I never dreamed that our beautiful homecoming queen would someday face two sessions of receiving chemotherapy, losing her thick hair, or needing encouragement. But she did!
Along the way she discovered that poetry was flowing out of her talents. They were straight to the heart and concise in our common vernacular of country talking. She has given permission to post some of them. Here are some that tell of how she needed encouragement when she was at a low point in her life.
TRIBUTE TO CAREGIVERS
Caregivers give so unselfishly of themselves to bless others.
If a caregiver has touched your life as they have mine,
You will understand how precious they are for being so kind.
When cancer had me down so very low,
It was the caregivers in my life that would not let me go.
They fed me, soothed me, and lifted me up in prayer.
My every need was their main care.
Nothing I needed was too big or too small.
My caregivers stayed right with me and did them all.
The hours, days, weeks, and months they stood by me;
Helping, encouraging, and willing for me to see
That each day we must keep fighting this battle on.
And I knew that I was never alone
I had always wanted to take care of others.
I think that is another joy of being Mothers.
But then when my life was turned upside down,
My caregivers were with me through every chemo round.
The chemo was so very hard to bear,
Not just the sickness and losing my hair,
It was also the way it took control of my mind.
At times I wondered if any of my former self I would even find.
My caregivers would not let me ever give up; no way.
They kept holding me up every day.
There were cards, flowers, books, hugs, and sometimes a tear.
We shared so much, and they were all so precious and dear.
My caregivers were my friends and kin.
The compassion they showed never knew an end.
A caregiver may be many things to you,
But mine seemed like angels right out of the blue.
Caring and giving are the ingredients used in helping those we love.
And always remember that they were given first from God above.
Written by cancer survivor, Helen Eddleman 3/5/2010
CARING & SHARING
We have all heard it said that it is more blessed to give than to receive,
And this is truly what I do believe.
We find so many who need a helping hand
Scattered throughout this great big land.
When our thoughts are focused everyday
As to how we can best help others along the way,
By using our time, our energy, our resources, and our minds
To lift the burdens of others, we usually find
Not only do they gain strength and courage as we help them rest,
But because of what we do for them we feel truly blessed.
Taking care of others is not an easy job.
At times it is so difficult that it is hard not to sob.
We know their suffering; we see their pain.
And sometimes what we do seems all in vain,
But every drop of kindness we take the time to show
Helps others to remember and always know
That they are special to us, and we are glad
We can stand by them through good times and bad.
We do not know what tomorrow may bring,
But God’s love and abundant grace is just the thing
To help us take the chance to share our love
As we all travel on this life waiting to meet God above.
Written by cancer survivor, Helen Eddleman 3-6-2010
Our lives have recently interfaced more on Facebook and email. We were once limited to connecting with each other at high school reunions. I hope that you will enjoy her poems as I have as you see a small window into her life. Thank you to all caregivers and encouragers out there.
Dottie