We Rise with Tears

10/8/2024

Hello, blog friends~

Today is Tanka Tuesday, and I've another poem to share. Writer Sadje holds the magic wand this week, and she's offered a thought-provoking prompt: I’d like you to write a syllabic poem about something that brought a big change in your life.

My life path has zigzagged and circled around much of the country. So, choosing one specific, life altering moment is complicated. The mountains I've faced have been high and the valleys correspondingly low. That said, there are four life changing markers - the births of each of my children. Three sons and a daughter. They, above all else, have helped craft how I see life.

My once red hair now glistens white. Loved ones have passed, but in their stead, grandchildren run freely. The ebb and flow of life has never been more real, and my poem attempts to capture that reality.

Photos through the years... beginning with the sixties and ending in the eighties. 🌞

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and so I share personally. Three of my siblings and I deal with cancer. Three of my cousins are in treatment as well. My beautiful daughter-in-law is fighting for her life, each day a rare treasure.

None of us know how long we may live, but surely, we can laugh when we can, forgive frequently, and rise with our tears. Tomorrow is another gifted day.

My poem . . .

I hope you have a wonderful week. Blessings to you and yours. ❤️

37 Comments

Selma

10/8/2024 20:21:37

The photos are so precious Gwen. And the poem is everything beautiful. Your narrative: hugs. Be well my friend. Blessing you. Xo, Selma

Gwen

10/8/2024 20:40:32

Thank you, dear Selma, for your heartwarming comment. ❤️

Priscilla Bettis link

10/9/2024 04:19:23

Oh Gwen, this poem is so powerful. And your photos are precious!

Gwen

10/9/2024 05:17:01

Thank you, Priscilla. I'm pleased you liked the poem - and the photos. 😊

Sadje link

10/9/2024 07:16:08

A beautiful poem, succinctly encapsulating your life’s important highs and lows. Thanks for joining in Gwen.

Gwen

10/9/2024 08:28:09

It was a pleasure, Sadje. Your prompt evokes reflection. 😊 Thank you.

Dan Antion link

10/9/2024 07:38:28

Wonderful photos, Gwen and a great way of looking at life. Best wishes for all of you.

Gwen

10/9/2024 08:28:41

Thank you, Dan. Blessings.

Liz Gauffreau link

10/9/2024 07:58:34

I was very moved by this post, Gwen. I could feel your spirit coming through it. I'm so sorry to hear that you and members of your family are dealing with cancer.

Gwen

10/9/2024 08:30:57

We've almost become a family within a family, and each of us have chosen our own path via treatment. We know each other in a different way now. ❤️

Pete Springer link

10/9/2024 08:14:12

I just lost a good friend to breast cancer at age 48, so I especially appreciate your sentiments today, Gwen. It's tragic how many families are affected by cancer. Your words are perfect, and who can't appreciate these photos? My favorite is the last one, particularly as a new, first-time grandparent.

Gwen

10/9/2024 08:33:32

The young ones suffer the most because their cancer spreads quickly. With the older of us, it moves slowly and is more treatable. I'm so sorry about your good friend. Enjoy every moment of grandparenting -- it's the best! ❤️

Tim Dittmer link

10/9/2024 08:25:13

Fabulous photos, Gwen, and your poem is wonderful.

Gwen

10/9/2024 08:34:00

Thanks so much, Tim. 🌞

John Howell link

10/9/2024 10:01:41

I only know you with silver hair, Gwen so to see the red is a change. Such beautiful photos of you and your babies. Your poem is wonderful and carries with it the sad news about your family. We do have to treasure each day.

Gwen

10/9/2024 11:18:26

Absolutely, John - treasure each day. Thank you for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. 🌞

Annette Aben

10/9/2024 14:37:35

God Bless us, everyone!

Gwen

10/9/2024 16:36:28

Absolutely! ❤️❤️❤️

Jacqui Murray link

10/9/2024 14:43:03

Such a true poem. I used to focus too often on the tears. Now, it's an acceptance that whatever happens is for the best.

Gwen

10/9/2024 16:37:15

I'm with you on that, Jacqui. And in the acceptance is peace, blessed peace. ❤️

Balroop Singh link

10/9/2024 15:51:40

Thank you for showing me the positive aspect of life through this lovely post, Gwen. Awesome pictures and beautiful memories! Thanks for sharing.

Gwen

10/9/2024 16:38:03

Thank you so much, Balroop. Blessings. . .

Thomas Wikman link

10/9/2024 16:20:12

That is a very beautiful and evocative poem. Children indeed change your life drastically even for a man. Congratulations on your four beautiful children and your grand children and I am sorry to hear about the cancer you and so many in your family are struggling with.

Gwen

10/9/2024 16:40:16

Thank you, Thomas. I'm doing well, as are many in my family. Just a couple of us - the younger ones - are suffering with the cancer. The older of us have slow moving cancer and it's much easier to treat. ❤️

Jan Sikes

10/10/2024 20:13:30

Children do alter our lives for sure. I love all of these photos, Gwen. So precious. Prayers for all dealing with cancer. Fantastic poem!

Gwen

10/12/2024 03:26:46

Thanks so much, Jan. Our children (and grandchildren) are our delight. 😊

JulesPaige link

10/11/2024 08:31:48

There is a very long list in my family too of various cancers...
MIL had three - but lived into her 90's. Too many passed...
Currently an in law battling, but with limited results. Others with pre-conditions getting treated. It is indeed a tough road.
May we all extend our positive thoughts and blessings to those battling, as well as the medical professionals and families.
(((Hugs)))

Gwen

10/12/2024 03:28:42

Thank you very much, Jules. My Dad had breast cancer as well - and lived until he was 97. ❤️

JadeLi link

10/11/2024 11:22:41

Your photos are priceless, Gwen (you already know that though.) Parenthood suits you. In the way of things, darkness shares life with the light. So sorry to hear you and so many family members living with the ordeal/fight with cancer. Your poem brought tears to my eyes.

Gwen

10/12/2024 03:29:24

Thank you for your tender comment, JadeLi. ❤️

Freya Pickard link

10/12/2024 00:13:06

Beautiful poem, Gwen. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. (Post shared on X!)

Gwen

10/12/2024 03:30:21

Thank you, Freya, for your loving comment. ❤️

Yvette M Calleiro link

10/12/2024 09:02:08

Gorgeous poem, Gwen! And I agree with you - giving birth to precious little miracles is life changing!

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

Gwen

10/12/2024 10:08:47

So so true! Thank you, dear Yvette. 😘

willowdot21 link

10/13/2024 09:39:25

As always Gwen your words are full of wisdom. The birth of your children versus the fight against an illness...Cancer in particular for you....so many of us fight illness and injury. Thankfully they do not define us.
None of us know the hour of our death but we all know we must go. We don't know what's around the corner. Then suddenly something changes the balance and everything becomes important because we have an inclining of how long we have left. It challenges the mind to do all we can .... We should live every day like that as we never know where the line is even when we do 💜💜💜

.

Gwen

10/14/2024 08:44:09

Beautifully expressed, Willow. Thank you so very much for sharing as you have. Blessings to you and yours. ❤️

D. Wallace Peach link

10/14/2024 17:50:25

A beautiful post, Gwen. Poignant hardly covers it. I loved this line: "Loved ones have passed, but in their stead, grandchildren run freely." Your poem is beautiful. Wishing you and yours the best of health and peace in your journeys.

We Rise with Tears

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