for responding.. your words are so sweet and kind.

Roger did pass away.. last night.  It hurts that he is gone... but I know he is in a better and happier place.  And I know he wouldn't want me to greive his death but rejoice about his life.  I could almost hear him yelling at me when the tears fell..*chuckles*

Sunshine, your poem was wonderful.. I loved it. Thank you for sharing it with me.

And The Lady of Shallot.. I could NEVER leave here.  Everyone here is so kind... and supportive.. there is no way I could stay away to long .

Thank you again for all your hugs and words of support. You don't know how much it means.

JamesMichael
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since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
18 posted 2001-11-03 05:44 AM


Your thoughts and actions are beautiful...James
DawnG
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19 posted 2001-11-03 10:02 PM


Tara,

I know I've already replied to you once in this thread, but I was feeling the overwhelming need to give you a *hug* on the loss of your friend, Roger. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

                                Dawn

Elizabeth
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20 posted 2001-11-03 10:57 PM


I can't imagine what it would be like to watch a friend die. But you are right, he is at peace now and with this poem he will live on. *hugs* to you.

P.S. I think you handled this just fine.

God bless America, my home sweet home.

rosepetals25
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21 posted 2001-11-03 11:06 PM


James.. Thank you.

Dawn thank you for stopping back in. I never turn down a hug  

And Elizabeth... It is something I am gradually getting used to.  Working in a nursing home it is part of the job.  Every now and then one really touches deep.  I am handling death much better.  I try to remember that they have lived their whole lives.. and are returning home.  Thank you for stopping in.

Sven
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East Lansing, MI USA
22 posted 2001-11-04 06:12 PM


again. . . another kind of "good-bye". . . but, the "hello" on the other end will be forever. . .

wonderful Tara. . .  

-----------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
23 posted 2001-11-04 08:39 PM


I know, some death hurt more than others.
You have a beautiful yet difficult job.

You've lost a friend, but regained a memory.

Great poem, thanks for sharing

Titia

A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess...
Feel free to use the pictures on my website. http://communities.msn.com/Titiasplace/

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