Yesterday, Shadowlands not only gave me awards, but described my blogs in the most complimentary way. During the time before my Mother died I had received a couple of other awards. At that time, my days and nights were clouded and I didn’t always have the time to acknowledgement the kindness shown me.
The awards are very much appreciated, but even more important are the people who gave them to me. Your responses to what I write allow me to know I am not alone in the world of grief or on my journey toward the twilight of my life. Every step of the way all of you have been there for me. There never is a limitation to the time you give to express your thoughts about caring or even to thank me for giving you something to think about that usually, you haven’t wanted to think on. It is time that I thank you–
Instead of responding to my wonderful awards in the usual manner, I prefer to give back to who gave to me. In other words, I have begun
The First Annual Frank E. Bell Awards
So, imagine you are now walking out of your home dressed in some fine, formal garb, hair and nails freshly fixed or if you are a guy you have trimmed your moustache and put on your patent leather dress slippers, tux and red silk bow tie!! Sure, if you are very creative you can already see the dinner table set at the awards with a black faile cloth to the floor, Baccarach glasses, sterling silver flatware, silver opera chairs with black cushions and a breathtaking arrangement of multi-white roses and white dendrobian orchids in the center of table. Since this is a fantasy, just order whatever you want to eat. Relax and enjoy every tender morsel of tenderloin, lobster, rack of lamb or other special dish that you want.
Carefully pat your lips, sit back because now you are to receive your awards.
The awards for this occasion are yours and need nothing else done, except to realize how special all of you are!!! Without your support my blogs would never have been recognized on Technorati or WordPress, but your support went much further than having my blogs on Technorati.
l
I have been touched by Shadowlands’ strength and courage and ability to give me her time when my heart was hurting so badly. She walked me through the darkness one feels in the beginning of grief and guided me so that I understood that grief has many paths and many parts to travel through. We each are still journeying to the day we will feel more settled and secure in our feelings. God provided her with many talents–writing is one, but compassion for others is paramount! Is thank you enough?
During those first days in November I always went back to the computer to the blog surfer checking to see if Linda had posted. Her stories, particularly about herself or EmmaLou brought a smile to my face, regardless of how grey I felt the day. I am sure there were times she was busy at school, but whenever I could post a poem or thought Linda answered with her support and love. Thank You.
And one day I went to see Sparkle and from that moment I learned about her life which parallels mine. One day I realized Sparkle was grieving for the Mother she never had, while I was grieving for the special Mother I had. Together we have compared our feelings and walked down a path of grief with a special understanding for each other.
During that last week of my Mother’s life and on from there Lynda sent me many emails letting me know she was there and praying for me. I am in awe of her and the rest of you because without your prayers life may have not been so good. Lynda is unbelievably accepting of people and opens her heart to them. She takes some great photos–I miss seeing them on her blog, but she will begin again when she can.
Early on I found “The Clock Struck One”, Dahlip’s success at sharing his story about how his life changed after his stroke. He writes truthfully and tries also to include helpful hints for other stroke victims. He is to be applauded for his work. If you haven’t visited his site, please do so…….there may be a day when you can suggest to a stroke victim to visit his site. His story paralleled my Mother’s thoughts and fears after she had her major stroke. She was happy to know some one was trying to tell people how stroke can cause you to feel alone, depressed and worthless, but that there are ways for coming back and having a life.
Oh, yes, sometime soon you will have dessert. Use your imagination again, or better yet go to your kitchen and whip up a souffle. EmmaLou is waiting for hers Linda!!
<
Within Crepusculum 