1 Topic by JeffG (edited by JeffG Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:12:37)

  • JeffG
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Topic: A Poem For Teresa

Teresa... As I read this poem I had this overwhelming need to pass it along to you.  Althought The title  states "When I Was Diagnosed With Cancer:"  In your case it would be Your Son Alan and I just have a feeling from reading your posts when Alan was diagnosed You felt as though you had been as well.

                                      COMFORTERS
                       When I was diagnosed With Cancer:
 
My first friend came and expressed his shock by saying,
"I can't believe that you have cancer. 
I always thought you were so active and Healthy."
He left and I felt alienated and somehow very different.

My Second friend came and brought me information about different treatments being used for cancer.He Said,"Whatever you do, don't take chemotherapy.  It's a poison!"
He left and and I felt Scared and confused.

My third friend came and tried to answer my "why's"
                             with the statement
"Perhaps God is disciplining you for some sin in your Life?"
                            He left and I felt guilty.

My fourth friend came and told me,
"If your faith is just great enough God will heal you."
He left and I felt my faith must be inadequate.

My fifth friend came and told me to remember that,
"All things work together for the good."
He left and I felt angry.

My sixth friend never came at all.
I felt sad and alone.

My Seventh friend came and held my hand and said,
"I care, I'm here, I want to help you through this."

He left and I felt LOVED!

Reprinted by permission:  Linda Mae Richardson, Victory in the Valley,Wichita ,KS


Teresa...  You are LOVED! and God lives in your heart. The light shines brilliantly outward to all when ever you post!   Although an ocean apart please consider me one of your many seventh friends.  Although not in body, Alan's spirit is singing out that he is your "Number one seventh friend" and wants to see you happy and healthy. 

With a few soft heartbeats and some gentle tears, I thank you for revitalizing my belief in Our God Almighty; and reminding me of the big beautiful picture.

God Bless!
Jeff G.

Take it to the Limit,One More Time! (Eagles)
  • Registered: Sat, 09 Dec 2006
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Re: A Poem For Teresa

Jeff, that was truly beautiful. I am at a loss for words - even though it wasn't meant for me, it was meant for me. Thank you for posting that poem. - Joyce

  • Registered: Fri, 01 Jun 2007
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Re: A Poem For Teresa

Jeff - that was beautiful; you are a very caring person and you touched more hearts than just Teresa's. 

Have any of you read "Shattered Dreams" by Larry Crabb?  It is one of the best books I have read since losing Sam; I highly recommend it.  It is about God's unexpected pathway to joy even through your disappointments and shattered dreams. 
My Best
Betty

  • Registered: Wed, 14 Mar 2007
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Re: A Poem For Teresa

Dear JeffG,
Patty and I had tears as we read your poem that you posted for Alan's mom.  We too believe in the "Big Picture".  Our lives here are but a speck in time compared to the eternal life that we know awaits us with our loved ones.  Thank you for reminding us. 
Ted and Patty

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Re: A Poem For Teresa

JeffG,  WOW

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  • teresa
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Re: A Poem For Teresa

Hya JeffG
I have to confess I read your poem not long after you posted it. I was lost for words.
It was time for bed and sleep but of course I did'nt. The tears flowed.
Prior to your post  I had been to Alans place and fallen asleep on his couch, it was so peacefull. This has been the right time, how did you know.?

I had not realised the impact my writing had on the other people on this site. I do hope it is not too maudling but I do feel just as cc affects everyone so different perhaps the grieving process is like that too and we can all learn something from this.

I have been thinking of late what happened to us as a family at the time of Alans death.
I can only visualise it as if a whirlwind whipped up, ripped through our lives and suddenly evaporated as quickly as it came. I personally feel as if a knife has cut me into two halves.
I cannot write in other areas about such things as pain, itching, treatments etc as Alan had non of these. It was only in the beginning that he had such awful pain in his gall bladder area. His jaundice did not come out until very late, after a lot of milk thistle. It was just that his food would not assimilate. He was so very hungry and did eat but had to thump his middle and it would just come straight back up.

I am so thankful now that it did not last too long as I often write of how active he was. I feel in this respect maybe God was looking after both Alan and myself.
I am truly grateful my friend for reminding me of this. I know that one day I will be happy knowing my son had a marvellous life and lived it to the full. He has left me albums full of his life, his childhood, his activities, his travels and most of all how happy he was whilst with all of his many different friends.

love and light to you all for ever teresa xxxxxxxxxxx

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  • Registered: Sat, 19 May 2007
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Re: A Poem For Teresa

Hi Jeff-thanks for the nice poem.  You are a gentle soul who brings so much of your inner strength to everyone on this site.   When Dave was diagnosed I sent out an e-mail to all our friends telling them that Dave needed them to be like the seventh friend above.  My first husband died of lung cancer and after the first couple months friends slowly disappeared as it became difficult to see Phil sick.  I didn't want that to happen to Dave and so I came right out and said so.   Some day it is "too late" to say you care.   Dave has his first CT Scan tomorrow after 4 chemo treatments.   He feels better and we are hoping for the best.   Thanks again to everyone for contributing your thoughts  and sharing this journey.  Patrice  aka PDerat