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suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

0 posted 2011-10-01 01:34 PM

I know many of you have read this before... I've posted it several times in addition to the times Rainbow Girl posted it. But October is Breast Cancer Awareness month... This is dedicated to the lady I wrote it for and the others fighting the fight... and in memory of those now silenced.

Pink Ribbons

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.

1994, for Kelly Jo Myers-Madoian

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

1 posted 2011-10-01 01:59 PM

My daughter died of cancer in 2000. This poem touches me deeply. Powerful write.
Ida

JerryPat2
Member Laureate

since 2011-02-06

Posts 16975
South Louisiana

2 posted 2011-10-01 02:03 PM

If there is a god, he isn't a very nice one. And, as I have said before, if all of our human suffering can be traced back to the first two people on earth sinking there chops into that apple, or whatever the hell is was, if all the suffering that goes on in the world is payback for that act, as the preachers preach that it is, he isn't a god I feel all that kindly about.

Beautiful poem, suthern.

~~ Those who are silent are the first to be shot. ~~

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

3 posted 2011-10-01 02:27 PM

Ah, I remember this now.

Beautifully said, Ruth. Having lost my father to cancer, it's easy to be discouraged at just the mention of the word. That is something I need to change about myself, for their are survivors... and their triumphs should be an inspiration to us all.

Thank you for reposting this.

Michael

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis

since 2005-11-07

Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa

4 posted 2011-10-01 04:26 PM

What a lovely tribute, Ruth! And inspiring a brave and positive attitude too!

Owl

jwesley
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-04-30

Posts 7563
Spring, Texas

5 posted 2011-10-01 04:39 PM

My heart bleeds my soul for all those women (and some men, too) who are so diagnosed - I've lost friends, relatives, to several kinds of cancer, but breast cancer seems to be the most devastating, psychologically, than all the others combined.

My wife has said that if it ever happened to her, she'd rather die than have them removed - but as I've told her each time, her breasts are not the reason I fell in love, am still in love, and they're not the reason I want her to stay...

A beautiful write my friend - glad to see it again.

j.

Richy
Member Elite

since 2003-05-03

Posts 3050

6 posted 2011-10-01 05:07 PM

Oh gosh, how so very sad and sweet this is Ruthy... what a wonderful person you are... bless you my friend.

(((((Ruthy)))))

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

7 posted 2011-10-01 05:21 PM

Ida: I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for reading... your response means a lot to me! (((HUGS)))

Jerry: Thank you! *S*

Michael: Cancer (in one form or another) claimed my mother and several friends and is taking still others away, so I understand the power and repugnance of the word. I'm so sorry for your loss... and for any pain this brought you. Thank you so much for reading it again and responding so kindly. *S*

Owl: Thank you so much! *S* She is amazing... and inspiring.

Jimmy: I hope the telling is never necessary for you, but keep telling her that. *S* It's been over 17 years since I wrote this and while KJ has fought multiple battles, she stands vibrant and victorious and is a grandmother grinning at her good fortune... even if she does say that her hubby lost some of his toys. *S* There is still no cure but treatments are improving... with a fight, there is hope. *S* Thank you so much!

Richy: Thank you so much!!! *S* But I'm just a humble scribbler... the brave and wonderful ones are those doing battle. *S*

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

8 posted 2011-10-01 05:42 PM

Poignant and compassionate tribute, dear Ruth.

My beloved Mom also fought the battle and was victorious, against the physician's dramatic opinion that she couldn't make it.

May the researchers find what's needed to definitely heal the different forms of this insidious illness.

Love,
Margherita

karren29
Member

since 2011-09-29

Posts 85
philippines

9 posted 2011-10-01 07:27 PM

i loved this suthern,thanks for sharing

ebonygirl
Member Elite

since 2011-07-14

Posts 2000
California U.S.A

10 posted 2011-10-02 03:57 PM

Thank you Suthern for your strength and poem,
With much admiration, ms. e

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius

since 2001-10-23

Posts 10549
By the Seaside

11 posted 2011-10-02 06:52 PM

Dear dear suthern gal~~ This is so uplifting in every way, I love your spirit and your smile, your perserverence and heart of gold.

Attitude is everything, that's for sure!!!
Save the ta ta's!!!

luminosity
Senior Member

since 2005-11-18

Posts 813

12 posted 2011-10-03 01:00 PM

smiles and soft applause from the luminous one

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

13 posted 2011-10-03 03:09 PM

Margherita: I celebrate your mom's victory! *S* And amen to finding the way to heal... Thank you!

Karren: Thank you! *S*

ebonygirl: Thank you so much! And that admiration is mutual. *S*

Blues: I thank you so much for those kind words! *S*

luminosity: luminous you are... smiles from you leave me smiling... thank you!!!

JL
Member Ascendant

since 2004-04-01

Posts 6128
Texas, USA

14 posted 2011-10-04 08:14 PM

Oh my, suthern.
I do understand.
A living poem, lovingly expressed.

JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

15 posted 2011-10-06 07:22 PM

JL: Thank you so much! It does "live"... and it comes back to me from all directions. Just this week, a friend of a friend told me she was taking it with her to one of those callbacks no one wants to get. That it comforts someone who's scared is more than this poet ever hoped to achieve.

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

16 posted 2011-10-23 10:11 PM

Another person dear to my life lost her battle with cancer this morning. She didn't have breast cancer, but I thought of her as I read your poem, Ruth. I found solace here in PiP today - and I am so happy that you shared this poem with us again.

With love,
Alison

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

17 posted 2011-10-23 10:17 PM

Alison: I am so sorry for your loss... and so glad you were able to find some solace here in the blue pages. May the day come soon when that dread disease stops claiming our friends and family!!! HUGS to you, sweet lady... and thank you!

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

18 posted 2011-10-23 10:43 PM

Oh, Ruth! What a wise and compassionate write.

Here are a few of my favorite lines. ~

"I discovered depths of courage I never knew I had."

"I've learned to cherish the joy, banish the sad"

"I'll wear my smile and share my style."

"I'm victor, not victim, no matter what you think"

"I'm a woman with pink ribbons, standing tall."

~ God bless you (and her)! She was quite a woman.

Love,
Linda

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis

since 1999-11-08

Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

19 posted 2011-10-24 07:42 AM

oh, my goodness
You have given me inspration, young lady.
What a beautiful piece of poetry to be shared with many ,many people. Every woman should have the opportunity to read this
It is powerful and so well written
I loved this poem and love you
Liz

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

20 posted 2011-10-24 03:30 PM

EA: Thank you! She still is... and she still inspires me. *S* In fact... she reminds me a lot of another strong lady who tackles whatever obstacles life throws her way and doesn't know the meaning of quit??? *sly grin* You know... you see her every day in the mirror... *S*

Liz: To see your name on one of my poems is an honor... to read such a lovely response is sheer delight... Thank you!!

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