Throughout my life I have been blessed to meet so many incredible people. They are successful, creative, or just plain wonderful for the love they give. It is easy to remember them for their presence and tangible gifts that I see, hear or receive. Sometimes the most inspiring people to me are the ones that touched many people before me and now journey a path that only a few share with them. They have gone from a dynamic individual, and often a life of service for their family, their community, their church, or for the nation, to a journey much different than the one they once lived. They have gone from their peak of greatness to their physical and mental decline. By the time we meet their abilities are so different than who they once were and who others believed them to be. Some are loved unconditionally, yet many are caught in the emotional struggle of family. Loved ones often fear losing them as they were, and fear seeing them in who they have become. Nursing has blessed me to see the beauty in their journey and to be touched by their spirits presence regardless of the frail physical form. Today I write in honor of the gift of love they give me in sharing their presence.
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Ode to an Elderly Women
Living within the wrinkled flesh
Sitting before me looking a mess,
Sucking oxygen to take the next breath.
Hair gray and thin crumpled in a birds nest.
Spoken words inaudible
Rotting odor on your breath.
Eyes glassed over as your
Spirit gazes back at me.
I hear it say, “I’m almost free!”
Your earthly years old and wise
Your soul’s life far beyond the human mind.
What a journey your life has been,
A mother, a wife, a business women,
Who survived life’s strife.
Once a beauty that men craved,
You would flash a smile and wear the fashion craze.
Now a sack of bones that just break,
As your dirty clothing hides your loving grace.
Once athletic, chasing your dream,
Now locked in your past is all you see.
Who you are today you do not know
But the past memories give you a loving glow.
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Ode to a Veteran
A man so proud who went off to war
A strong man, husband, father and so much more.
Now shattered, limbless, with an injured brain,
You smile with joy as if you were the same.
Your earthly years young compared too many
Your body worn from the anger of war.
You valiantly gave your physical form
For the love of country that you adore.
Your soul’s life far beyond the human mind.
What a journey you have embarked
As you left your life behind.
The gifts from God is all you see
As I greet your spirit each time we met.
My journey regardless of length in time
Has been blessed by the smile you shine.
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These poems do not represent any one person. They are a collection of characteristic that are commonly seen in many clients. Namaste, mary
God Is I Am 
What a wonderful tribute.
Hugs,
mei
Thank you Mei! It is interesting to me that when I was a young nurse I could only see the lack in their life. Now all I see is the gifts they offer and the expression of their spirit. Many Blessings to you, xoxoxo mary
My life story rests within, regardless my age or circumstance. Who I am has nothing to do with where I am.
I love this, Mary, and am reminded of an article I was reading just this morning about Angelina Jolie. There was much fruhah (sp) around her recent choice, but the article quoted her as saying something like, ‘my children may notice the scars, but the rest is just mommy’. In that sentence, not only did I learn something about Angelina, I was reminded of the truth that is real beauty. Beauty doesn’t change and beauty is more than skin and bones (far more than the limitations of our eyesight)……it runs sweetly through the core of us. The only limitation is our ability to comprehend (to embrace). Bless you for looking deeper.
As I might have mentioned before, I volunteer teach at an ‘adult recovery center’. It is a place of lost dreams and ideals, but I have come to understand that within everything and every person, beauty flourishes. Sometimes, our real call to service is in seeing that and helping someone else see it in their own eyes. It may be something as simple as a compliment on haircolor or nailpolish. It may be the chance we get to ask a question we know the answer to, so that another feels a power (a hope) they thought was lost.
Always, we are given the choice to see, and the arms to reach beyond our own. I love this, and you, Mary. ~ Ever, Bobbie
Hi Bobbie,
Thank you for your response. I agree we are so much more than what we see…and we need to accept ourselves first before others will accept our inner beauty. It is ironic that when I was young and attractive I could not see myself that way. Now I have far greater confidence and acceptance of who I am. It is a nice place to be.
It sounds like you are doing great work. Your poetry is a gift and your volunteer work is another wonderful way to give to other. Namaste, mary
Quite beautiful, Mary. It brings home how precious are the many small human interactions we have and how our masks so delicately conceal the great treasure within us all. With light.
James.
Thank you James, Namaste Mary
Brilliant tribute! Beautifully written!
Thank you! Namaste mary
Such a lovely tribute our elderly whose lives and experiences have enriched our own. 😉
Yes…it is the elderly who has helped create the life I live today. Many blessings to you and your family. Thank you for visiting. I love watching your travels and your beautiful family. Namaste, mary
This is incredibly beautiful. So well written. Thank you for sharing!
Namaste. Gina
Thank you for taking the time to read them. Namaste, mary