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Open Poetry #23
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Taught by an Angel?
| Open Poetry #23 |
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Taught by an Angel? |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States 
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Taught by an Angel? By Larry Chadwick Are earth angels taught by those who have gone on before? Is it really that simple or could there be more? There were a hundred and fifty students all gathered there, Came to pay their respects to their teacher and show they cared. But as they lined up and passed the casket in its place, One broke rank and before I knew it was in front of my face. With a soft voice and a compassionate smile to share, She offered a dozen red roses as if to ease my despair. And as quick as her kind deed was over and done, She passed by the casket as I sat there stunned. Overwhelmed by the gesture of an angel my daughter taught, I contemplated the moment as I cried the tears that I fought. I sent them home on the plane with my dear wife, Somehow I wanted to keep those roses the rest of my life. Dried now they hang by my desk on the wall, Reminding me Ginger taught angels…the best memory of all. October 18, 2002 If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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| © Copyright 2002 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
What a beautiful way to remember that painful moment. Ginger will be a living memory for many years to come, as she touched so many lives with the love and grace she learned from her father(s). |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
This is a beautiful poem, Larry. I believe there are angels all around us. And, I think you are one of them. |
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regards2you Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940California |
I sit here, teary-eyed, reading a page from a chapter in someone's life.... and yet this poem offers a relief from those tears, knowing there are..... ~angels around~ and there is a better place than this to ~be~. Heartfelt, and thanking you for sharing this moment in time. Giving you a hug, Warm Regards, Pat  ..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.. |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Larry, what a beautiful sign of love and affection from one so young. Your daughter was an inspiration to her and she now inspires others with her kindness and generosity. This has brought on tears and I share your pain but also your joy in knowing how much Ginger meant to so many. Hugs dear man, Marti |
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garysgirl 
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Oh Larry. this is so sad....but oh, so beautiful, dear friend. I'm so sorry for your loss of your daughter, Ginger. You have had a lot of grief, dear friend. Larry, now I see where all your sweet, loving, generous, compassionate spirit comes from....you've been through so much heartache that you have an extra amount of love in your heart for others. Thank you so very, very much, dear friend, for sharing this with us. Love To All, Ethel |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Larry, I want..........sorry, I just keep staring at this blank page, and cannot seem to find the right words to convey to you how I have been affected by what you have written........I just had my daughter, who is a young teacher as well, read your poem. It is another reminder for her of the importance of a teacher's role in young peoples' lives---and that the more love and respect you show them, the more love and respect is reflected back to you---as most assuredly was the case with your beloved Ginger. This poem affected my daughter and I very deeply, and I thank you for sharing this with us. We are giving this poem a loving home in our library. God bless you and your family Linda |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless her and you, sweet friend, this brought tears to my eyes too because I too send my sympathies out to your loss as I underdtand this grief and also I am deeply touched by how one person can affect so many lives and your Ginger truly is an angel just as all the students are and I know like the roses the love that Ginger shared to all will always be remembered and cherished! (BIG HUGGSSSSSS) I dream too of growing up and teaching children with special needs, God Bless You and Ginger and the students always, you are all in my thoughts, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Larry, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." Shakira [This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (10-19-2002 01:47 PM).] |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Larry - I have no words for this beautiful poem, as tears come to my eyes... BC |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kacy, You are such an understandig friend. Thank you for your faithful support and encouragment.  Sue,  Now, now...behave. But thank you for your nice thoughts, dear friend.Pat, Wow. You have given such a nice gift in your response. Thank you so much.  Marti, You have reflected so well my feelings. Thank you for that. And thank you for your understanding. Ethel, You are an exceptionally giving person. Your words have so much healing in them for my broken heart. Such a wonderful gift. Thank you. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Linda, I am so touched. How lucky you are to have such a gifted daughter. How rare for our teenagers today. I only fully understood that in the responses from Ginger's students. I should probably write of that. It was so amazing. Your sharing in this response too has so much healing for my broken heart. It is so much easier when other people help pick up the pieces. Bless you, both. Noah, You would have such a wonderful impact on the lives of children. It would make me proud to see you live that dream. Such heart felt responses you always offer Noah and they are so healing for me. Thank you.  Bill, I'm not sure what to say. But...thank you kind sir. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Kellie_Cantrell Senior Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 1667New York |
Larry, As memories flood back to my memory. She taught a lot. Not just english. She taught so much more. I miss her. and this poem is very heartfelt. God Bless, Kellie |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Larry - this is a simply beautiful poem. Your daughter was obviously loved by many and will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on forever in their hearts....and now ours. hugs, Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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Ivy Rose Senior Member
since 2001-12-29
Posts 1300MA, USA |
Larry...Your daughter must have been an exceptional person to inspire so many angels. But I think the gesture of one...said it all. What a beautiful memory to have and to hold...a memory that surely must help to ease the pain of your loss. ***Ivy Rose |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Larry darling heart, yet again this is perfect, you know I love this utterly utterly, as always the flow of line is exquisite it really is. This really is an excellent piece from you darling heart I love it utterly utterly, This is so truly you wonderful. This hangs in the air like a note in a aria from Les Miserables, truly exquisite, as I said NO ONE does it like you. Somewhere in time there waits a sigh Waiting softly for its last goodbye The heart that sits and watches silently Wishes for a vision with some clarity But while heart’s memory lingers on There’s no chance of hearing love’s sweet song The memory keeps you locked inside And your heart seeks a place to hide Open your soul let the memory fade And you’ll walk in sunshine not in shade Love and warm stuff As always Mushy  Breathe through the heat of our desire |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Dear Larry... You know Ginger Michelle will never ever be forgotten. And what a beautiful moving gesture by one of her young students. Ginger had a profound positive effect on so many. I'm so glad you dried the roses....and yes, I do believe there are angels among us. ~Caring hugs~ Nancy Lee ~ Time has cast a spell on you |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
Larry....I'm very new to pip...and I didn't know about Ginger Michelle's passing...I'm truly sorry for your loss...her spirit lives in your heart and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her... ...believe what your heart feels... |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
Hello Larry The tears flowed oh so freely as I read your moving words. Ginger is indeed and angel and has helped to instill so much good in those she met. I have to say that she had the best of teachers, her adoring father. Take care my friend, Love Sue I am in motion |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kellie, Thanks for being so faithful to my poetry. And for sharing your memories of Ginger. Chris, Thank you for such loving support and understanding. It helps immensely. Ivy Rose, How absolutely right you are. And thank you for such tender caring words. Mushy, Well I knew you would explode from out of nowhere! And what a delightful surprise. I utterly, utterly needed that. And with such a sweet gift so delicately offered besides. How dear you are. Thank you so much. Nancy Lee, It has to be true. And it was an incredible gesture. Thanks for your gentle understanding. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
scorpio, It is a pleasure to meet you. And I do indeed hope this place is as fun for you as for me. But it has been far more than that since my 28 year old daughter died of an aneurysm last May 18. And thank you for such kind and gentle thoughts. Bless you. Sue, Trust me, no words could touch my broken heart more gently than those. Bless you for your insights and your caring. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Larry...Words cannot express my sorrow. I never knew of your loss before now. Your words have given me the strength to try and mend fences with my own daughter...Paul |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
What a wonderful reminder of a bittersweet moment, Larry... I know how much you must miss her... It hurts like a stab in the heart. ~ loving hugsLyra |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Oh Paul, She was 28. Collapsed unconscious from an aneurysm. Dead by days end, May 18, 2002. We never know. I will pray for a successful reconciliation for you. God bless you dear man. Lyra, But eased by such incredible people. Thanks I know you understand. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Larry, some days I have to play catch up, but I knew when you posted this a few days ago that I would also have to get my nerve up, as emotional as I knew this reading would be. In your gift to us, the continued sharing of your daughter's memory and kindnesses, you have become one of Earth's Angels, as well! I saw it in a comment within, and THAT is what angels, and writers, are all about... and in that, your daughter lives on. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
This has so many layers... and each and every one touch the heart. I know teachers often feel unappreciated... and a simple act of kindness often goes unnoticed... but both can so easily be life-changing. Excellent work, Larry... and thanks for sharing your brush with angels and your life with one... for Ginger was an angel long before heaven called her. *S* [This message has been edited by suthern (10-24-2002 09:33 AM).] |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Karilea, And it is equally emotional to read such loving responses. Thank you so much for your friendship and support. suthern, A daughter made even more precious to me in her death. I had no idea. Thanks tons for your encouragement. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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