Such an open, clear eyed poem - well matched to the situation with your Mother.
I have a lot to do with "in home" Aged Care - not residential - but sometimes the latter is the only option. We all have to find meaning and purpose in life. As we grow older, that can become harder.
Your Mum's stubborn nature - you already understand that, it seems. I'm not a "joiner in" person myself, either. omg no. Perhaps - maybe - she can turn her strength of will from saying "no" to choosing something she does want to do.
You know I’ve never been a joiner either. My mom would always suggest I join this club or that club in high school and I simply refused. Particularly because my mom suggested it. I keep her well-supplied with new books and jigsaw puzzles and a newspaper each day, which is what she did when she lived her on her own. If she can mix that in with some connection with others she might discover her own rhythm for the day.
LeeAnn~
This is a stunner of a poem!
It is honest, unapologetic, bold and bright, dark and light.
So good.
Oh, wow, Kim. Thank you so much!
I am such a fan of your writing!
Thank you! I’m a fan of yours as well.
I love how you still recognize and carry her strength.
.
I call it persistence on good days, and it is, but I often go beyond persistent to stubborn.”
We carry it all, don’t we.
Powerful poem! And I love the photo of the child with the mirror. We do mirror our parents in so many ways, for good or ill.
Definitely both. That was me looking in the mirror.
Your poem, which is a fine accompaniment to your prose, has wonderful details, LeeAnn. I particularly like the ending.
Thanks so much. I so appreciate your reading and commenting and restacking my posts!
I remember that poem. Thank you for reposting it, LeeAnn 💛
You are so welcome.
You’re so welcome.
Wow. This is such a powerful poem. And, I must applaud your use of "dungarees"!
Thanks so much. Such a good word, isn’t it? Dungarees.
That’s what my dad always called his jeans. It used to make me and my brother laugh.
My mom also refers to her crop pants as clam diggers.
Vivid, heartfelt mirror-images, LeeAnn. Holding you and your mom both in my heart.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth. For reading and holding.
"I call it persistence on good days," :) From one "persistent" person to another, at least we can laugh about it!
Indeed!
Dear Leeann
Such an open, clear eyed poem - well matched to the situation with your Mother.
I have a lot to do with "in home" Aged Care - not residential - but sometimes the latter is the only option. We all have to find meaning and purpose in life. As we grow older, that can become harder.
Your Mum's stubborn nature - you already understand that, it seems. I'm not a "joiner in" person myself, either. omg no. Perhaps - maybe - she can turn her strength of will from saying "no" to choosing something she does want to do.
It's never easy....
Best Wishes - Dave
You know I’ve never been a joiner either. My mom would always suggest I join this club or that club in high school and I simply refused. Particularly because my mom suggested it. I keep her well-supplied with new books and jigsaw puzzles and a newspaper each day, which is what she did when she lived her on her own. If she can mix that in with some connection with others she might discover her own rhythm for the day.
Lovely. Glad to see you return once again to the bikini lawn mowing reference. Thanks so much!
Oh you are so welcome, Brent.
A striking poem, LeeAnn, and I enjoyed the preamble. Thoughtful and refreshing.
Thanks so much!