Tribute to Dad and all who Graciously Serve

Tribute to Dad and all who Graciously Serve

Dad on bottom row, far left with his comrades of the 489th Bomber Group

I am a daughter
and a veteran's biggest fan

Dad was only twenty-two
what a brave, courageous man

He fought the good fight
so we could live free

All those in uniform
sacrificed dearly for me

His missions were flown
over Germany and France

So we could enjoy freedom
and have half a chance

Thirteen missions flown
by the eighth Army Air-Force

Halesworth, England
would be their 'said course'

Many close calls
would threaten their day

They kept persevering
and made sure to pray

Remember to thank those
who fought despite fear

Not only on Memorial day
but everyday of the year

This is a re-post of a Poem I wrote in May of 2011

Re-Post for dVerse Poet's OLN #98
Thank You to all Veteran's whose courage entitles us the freedoms we are afforded.

Twin Prank on my Old Boyfriend

This weekend I'm on vacation for the Memorial Holiday. Every year my sister and I and her two kids stay at a resort in Northern Wisconsin. It's a trip we look forward to all year long.

Last night we went to a restaurant that we've been going to for many years here. We bumped into my ex-boyfriend's mom and dad and started chatting.  I instantly had butterflies in my stomach, wondering if my ex would soon walk in.  A few moments later his mom said, "Ryan is on his way here, he should be walking in any minute." I put on a a big smile and said, "great, it will be so nice to see him." Like a school girl I whispered to my sister, "I'm so nervous, even after all these years."

Ryan and I met each other at this very restaurant about fifteen years ago. The Beechmoor was just a block away from my sister and her now~ ex-husband's cabin. The break up between Ryan and I was mutual but not easy. We were very attracted to each other and had a lot of fun, but it wasn't enough to make up for the big differences. Through the years I've never forgotten him~ and knew someday I'd eventually bump into him here where his parents have a cabin.

Be it my nerves mixed with a few beers~ and you have twin sisters hatching a plan for the reunion. We thought it might be fun to pretend Laura was me when he showed up. My heart started beating fast when I saw him walk in the front door. He headed right over to his parents~ just across from sis and I. Once Ryan's parents told him sis and I were there, he came right over. Laura immediately says, "It's been a while~ so just a reminder, I'm Linda and that's Laura," "I know your Linda, I dated you, how could I not remember that." I started feeling guilty right away. "She's just kidding, I'm Linda and that's Laura," I said.  It went back and forth with Laura continuing to say she was me, and me trying to convince him that I was really Linda."

 The plan to trick Ryan ended up snowballing because I wimped out. The minute I saw that handsome face, I just didn't have the heart to play out the rouse, which in turn backfired and became a bigger prank. The poor guy looked so confused by the time we wrapped up the conversation. I plan to make it right next time I bump into him.

Moving through the Darkness

The Dark, Dank  tunnel
encloses her like a tomb                                                                

'What if's' echoing
off walls of  desperate doom

Whirling, Swirling, Twirling
getting sucked further down the hole                

Bloody from white knuckling
  fighting for control

Breathe...Release...Live
a voice speaks in the night

Every day's a precious gift
no matter what the fight

Light slowly returning
to the vessel, that was home

Spit out like a piece of chewing gum
she no longer feels alone

Like a movie in slow motion
the messenger began...

Everything looks good

no cancer on your scan





Update on my latest scan: Hi all, I am happy to report that my scan was good. The oncologist did see two itsy bitsy spots on the right lung but this is common for me. It seems that every other scan has spots of some kind. She said the spots are probably due to my allergies and she's not worried at all.

I use to break down whenever I was told I had spots but I am learning to let go more and more with every year I am cancer-free. I do have to go back in six months instead of 12 which is protocol with any abnormal scan, but better safe than sorry and I like knowing they are on top of my lung health.

Thanks to all of you that have supported me throughout my cancer journey. Your thoughtful messages and comments mean the world to me.

God Bless and Remember~ Live Every Day to the Fullest.




Written for dVerse Poets
Open Link Night #97

Waiting is the Hardest Part...

Emotions race up and down
like a crazy roller coaster ride

This week of waiting~hard...
leaves body and soul feeling fried

Trying to find ways
to forget about the fear

Prays to her dear Lord
"keep it at bay," ~wipes a tear

Every cough, wheeze or cold
creates visions of darkest doom

Even after nine years clean
swallowed in a cloud of gloom

We can do this...
just two more days

of walking around
in a zombie-like haze

I have too much to do
too much to say...

To let this disease
take it all away

I am loved and needed
people count on me

That's the hardest part
of this cancer  j o u r -n e y

I'll walk into that office
with head held high

Hoping results show...
it's not time to die

Written for dVerse Poets
Open Link Night~#96




  

Reflections of a Beautiful Mother's Day

What a perfect Mother's Day for my sister and I. This year we decided to 'really do' what we wanted to do. It's easy to fall into doing things the kids want to do, out of habit. For example, cooking a family favorite meal for the kids or going out to eat where they want to go. This year we stuck to our guns and did exactly what we wanted.

Our first stop was at a local grocery store/gas station~ for a coffee or soda pop. Next we headed out to the Farmers Market in Minneapolis. There is something so exciting about walking around the grounds and taking in all the sights, sounds and scores of people. At the Market~ we shopped, ate, people watched, and I even danced to a live musician. The talented singer and guitarist was singing Bob Marley tunes and I just couldn't help myself. Our favorite food stops include:  Deep Fried French Fries, Roasted Corn, Brats and Grilled Tortilla's~ topped with favorite sauces from the taco bar.

Next we drove to the 'West End' area which is a fancy block with upscale stores and restaurants. We did a little shopping and then stopped to have a bite at a Mexican Restaurant.

When we arrived home we all sat outside on lawn chairs. The weather was a perfect mild 68 degree's which is dreamy for us Minnesotan's. The kids pulled out two cards: one for Mom and one for me, Auntie Mom. I read my card out loud first, then sis read hers. Talk about touching cards that got us all choked up. As if the beautiful cards weren't enough, now the kids handed us a pretty pink flowered 'Bath and Body Works' gift bag. It was filled with a peach candle, great smelling body lotions and body sprays.

It was a special Mother's Day for my sister and I because we did what we wanted most: We spent quality time with the kids. What a blessing it has been to help raise my sister's two children these past nine years. They have been some of the best years of my life.

Farmers Market

Hot Caramel @ Cinnamon Rolls

My niece on left w/best friend

My Handsome Nephew~ taken @ Prom

Sis getting Roasted Corn

Soul-Mate

You wandered in
and caught my eye

Ordered a Mocha

from the Caribou guy

Jet black hair
with eyes of blue

Made my heart
skip a beat or two

Faded blue jeans
tight t-shirt

Couldn't help myself
and wanted to flirt

How can I meet him?
my plan was in store

I carefully placed
a pen on the floor

When the time was right
to make him my own

I turned off my lap top
and grabbed my fresh scone

Made my way to his table
with plan of mishap

I tripped on the pen
and fell in his lap

The rest of my story
'is history' as they say

Been married for years
and in love till this day

Written for dVerse Poets: Open Link Night

My Nephew's First Prom

I can't believe the time has already come when one of my twin sister's children is attending their first prom. Jacob is not just my nephew but my Godson as well. I've been a big part of raising Jacob and his younger sister, so you can imagine how emotional it was seeing Jacob off to his first prom. 

The parents and kids started the night out together~ for picture taking. It was held at a Country Club in the area. Between sis and I, we got many incredible photo's. We took group shots as well as couple shots. 

After pictures they all headed out to the Carlson Towers for the prom dinner and dance. Jacob drove the family Kia, Sedona,  for he and Andrea and two other couples. After the dance, Jacob's group headed to a friend's house. Sis and I were happy to hear the parents were there. They ate snacks throughout the night and played various games. Jacob didn't get to bed until 3:00 A.M.~ but that was ok with Mom and Auntie Mom~As long as we knew there was no alcohol or drugs, we didn't care how late he stayed up. 

Jacob/Andrea

Jacob and his Two Mom's

Jacob/Andrea

My Handsome Nephew/Godson

Jacob and Good Friend Rollie

The Group Photo

Time really flies by, so remember to live each day to the fullest. It seems like just yesterday that I was holding baby Jacob in my arms.

Happy May Day Minnesota

HAIKU

Rain, Sleet Snow and Slush
May Day in Minnesota

Real, or Just a Dream?

Written for Dverse Poets Pub (Prompt: Spring)