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Tuesday, January 08, 2013

After (for Sarah)

When doctor after doctor
shrugs their white-coated
shoulders

and all they
can produce is
misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis,

and after they've prescribed
drug after drug
which don’t do anything
except make you groggy
and fat,

and all the distractions
that used to help
(like writing and music)
no longer work,
and it’s become
a mocking
frustration after frustration,

and it seems like every
hope after hope
only brings
inevitable
disappointment,

remember
there are rainbows
after every storm,
and sunrises
after every night,

and there will be
something else
after this dark period.

So, hold on, Sarah,
there will be better days
after these bitter days
have vanished.


[Posted for #OpenLinkNight at www.dversepoets.com, a poetic oasis in the arid internet wasteland.]

41 comments:

  1. So hard when there is something wrong and the doctors are wrong...it's happened to me. Frustration and an helpless feeling. I hope she hangs in there and I hope that they find the answer.

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    1. Thanks for the note of encouragement - I'll pass it along to her.

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  2. Touching and tender. So lovely. 'this stole my heart...'remember
    there are rainbows
    after every storm,
    and sunrises
    after every night,

    Yes.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, the trick is to remember the rainbow during the storm.

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  3. I'm so sorry y'all are going through this. I could feel your frustration in the beginning... the switch to comfort/hope is very effective.

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    1. Thank you - it's been a long eight years - roughly half her life now that I think of it - since her troubles were getting more troublesome.

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  4. without hope what do we have left...esp when we are walking that walk...its a hard one...and a hard one to find hope on as well...glad she has you shining that light for her

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    1. Thanks, my brother. Yes, these problems were not so obvious when she was younger, but they've gotten worse. Looking for the light.

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  5. Hoping that someone finally does make the correct diagnosis and there will be beautiful sunrises again for her.

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    1. Thanks, but as many doctors have said, a diagnosis is one thing, but a solution is another.

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  6. Anonymous10:46 AM

    Despite all the heaviness the underpinning hope does not break.

    Nice, very nice.

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    1. Thank you, I hope her hope doesn't fade into nothingness.

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  7. remember
    there are rainbows
    after every storm,
    and sunrises
    after every night...this really brought tears to my eyes..it's so true and yet in difficult times, we need someone to remind us..

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Claudia, I often need to remind myself that its only temporary (insofar as permanence doesn't really exist).

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  8. So sorry that you are going through this. Doctors are only so helpful I find--tell Sarah that this touched us all--and that there are sweeter times coming--sometimes we just need to hang on for a while

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    1. Thanks Diva, I will send along your encouragement.

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  9. So sorry Sarah is going through this and you must walk the journey of pain with her. I so understand it. My oldest daughter has been through it for years. But she is my rock and inspiration for the strength and grace she has shown through it all. Sending precious Sarah my thoughts and prayers.

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    1. It is a blessing to be the one who walks with her through this minefield. Often Anita feel like we're walking in a minefield. Thanks for your compassionate encouragement.

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  10. I hope for Sarah that the doctors get it right soon. Frustrating and hope-draining to be in this situation, the reminders at the end are much needed.

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  11. Oh it's so hard to see rainbows in the dark and better days beyond bitter ones. Thanks for the reminder. I hope for those days to come quickly for Sarah and for you.

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  12. The hardest thing to do is to stand by and watch someone you care about go through something you have no control over. Hoping the diagnosis is finally found and the light shines very soon for your dear loved one.

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    1. Thanks, Ginny - some days are better than others.

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  13. I could relate to this on so many levels, as one who deals with a chronic condition and as someone who's watched people she loves go through this horrendous experience. Sometimes just having someone to give a little encouragement or lend an ear really does help. Beautiful poem.

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    1. Thanks,
      I'll share your kindness with Sarah.

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  14. Yes, like Ayala, I have been through a similar experience, lost a year of my life to a "mystery" illness.. Finally the cause was discovered and was able to be fixed. So there is hope. Sending wishes to your Sarah (and you) that relief comes soon.

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  15. Anonymous8:01 PM

    Praying with you for those rainbows, sooner than later. Beautiful poem, poet friend. God bless you and yours and precious Sarah. - deb

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    1. Thanks, Deb - I'll take all the prayer I can get.

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  16. Anonymous9:46 PM

    How touching that you offer your never-ending devotion and strength this way. Hope does spring eternal. And I hope the light at the end of the tunnel appears soon...Bless. x

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    1. Thanks, and when it's your kid, you really don't have any choice in the matter - in a good way.

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  17. My prior attempt at commenting failed. What a lovely enouragement this is. Prayers for your friend.

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    1. Thanks, she's my 16 y.o. daughter *and* my friend. :)

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  18. How beautifully you share your love and support for Sarah. I relate completely. Two of my children were diagnosed, at age 17, with the same serious illness. Just now, at ages 30 and 27, they have a semblance of stability; their medications work most of the time and they are creating happy, productive lives for themselves. Tell Sarah it gets better, as I tell you, too. Blessings!

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    1. Thank you for sharing - may your blessings continue as well.

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  19. My mother has all the doctor's stumped, too. Wish there was something I could do...

    This was a heartwarming tribute to hope. & I hope they find something for your Sarah.

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  20. this is sad and beautiful, Mosk, with hope at the end. I love, love that last verse.

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  21. Such a beautiful poem! I love the hope at the end and I hope those better days come soon for Sarah.

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  22. Poignant piece of writing, Buddah. I am wishing for a speedy healing for your daughter.

    Pamela

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  23. this made me think of a line from a song which lent inspiration recently to my writing.
    "But I believe it’s darkest right before the dawn,
    And something inside me says keep holding on."
    (Keep Believing by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband)

    a truly lovely verse.

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