Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
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0
posted
2004-08-06
05:45 PM
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
Would you like to see a picture? It was taken so long ago That's me there in the middle Amongst some friends I used to know
Now, let's see, where were we? I can't remember what I was saying Sometimes my mind deceives me I'm tired of the games it's playing
People seldom come to visit Most days move far too slow As I look through these photographs Of the people I used to know
All my friends have gone to God And I am in his waiting room My first class flight to heaven It should be sometime soon
Would you like to see a picture? It was taken so long ago That's me there in the middle Amongst some friends I used to know
* * *
I am a volunteer carer for the elderly and I visit an 84 year old lady in her home and have been doing so for the past year.She has the early stages of dementia and over time I have watched her get progressively worse.During our weekly conversations she often tells me that all her friends have gone to God which really saddens me.
Dementia ~ A chronic or persistent medical disorder characterized by loss of memory and forgetfulness.
I am in motion I am blue Love is an ocean I'm anchored in you - Shawn Mullins
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© Copyright
2004
Sue Tancheff
- All Rights Reserved
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Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
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1
posted
2004-08-06
07:13 PM
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Thank you Sue for sharing this compassionate poem, very beautiful, yet sad. At this Lady's age it's certainly true that some friends have gone ahead on the Heavenly Path that we shall all walk! Time for memories .... Love, Margherita
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miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
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2
posted
2004-08-06
07:19 PM
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Sue, This is a most touching poem. My mother's mind is very good at 82, so good that she can count how many have gone and how many of her school mates are left. The other day we were looking at her class picture from about the 5th grade. She knew of all the details and had memories of each. It was extremely sad to listen to her count them down. Obviously, I can relate to your poem! Thank you for posting it. It's good to know others who are concerned about aging. Take care. miscellanea
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Magnus
Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
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3
posted
2004-08-06
07:56 PM
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Sue, I know of your feelings. I watched my grandmother decline over a period of about two years, eventually reaching a stage of life where she no longer knew who I was. It was a heartbreaking feeling....and she watched all her friends, her husband and both of her children go to God before she finally went there herself...It is sad, a part of life we must endure.
Thank you for giving us a part of you that is so priceless and should be cherished for all time.
Barry
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JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
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4
posted
2004-08-07
02:26 AM
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Soft tender words you have shared...time to make some new friends...James
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iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
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5
posted
2004-08-07
03:34 AM
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How well I know this feeling, Sue. My grandmother and my mother both owned nursing/retirement homes when I was young. And now, as my own mother ages and most of her friends are already gone, I am reminded of just how short life really is. Nice poem. You have such a giving, lovely heart, Sue. ....jo
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Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
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6
posted
2004-08-07
05:42 PM
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Thank you all for your heartfelt comments which mean a great deal to me.
Take care........SueI am in motion I am blue Love is an ocean I'm anchored in you - Shawn Mullins
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Susan
Member Ascendant
since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104
walking the surreal
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7
posted
2004-08-08
10:30 AM
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Sue, this really speaks to my heart, which holds most tender for the elderly. Would that we once again lived in a world where years were revered and the wisdom of those who have seen so much was sought.
SusanHappiness isn't something that happens to you, it's created from within you. Joy is a state of mind.
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
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8
posted
2004-08-08
11:01 AM
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Sue
This poem speaks of your compassionate heart, as well as the life of your friend. I think it must be the kind of friendship that is good for you both. 
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Startime55
Member Elite
since 2003-04-05
Posts 2148
Alberta, Canada
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9
posted
2004-08-08
11:28 AM
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This poem touches the heart and soul...I am glad this lady has someone with such a loving heart to care for her...Your compassion and love shines through your words...**hugs**
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passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
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10
posted
2004-08-08
11:59 AM
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how touching...you are all heart
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Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
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11
posted
2004-08-08
05:46 PM
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Your words brought tears to my eyes.
This lady is very special to me and I often sit and read poetry to her and she really seems to enjoy that. It is so very true that it is the simple things that make all the difference.
Take care........SueI am in motion I am blue Love is an ocean I'm anchored in you - Shawn Mullins
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Marsha
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423
Maidstone Kent England
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12
posted
2004-08-10
10:51 AM
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Sue dearest heart sister, oh my word how special this poem is darling one. Everything you write is amazing, this is a true gift, but then I believe your kind heart is a gift to those around you. I’m so rarely here, but when I do slip in I always seek out a poem by you, for your writing is truly inspirational and uplifting. I love it utterly. The poem is truly wonderful as are you, exceptional writing from one of PiP’s most talented writers. Love and warm stuff as always Mushy 
Tomorrow is another day I don't know what it holds but I can face the future with courage brave and bold
Footprints In My Heart Kethry
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Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
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13
posted
2004-08-10
11:01 AM
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Sue....what a wonderful write...so well said.....I rarely reply to anything without being a smart assed toerag...but this time I do....
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Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
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14
posted
2004-08-10
11:10 AM
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Not only is your poetry caring ~ you walk your talk and live your life in a loving manner. The elderly are so often ignored and not heard. Even tho' her mind may be slowly deteriorating, there is still beauty and poetry in her soul ~ and you listen. 
God bless you both! Linda

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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
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15
posted
2004-08-10
11:31 AM
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Such a compassionate write, Sue... I know several who remark on your very apt title...
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Ericc
Member Elite
since 2003-01-31
Posts 4178
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16
posted
2004-08-10
02:50 PM
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A very moving and touching write. Thank you.
Eric
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GG
Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
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17
posted
2004-08-10
04:34 PM
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You have such compassion, Sue. There are 7 elderly folks I used to look after. All were in my family, and I was young, but still learned to give them their shots, hook up oxygen tanks, ride my bike to the nursing home and help change their bedpans. All 7 are gone now. I remember after watching her last two siblings and her husband die within two yearsof eachother, my great aunt just cried, and cried, and within a couple months, she died too. They were really my best friends (I was always a strange kid) and I always wanted to spend the rest of my life being a friend to those who'd lost everyone they knew. Still plan on working in a nursing home to this day. Sorry, I had to share... and I'm so glad that you did. This is beautiful and tender...
Always, AlyssaPoems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. Joyce kilmer
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Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
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18
posted
2004-08-10
10:31 PM
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Once again I am totally overwhelmed by your marvellous responses. This was so very close to my heart and something that I felt the need to write about.
GG - you would be such a valuable addition to any nursing home and you have the kindest of hearts.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Take care.........SueI am in motion I am blue Love is an ocean I'm anchored in you - Shawn Mullins
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suthern
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
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19
posted
2004-08-13
04:36 PM
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A good friend told me this was one I couldn't miss... I'm so glad I listened!!
This is so beautiful, so compassionate... It's one that will reside in my heart as well as my library. *S*
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Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
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20
posted
2004-08-13
04:53 PM
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WOW, these words went straight to my heart, what a warmhearted poem you've written about a subject almost everyone will meet one way or other in his/her life.
Titia
Like scattered leaves...my words will flow
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SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
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21
posted
2004-08-13
05:19 PM
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This is a sad, but beautiful poem, Sue. I work with the dementia and alzhiemers. Thank you for posting this.
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Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
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22
posted
2004-08-13
05:34 PM
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Susie...can I copy this and give to my Pastor?...Long before he was a minister, he was almost as Toeraggish as me....we did alot of wild schtuff together...he went on to become a great preacher....I turned out a prime subject to be preached too...but, his mother has dementia....and I'd love to give this to him....
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CastleGuard
Senior Member
since 2003-04-30
Posts 760
Alberta, Canada
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23
posted
2004-08-13
05:56 PM
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Very touching, heartfelt picture you have painted, Sue.
Beautifuly done, with sensitivity, and care.
CG
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Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
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24
posted
2004-08-13
05:57 PM
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I am totally overwhelmed but the response to this and so very grateful for all the wonderful comments.
Toerag - I'd be honoured if you were to share this with your Pastor.
Take care........SueI am in motion I am blue Love is an ocean I'm anchored in you - Shawn Mullins
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dinky
Member
since 2002-10-19
Posts 258
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25
posted
2004-08-13
06:07 PM
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this was sad, but very touching"UH de nah nah nah..."
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ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
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26
posted
2004-09-06
07:19 AM
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Sue
This is so very touching....I'm glad I had the chance to read it.
Eric
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