On January 16, 2004, I dedicated a poem to a dear friend. That was all she wanted for her birthday that year. My friend has been on my mind so much lately that I thought I would dedicate this blog entry to her. You see, after being the caregiver to the people in her life for a long time, she has recently begun what will likely be the toughest fight of her life - cancer treatment. She is handling it with grace and a faith that I find amazing to watch. Still, it's the hardest thing she's ever done and I wish I could make it better. Those of us who are blessed to call her friend can't go through it for her, but I hope that she knows that we will be there to help in any way that we can.
Daughter, sister, mother, friend,
we've only just begun.
Lover, carpool driver, wife,
you're all of them, each one.
Caregiver and our solid rock,
you nurture those you love.
Fiercely loyal, always giving,
yet it never seems to be enough.
You push yourself, demanding more
than we feel we can give.
If we were asked to do the same,
we wonder how we'd live.
But, as you know, the strength is there,
just waiting for life's call,
because in times of dire need,
a woman tends to give her all.
And though you may not always hear
the thanks that are your due,
those of us you've touched with love
are constantly inspired by you.
Those times when you don't really feel
appreciated, when
you're all alone and you're quite sure
your rope has reached its end,
just read these words for comfort, peace,
though words can't make it right
and know you can reach out to me,
friend, morning, noon or night.
I love you, my friend.
