It’s official.
Spring is here.
Scrubbing the floor,
I was surprised at how sad I was
To hear the news.
It felt somehow intrusive,
Like the trumpeted arrival of
A chatty little debutante
In a strapless dress.
Winter, I’m going to miss you,
My dowdy, woolen friend.
We are such a comfortable pair,
You and I.
When I needed to listen
To the shy new thoughts
Budding in the shadows
You spread your thick white cloak
To muffle the static of the world;
The noisy reconstruction of my heart
Until we both could hear again.
When I needed to shout,
You raged and howled
With me
Until we both were calm again.
When I was empty and cold
You lowered the sun
To shine in on me
Until we both felt warm again.
When I was beyond tired
You convinced the night
To arrive early and stay
Until we both could sleep again.
Now Spring flounces in
With her invitations
And her fresh cut grass
And I can no longer
Hide behind your
Sensible pretexts:
Your slippery roads,
Your icy limbs.
I know you must go.
I promise to wait for you.
I’ll wade back into
The stream of life
And let the currents
Pull me along.
I’ll plant seeds and pull weeds.
I’ll paddle far enough out on the sea
To catch the cool breezes.
And when the leaves
Have relinquished their bright glory,
I’ll spin and skip
One last barefoot dance
On those golden decks.
I’ll stack wood and sweaters.
I’ll cover the garden
And ready the house.
So when at last you arrive,
Carrying with you the breaths
Of some far exotic land
I can wrap you around me,
and listen, and shout, and sleep.
.
.
Poem and photo of “Hummingbird Icicle” Copyright ©2010 Jean Fogelberg
Dear Jerel;
Just wanted to offer you an idea on the physical therapy. It sounds as though Millie might be eligible for home-based physical therapy. If her condition medically warrants, and it sounds like it might, they might be able to make 4-5 visits a week. I would suggest talking with friends in your same community who might have used Home Healthcare Agencies, and speak to two different agencies about an assessment for Millie. They will send out an Intake RN who will give you an idea on what kind of PT services she would qualify. I usually recommend going with the agency which has the best “customer service”; spends the most time explaining, answering questions, and doing a thorough assessment. That will usually be indicative of their standard of care while they are providing services for Millie.
Good luck and let us know if this might work! Lynn
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Dear Lynn, thanks so much for your insight. I am in the process of getting her back into more PT. It’s a necessity because I can see that she is having increased pain in her legs due to the lack of activity. We can’t let this go any longer, even though she doesn’t really want to do it. We were doing some exercises at home that she learned while she went to outpatient rehab, but it seems to be a problem being consistant, for various reasons…so I think having someone come in and work with her(besides me) will be good for her, AND me. She sees me as the “bad guy”…..
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Jean, first of all, thanks for the quick, and thoughtful reply….you seem to be a very organized person, something I am NOT! I am also a musician, and many of the other musicians I know are also disorganized, for what that’s worth. Being all-of-a-sudden thrust into this role has forced me to learn to do a better job of “taking care” of things…..like making appointments, getting her meds refilled in time, trying to not run out of important supplies, etc., though I have to say, I’m not as good as I need to be.
It’s been since September 17, 2009, when Milly came home from the hospital after being there for 4 weeks while they put her through all sorts of tests, finally finding the cancer, and then making the connection with the neurological symptoms. For the first 2 weeks, they didn’t know what was wrong with her. At first they thought it was vertigo, but her slurred speech didn’t fit with that diagnosis. Anyway, after 3 chemo treatments, a complete hysterectomy, then 3 more chemo treatments, which ended in mid-January of this year, she had completed their planned treatment of the cancer. She now has no signs of any cancer, and her numbers have continued to go down with each 6 week visit we make to the hospital to get her “port” flushed. So that’s a very good thing.
And, by the way, I have been telling all the women I know to pay close attention to a couple signs that I have since learned about Ovarian cancer. The most obvious one that Milly had was when she would sit down to eat a meal, she would quickly have the feeling that she was “full”, and could only eat a few bites. I believe that ANY time we experience a significant change in our appetite or digestive system, we should get it checked out because that indicates a serious problem. Milly also was feeling very tired and weak. The only actual physical sign was a lump in her groin, which she suspected was a hernia, and which is what made her first go see a doctor. We had NO thought that she might have cancer. The surgeon she saw scheduled Milly for an exploratory surgery 6 weeks later. It was during those 6 weeks that her nurological symptoms began, and continued to get worse, day by day. She was hospitalized before she ever got to the surgery. I have some problems with the surgeon scheduling her surgery 6 weeks later, when he didn’t know what the lump was and knowing it could have been cancer. I feel stupid for not asking more questions when she told me his plan because it would appear that IF they had found the cancer just a few weeks sooner, by doing a CT scan and a lumbar puncture, like they eventually did, they would have begun the chemo sooner, and thereby halted the attack on her brain sooner, giving her a much better neurological status now. She might not have been completely normal, but she was able to read and speak clearly then. As of today, she still can’t read, watch TV, walk, or speak very clearly so she is completely dependant on others for everything. She’s had some physical therapy because she lost so much muscle mass (mostly in her legs) from being in a bed for so long, and it’s going to take a long time to build that back up to where she can even stand up. She lost about 70 lbs during the whole ordeal and just recently started to gain a little weight back. She survived about 3 months on just a feeding tube (something else that I had no experience with, but became routine) because she didn’t want to eat ANYTHING until just around Christmas.
This past August, we were able to see a neurologist at Johns Hopkins (we live just outside Baltimore) who has some experience with this disorder, which we found out is pretty rare. He said that Milly seems to still have some healthy cells in her Cerebellum and hopefully should continue to improve, possibly for many years. Milly was hoping that they could do something in the near future to “correct” her problems. So now, the big challenge is to maintain some sort of positive attitude so she can keep working hard to get better by forcing her brain to “relearn” basic motor skills. It’s like she a young child, or a stroke patient, having to “start over”. The good thing is, Milly’s overall health is excellent. No heart problems, no blood pressure porblems, and her liver, kidneys, and lungs are in good shape.
This past Spring and Summer I had my mom, and a woman neighbor helping to sit with Milly while I began working the evening shift(3-11), which was great for me and my son, Andy, because we were getting good rest. But then my mom had a small heart attack and had to stop doing anything for a long time, and the neighbor had to move out of her house and didn’t have a car, so that’s why I went back to the night shift. I have had a couple other women come in, one of my sisters, and a dear friend from my church, but they have limited oportunities to be here. Plus, Andy is getting married next May and I don’t know how this is going to work out then. My insurance won’t cover having someone there long enough for me to work the whole week. I’m really hoping that we can get Milly to the point where she can have some minimal ability to at least use the bathroom, which is the biggest block to her being alone. The problem with having a woman come in who Milly is comfortable with is, she doesn’t know anyone like that….which is another story…. I have a couple people trying to help me figure this thing out, and I’ll keep you posted.
As for me, I’m trying to take care of myself….I like to swim and I used my back yard pool this Summer, but now I have to use the local college pool, which is more difficult to schedule. I also like to rollerblade….also a problem to fit in….I have to keep going, for both of our sakes…. God is helping me get through this, one day at atime….
One of the things I would love to see happen is to hear Milly sing again. She had an excellent singing voice and sometimes she tries to sing and it’s so pitiful to hear her struggling to again do that. We’ll see….
Thanks again, for the advice…..sorry for taking so much time… jerel
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Jerel,
Jean would never think you were taking too much of her time, her advice is very helpful to all at DLH. Presently, she is taking a much needed vacation and will return in a few weeks. As you said, take it one day at a time, allowing some moments of “me time”.
All my best to you both.
~Char
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Jerel,
I hadn’t seen this when I sent my first comment–thanks for filling us in on what you guys have been going through. Your lives have been turned upside down, but you are doing great to be where you are right now. Look at what you have learned to manage and deal with since Millie’s initial hospital stay!
Music–such a fantastic life-giver. You being a musician and Millie having her beautiful singing voice, hopefully, this is where you both will find inspiration. Keep those tunes flowing, however they come out!
Betsy
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Thanks, Betsy….The music is an interesting thing for her…For the longest time Milly didn’t want to hear ANY music, or anything else. She used to listen to some soft, acoustic type, instrumental music around the house, before she fell ill, so when she came home from the hospital I tried to put some of that on and she wanted none of it. She has since been listening to lots of books on CD (since she can’t read)…some of them ones that she used to read before bed…crime mysteries. A friend recommended the Janet Evanovich series and Milly like them the most. They got her to laughing so hard, she couldn’t talk! I have been slowly re-introducing the music she likes…..mostly in the car when we take long drives in the country to get ice cream. But like I said, it would be so wonderful to hear her sing like she used to be able. She had a voice similar to Linda Ronstadt and she sang and I played in many churches and did about 30 weddings back in “the day”. As of now, she’s not able to control her voice well and it’s sad that she’s lost that on top of everything else. Her speech is sometimes very difficult to understand and that makes being in public something she doesn’t relish. The other day, I took her into the grocery store and a little girl was looking at her, just for a couple seconds, but it made Milly uncomfortable because she thinks she comes across as “mentally handicapped” because of her roaming eyes, poor speech, and sometimes poorly controlled hand movements. She’s making very small improvements with the motor skills, but I need to keep challenging her to try more. Again, thanks for your encouragement…. jerel
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Dear Jerel,
I too have just begun reading the Janet Evanovich books, they keep me smiling too. It must be so great for you to hear Milly laugh again, nothing like laughter, to perk you up! Hopefully things will come back in due time, like her beautiful voice, and I know how hard it is to sit by and watch someone you love so dearly struggle. Hopefully, small improvements will become big ones. I am truly sorry that Milly has to endure strange looks from people. My family has endured this for 33 years, as I have a special needs nephew. How sad it is that we do not teach our children, that in addition to the fact we are all created equal, some of us look different, and act differently. I am sorry it makes Milly uncomfortable, she shouldn’t have to deal with that too.
Don’t lose your heart!
~Char
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Char,
I feel the same way you do about educating our kids (and adults) about differences. I happened into the special education field 15 years ago, a little trepidatious. It took me one day to see how normal the mentally handicapped 15 year old boy I would be working with was. He made googly eyes at so many cute girls that day, I realized that keeping him calm around “the women” would be the toughest part of my job.
As I mentioned in my comment to Jerel, I worked with an amazingly gifted special education teacher. She really thinks outside the box!! One of the neatest things she established for our classroom is the Cocoa Cafe, where our student independently sell muffins, cinnamon rolls, coffee, cappuccino, etc. to the high school’s staff and students. It has been tremendously successful. The proceeds? They go to groups and individuals who are needy. Our students are SO PROUD of making a difference in the world.
Betsy
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Betsy,
You have such a beautiful soul. That Cocoa Cafe sounds like fun, and what a wonderful learning experience for all involved. It must be so rewarding for you and your proud and successful students.
~Char
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You are so welcome, Jerel. You seem like a very sensitive husband and caregiver. I’m glad you and Millie are able to see improvements, small tho’ they may be. I’m sure you are both discouraged at the pace, but remember, improvements mean Millie’s headed in the right direction!
(I work with mentally handicapped students at our local high school and have often wondered how they must feel by the reactions of the people they encounter in public. One of the neatest things about including them in the regular academic population is that the “normal” kids are learning how normal OUR students are!! Something I have learned from working with a very dedicated teacher, our students are capable of SO MUCH MORE than anyone else (even their parents) think is possible. May this inspire you as you and Millie reach for what many times must seem impossible in the physical realm!!)
I’m sure it must be especially difficult for Millie, since she is keenly aware of the differences in her appearance and physical abilities now as opposed to how she had been. I hope (and will pray) that Millie continues to improve, and that she gains mental strength, as well, from her physical accomplishments.
OK, with Char’s endorsements of that same author that Millie likes to listen to, I’m going to try her, also. I am ready for some FUN reading.
Blessings on your and Millie’s courage, Jerel. And your sons’ too.
Betsy
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Jean, I like the way you express yourself….I can see why Dan was attracted to you…you, like him, have an artist’s “heart” and it comes through in your photos as well as the words you choose….This is my first time on this site, but I believe I will be visiting often, partly because I like what you are doing here, and partly because I too, am a caregiver. I am almost 57 years old and my wife, Milly, is 55. Last year she was struck by a rare auto-immune disease called PNS, Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome. It began with Ovarian cancer, and then the antibodies her body sent to attack the cancer cells somehow crossed the “blood-spinal fluid barrier” and attacked her Cerebellum, the area which coordinates all our motion, including the eyes and our speech. She has been basically an invalid since last August, and it’s possible that she will never again be able to walk, see, or speak normally. We have a son who lives with us and helps me a lot. I have been working the 11-7 shift while he’s at home with her and I am there all day. I have been reading some of the comments by people with all sorts of problems and once again, I am reminded of the brevity and sadness of life. I have seen some small progress with Milly’s motor skills, but it’s very difficult for her to “stay positive” because time just seems to drag for her. She feels like a freak. I have been able to take her out for drives and ice cream and the like, but like many of the other people have stated, I am most always tired, and I long for the weekends when I can get some “real” sleep. Anyway, thanks for what you’re doing and I will be seeing what I can learn from you and your guests. I am trying to maintain my faith that God is in control and will provide everything that we need in this life, and part of that comes through people from whom we can draw strength, like yourself. I am very sorry for your loss and the very difficult time it must have been taking care of Dan. Milly and I have been huge fans of your husband’s music since about 1974 and have been to about 6 of his concerts, enjoying each one. Both of our sons (the oldest is named Dan, partly after Dan Fogelberg!), now in their 30′s are also big fans. Please take care, and we will all try to NOT lose heart! ….jerel
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Dear Jerel, I can tell from your complete and detailed grasp of your wife’s disease that you’re a committed and involved caregiver. Thank goodness your son is there to carry some of the burden, but your schedule is obviously an exhausting one. Please remember that Home Care and Hospice are out there, and that they are there to support the family as well as care for the patient. In your situation, I would think your wife would be glad to have a woman take over some of the more intimate physical aspects of her caregiving that you and your son are currently taking care of. It might help with her self esteem around her men, and you could certainly use the sleep or time to yourself. You could find someone she really clicks with, that she could confide in, and who has enough experience with this kind of disease to convince her that she is not a freak. You can just start by having her come in to help with cooking dinner a few times a week, and progress from there. Just ideas, which you’ll find in spades here. We’re glad you found your way to us, and will support you in any way we can. ~ Jean
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Jean, I am in the process of getting a woman who has some counseling training, and who also happens to be a friend of the family, to come and spend some time talking with Milly, which I think is her most urgent need. It’s a long story, but she doesn’t have any really close friends, or at least someone she feels “comfortable” with, talking about her deepest feelings. I hope this friend can be someone who will at least begin the process of allowing Milly to voice all her feelings, questions, and fears. I had mentioned this possibility to Milly a couple weeks ago, thinking she wouldn’t agree to it, but I believe she eventually saw the wisdom in this, and besides, I know she has often grown weary of me talking to her about what I think. Unlike most men I know, I’m a “talker”, something she doesn’t always appreciate, especially when she’s feeling down. I’m learning to just “listen” and not do what many people tend to do when there’s a “problem”, namely, try to “fix” it! I tend to be analytical and logical, even though over the years I have become increasingly more in touch with my emotions. It’s a fact that going through life, and its many trials and struggles, we can learn to be sensitive to what others are going through. When someone is feeling down, physically or emotionally, people can often have the attitude of, “don’t do that!”, instead of thinking, “there, but for the grace of God, go I”…
Milly has a physical struggle we are trying to deal with now. Since she has spent so much time either in bed or in a chair, with her legs bent, she can no longer straighten out her legs, making it impossible for her to stand. The muscles and tendons behind her knee have “tightened up” and if she tries to straighten her legs, it causes intense pain. She went to physical therapy for a while and they showed us some exercises we could do at home. The problem is, it’s a “catch 22″…she hates to stretch her legs because of the pain, but if she doesn’t do it, they will continue to get worse, causing more pain. We use some heat on her hamstring and the back of her knee and do the best we can, but it looks like it’s going to take a long time to get back to “normal”. If anyone has any good ideas, from experience, to make this process go any smoother, I’d appreciate it. The therapist says that it’s not enough to come to their place twice a week. It’s something that needs to be done everyday.
On a positive note, I’m taking her out, either for something to eat and a ride, or to the grocery store, almost every day. She’s getting used to being “out there”, among people, something she was afraid of for a long time. One of the “problems” she has is not laughing at me so much that she causes a scene in the store! While we were on our drives through the country, we discovered a new ice cream place (it just opened up a few weeks ago) that Milly is CRAZY for! It’s an organic dairy farm in Eastern Baltimore County and she can’t seem to get enough of their Chocolate Chip…with hot fudge and wipped cream! I agree it IS the best ice cream I’ve ever had, but I have to stop eating so much of it….I’m supposed to be “watching” my weight, and blood pressure. Milly needed to gain some weight and has no blood pressure or cholesterol problems, but I think even she knows we have to be careful. But, boy is that some good ice cream!
I hope you are doing well. I noticed a quote from C.S. Lewis, my favorite writer, on your Friendship page. I was wondering if you read his book, “A Grief Observed”? If not, it’s a diary about the loss of his beloved wife to cancer, after they had only been married a few years. There’s also a good movie about that story called “Shadowlands” with Debra Winger and Anthony Hopkins. Don’t watch it without a box of tissues…. thanks again for your help, jerel
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Dear Jerel,
Jean will be returning shortly from her vacation, in the meantime, sending thoughts and healing your way, and my best to you and Milly. Oh yes and have a scoop for me!
~Char
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Dear Jerel,
Wow, you have so much to deal with, and you are someone I think is pretty awesome, doing it all. I too am caregiver to my husband and elderly mom, and “tired” at times is my middle name. Caregiving as you know in itself is tiring, add in the stress and physical demands, and your plate is over flowing.! Jean has some wonderful ideas, and provides all of us at DLH with wisdom, and strength . So glad you found us , please let us know how your journey is going. My best to your wife and your sons. My new saying is; life is funny, but sometimes it’s really hard to laugh. Thank God, there is always someone here at DLH, open 24/7, 8 dayz a weeek!
~Char ‘Tired’
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char, thanks for the kind words, but it sounds like you also have a big job there! As far as laughing goes, I try to make Milly laugh by doing or saying silly or goofy things. It usually works, but it helps that she’s often using Ativan! She also takes Ambien 12.5 at night and takes an antidepressant everyday. The problem with being tired is that it greatly affects our patience and ability to deal with all the “little” unexpectant chores that arise….like the dog throwing up on the carpet, water coming in under the basement door during a huge rain storm….you know the routine….And yes, sometimes there is much crying, by Milly AND myself…but, with God’s help, we will keep hanging in there….
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Jerel,
What a blessing you have found this wonderful, soothing place to lay your tired head. So many amazing caregivers here who know what it means not only to care for a loved one, but to feel the loss of the way life “used to be”.
Blessings on you and your sons as you care for this special woman in your lives. The care you are able to give now will be a comfort to all of you.
Praying for grace to support you and your family.
Betsy
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Betsy, thanks so much for the encourgagement and prayers…it’s greatly appreciated…. The toughest part for Milly, even more than the physical stress she’s gone through, is exactly what you said, missing the way her life “used to be”….Like I said, her health is actually good so she’s not close to death, even though she often wishes she were dead…. I keep praying that God will grant her enough improvement to motivate her to keep trying… she has a long way to go…. thanks again….
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That is a great thing to be praying for, Jerel–MOTIVATION. Whatever inspires her to want to keep trying, I hope you are able to discover it. There are thousands of stories about people with “long ways to go” who got there! I will be praying for that with you.
I hope you are able to find some help, as Jean suggested. Seems like it would be good for everyone to get a breather.
One thing I KNOW, from my experience as a caregiver, God does definitely provide for our needs. I have discovered countless angels in my journey, many of whom I’ve never met (such as those on this site) and I am awed by their selflessnes and caring! Such beautiful people remind me of all the good in this life and help to ease the sadness we all must face at times.
Keep up the good work, Jerel
Betsy
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Hi Betsy,
I love your comments to the hard working Jerel. His journey is a rough one. Totally agree that our needs are met, however difficult they may seem. This safe warm, and caring place Jean has created, provides us with knowledge, humor,
and support for the times when we feel we can’t go one more step, without falling. Thanks for caring.
~Char
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I couldn’t agree with you more, Char, about this wonderful place for people who are struggling with some pretty heartrending situations–situations we could never have imagined in our “other life”. I have told SO many people about it. I am constantly amazed at the depth of help that can be found here in this ONE place. Jean has done an amazing thing!
Char, thank you for the grace you bring to this site. I know you have much on your plate, and yet you always have the energy and enthusiasm to cheer the rest of us on. You are fantastic.
I hope things are going well for your husband and mom right now and that you are able to enjoy this beautiful season we are in.
Blessings, Betsy
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Betsy,
Thank you for sending your blessings my way, in need at this time, as things have taken a turn for the worse, at home. And of course a big thank you to our leader, Jean for this site, which has been a blessing for all that comment and/or visit here. Will keep the faith, not lose heart, and continue on, never fearing as we are never alone, especially here at DLH.
~Char
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I’m sorry to hear this Char. You and your family are in my heart tonight and in my prayers. Stay courageous.
Betsy
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Dear Betsy,
Thank you for your your kind words and prayers. I will remain strong in my caregiver role. This site has taught me so many things, one of which is, we ALL have our rough roads, but there are ways to make the journey easier and DLH does for just that for me. TY
~Char
If I might add Cindy P’s husband is having his second round of chemo today, all my best healing wishes go out to them both.
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Char, I pray that you will have the strength and courage to do what is necessary for your family…. thank you for your encouragement to me, and others here….
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Thank you Jerel, I too will pray for you and your family.
~Char
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Betsy,
Thank you for sending blessings my way, great timing as things are not going well at home at this time, with wound care. And a huge thank you to our leader, Jean for creating such a warm and nurturing site, for all to comment/and or just visit. I will continue to never fear, not lose heart, and never lose faith, as we are never alone here at DLH.
~Char
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Betsy,
Thank you for sending blessings my way, great timing as things are not going well at home at this time, with wound care. And a huge thank you to our leader, Jean for creating such a warm and nurturing site, for all to comment/and or just visit. I will continue to never fear, not lose heart, and never lose faith, as we are never alone here at DLH.
~Char
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Dear Char, so sorry…is Rich having the problem? I am sending out my prayers for healing and positive energies for a quick recovery. Please keep us posted. Love, Karen
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Dear Karen, thank you so much for your healing thoughts and prayers, it means alot to me. DLH has given me renewed strength, when dealing with caregiving. To wake up in the middle of the night, and realize no matter what you are going thru, there is someone here, with a similar situation, boy— does that help. So thank you all, and Jean you most of all.
~Char
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Char, Ditto on Karen’s post. Thinking of you and Cindy. Joyce
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Cindy and I both thank you Joyce, for being such a wonderfully caring person.
~Char
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Char, please keep us posted. I know we are all keeping you and Rich in our hearts/prayers…
~Ann
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Ann..
A big hug and thank you, for your caring, tomorrow’s dr. visit will tell the story. I will pray for a good outcome, and have faith.
~Char
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Blessings being sent your way, Char
Joan
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Thank you Joan, this site is a blessing in itself, with all the kind, caring and gentle people who have found their way here. Your blessings are very much appreciated.
~Char
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Hi Betsey, beautifully said and agreed, Char is a treasure indeed.
Karen
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What a lovely poem! I also greet Spring with much trepidation. But for different reasons. It is so fleeting! Just as I start to enjoy the yellow of the forsythias, they turn green. Then the bright golden daffodils greet me only to wither to a moldy brown. Then, the trees begin to flower, but as they flower, their blossoms are already taking flight on warmer breezes!!! I think I really felt that furtive feeling all the more this year because of life’s circumstances. I was wishing for Winter to stick around just a little bit longer!
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Dan was a winter person…Dan passed away in the winter.. I understand completely Jean….
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Another beautiful photo! And I love the poem. Oh, and I would say you are now an “official advanced blogger”. Great stuff!
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Dear Jean,
Thought you would find it interesting that I recently searched the lyrics on Dan’s albums for references to the seasons and found that winter was written about more often than the others. The score, in case you want it – winter 8, fall 5, summer 5, and spring 2. Yeah….we had a lot of snow here and a lot of time with absolutely no where to go!!!
linda
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Your beautiful poetry and incredibly beautiul photography just continue to astound me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and love through those words and visions.
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Jean, what beautiful thoughts. I share them so much. Living in Florida, I dread the thought of summer, it is long, humid and nearly 9 months of temps never dipping below 70 and nothing nice about it unless you are at the beach with your toes in the sand. Being a northerner by birth, my heart yearns for the golds, reds and oranges of fall. And when temps dip below 70 for that first time, signaling that autumn in the south is arriving, I feel like I have been reborn. I come alive with such vitality and energy and people think I am a little strange. Can’t help it, autumn owns my soul. Thanks for sharing these beautiful scenes and words. There is something comforting about walking in the bitter chill, wrapped in a warm, cozy sweater or jacket, or sitting in front of a roaring fire with some of Dan’s music, a good book.
Susan
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Hi Jean,
What a wonderful moving poem… some of my feelings of my favorite season. Winter always seems to provide me with a safe haven for life, it’s quiet and simple, and of course plays host to Christmas. Thank you Jean, it really is beautiful.
Char
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Truly lovely poem, Jean, full of richly living images. When autumn comes with the chill snap in the air and the promise of snow in the skies, my soul welcomes the change and looks forward to the time of “going within.” I feel free then to explore the depths and treasures of soul and spirit, to pamper my home and myself with cozy comforts, aromas of hot homemade soups, stews, and pies, to lose myself in wonderful books full of richly-drawn characters and books that teach me new skills, to allow my inner creator to meander and play.
I enjoy spring, but by the time summer comes, it all gets just too loud for me and by the time the grass turns scratchy and brown with heat, I have already long been yearning for the haven of the winter months.
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This is beautiful! Glad to know I’m not the only one that thinks about winter this way….
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Thanks, Laura…looks like we’re not alone. ~ Jean
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