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Unseen Gifts

12/9/2025

38 Comments

 
Hello, dear blog friends ~

I've been a bit quiet of late, tending to "life" concerns in the extended family. There's been plenty of laughter, but the days have also known many tears. Sometimes, with the mix of emotions, I find peace in silence and tend to rest in that sacred place.

Earlier this week, I learned that dear writer friend, Joan Hall, passed away. We had communicated the day before, and her kindness filled my heart. She was a holy person, someone who pursued and lived the great virtues. I know she rests in peace, for that is how she lived - loving and supporting others through her kindness. ❤️

Yvette offers the Tanka poetry prompt for this week.  She asks that participants focus on the word gift. You can read her instructions here. With Joan in mind, I've written a poem about the gifts we don't see but hold dear.

My simple Tanka: 
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Have a wonderful week, dear friends. Consider yourself hugged. 🤗
38 Comments
Rall link
12/9/2025 05:41:51

A lovely tribute to your friend Joan. May she rest in peace.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
12/9/2025 07:42:30

Thank you so much, Rall. I'm sure she's embracing angels. ❤️

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Ron. link
12/9/2025 07:10:09

Tankalicious work. The best gifts are those that can't (& don't need to be) wrapped.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/9/2025 07:43:11

Thank you, Ron. I couldn't agree more. ❤️

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Staci Troilo link
12/9/2025 07:32:03

That's a beautiful tribute, Gwen. Sending YOU cyber hugs.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/9/2025 07:43:44

Thank you, dear Staci. I'm sending one to you as well. ❤️

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Priscilla Bettis link
12/9/2025 07:37:22

Gwen, this is a beautiful tribute to Joan. Your poem honors her friendship and kindness ... Joan's gifts to all who knew her.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/9/2025 07:44:29

Thank you, Priscilla. She was a gentle, kind soul. ❤️

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shaun link
12/9/2025 18:51:26

A nice tribute. 👏

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Gwen M. Plano
12/10/2025 04:09:56

Thank you, Shaun.

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Harmony Kent link
12/10/2025 04:29:36

A beautiful poem and tribute to Joan. She will be missed deeply. Thanks for sharing your lovely words and thoughts, Gwen.
I’m sorry you continue to have so much going on and keep you in my thoughts and heart, dear friend. With love and hugs 💜💜💜

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
12/10/2025 06:05:46

Thank you, dear Harmony. You've been in my thoughts, and I hope you are doing better. Sending hugs and love ❤️🤗❤️

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Yvette M Calleiro link
12/10/2025 04:31:21

Your poem is so beautiful and such a lovely tribute to Joan. She was a wonderful human being. Sending hugs your way... XOXO

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

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Gwen M. Plano
12/10/2025 06:06:44

Thank you, dear Yvette. Joan was a lovely and loving person. ❤️

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Dan Antion link
12/10/2025 06:31:09

That's a lovely tribute to Joan. The number and sincerity of tribute posts are a testament to her kind and giving nature. I only shared a few comments and replies with her, but she was always kind and thoughtful.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/10/2025 07:31:00

Thank you, Dan. She was a dear friend via the writing community. Most of us never meet, but we tend to feel like family because we read each other's books. What a gift!

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Timothy Watson Dittmer link
12/10/2025 06:48:15

Wonderful poetry, Gwen! It's so sad that Joan Hall passed away.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/10/2025 07:32:41

Thank you very much, Tim. She was a lovely person and great writer. We'll all miss her contributions.

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D.L. Finn
12/10/2025 09:02:50

This was a beautiful tribute for Joan, Gwen. Sendingl those cyber hugs right back to you xo

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Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 09:40:45

Thank you, dear Denise. She will be missed by family, friends, and our writing community.

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Jan Sikes
12/10/2025 09:41:21

What a beautiful poem in honor of Joan, Gwen. She will be missed by so many. Thank you for sharing these beautiful words.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 09:39:39

Thank you, Jan, for your kind words. Indeed, she will be missed by many.

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Liz Gauffreau link
12/10/2025 10:28:18

I was saddened to hear of Joan's passing. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Your post is a beautiful tribute to her life and spirit.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 09:39:03

I was stunned and deeply saddened when I hear of Joan's passing. She was part of our writing family.

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Mae Clair
12/10/2025 12:40:40

This is a beautiful tribute to Joan, Gwen. Both your opening, and the Tanka poem. Thank you sharing and honoring her memory.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 09:37:21

Thank you, Mae. When Joan comes to mind, my heart opens -- she carries a special love for all of us.

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John W. Howell link
12/10/2025 14:01:34

A lovely tribute to Joan, Gwen. Her passing was a complete surprise. Given her faith, I believe she will be happy and at peace with God.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 09:36:13

Thank you, John. I suspect she's with the angels and free of all her earthly pain.

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Thomas Wikman link
12/10/2025 14:52:15

What a beautiful post and beautiful poem. I am so sorry for your loss.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 09:35:33

Thank you, Thomas, for your kind words.

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Pete Springer link
12/10/2025 23:22:29

I think Dan's comment is spot on. The reason so many people send their well wishes to Joan's family is because she was an exemplary blogging friend to many.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 09:35:03

Thank you, Pete, for adding to Dan's comment. So, so true--an exemplary blogging friend to many.

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Annette Aben link
12/11/2025 07:54:42

Amen. I am certain that Joan is in such a state of joy, that she wishes nothing less for everyone.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 09:33:51

What a beautiful comment, Annette. I am certain as well. ❤️

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willow link
12/11/2025 12:08:48

I am so sorry bforbyour loss Gwen, I did not know Joan but it is obvious that she gifted you and many others with her love 💜💜

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
12/11/2025 14:18:07

Thank you, Willow, for your sweet words.

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Robbie Cheadle
12/14/2025 10:22:00

HI Gwen, Joan's loss is devastating. Your poetic tribute is beautiful. Sending you love and light.

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Paul Cannon link
12/15/2025 17:30:15

Perfect Gwen, a beautiful poem for Joan.

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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