The March Slice of Life Challenge is hosted by Stacey and Ruth at their blog,
Two Writing Teachers. - finale! See you on Tuesdays!
It’s been such a month, everyone. Thank you for all your comments of support. I value the community, and cannot thank you both enough, Ruth and Stacey, for the chance to experience this wonderful group. For those who want to know, my husband is now in a safe and kind place for dementia residents. They call it home for the residents, and that is of comfort to me. He’s had his first night and day there and is okay, more settled. It’s been another tough week, but I am more comforted now knowing he will be cared for so lovingly.
I mostly go east when I drive home, so I often look in my rearview mirror, at the mountains and sometimes at sunsets. Yesterday when driving home, it struck me that this is a reflection of sorts, to look back, using the rearview mirror as my metaphor. I added a little silliness at the end; it's tricky to get this girl to stay still enough to peek into the mirror!
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| Here we go, leaving home! |
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| A long drive, on the flat of Denver, highway. |
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| See the mountains in the distance-my great view! |
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| Not exactly my rearview, she's the future! |
My rearview of this month:
roll·er coast·er – according to Merriam-Webster online
--an elevated railway (as in an amusement park) constructed with sharp curves and steep inclines on which cars roll
--something resembling a roller coaster; especially : behavior, events, or experiences characterized by sudden and extreme changes roller coaster
It’s been a roller coaster ride
with warmth of others at my side-
the highs of writing memories true
the lows of experiencing adieu
words of joy and words of sorrow
I don’t know what might happen tomorrow
yet I know that I choose living
and will continue to go on giving
to others who mean so much to me
regardless of how life turns out to be.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog each time I visit. You really do give your fellow bloggers inspiration - writing and otherwise. The first two lines of your poem hold so much meaning in this supportive community of writers. My best to you and your family. ~ Theresa
and remember "objects are closer than they appear" I will look forward to seeing you again on Tuesdays!
ReplyDeleteThe image of a rear view mirror is very apropos. We reflect on the journey as we go. Today we reflect on the month of March and the opportunity to slice together. I am thankful for getting to 'know' you better this month and look forward to continuing sharing our lives via our writing.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteTears are streaming down my cheeks. I've been thinking of you all week, waiting to hear how you really are. I think I hear peace in your writing and then I know I do with the glimpse of your "future" - Your future looks bright my friend, not always easy, but very, very bright!
Linda your journey this month has been monumental and I hope this writing community has given you an escape as well as support. God bless
ReplyDeleteLinda, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers as you have traveled many roads this month and some have been very rough. It's pretty fitting that you wrote this slice about the rear-view mirror...as I have envisioned you traversing one of the roughest roads life has to offer this month. I'm glad you can find the strenght to write about the present while looking to the future -
ReplyDeleteThe idea of the rearview mirror is thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteContinue walking each day with strength.
Lovely way to end the month -- I love that rear-view mirror look at the world.
ReplyDeleteKevin
Linda, you have bared your inner soul to us this month. You are a brave person who writes for comfort. I can tell by your words, you plan on making the best of a situation none of us want for our future. I love that you look at your granddaughter knowing it is important for you to make plans for your future and not give up. I wish you happiness.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is a beautiful poem that you wrote about your rearview of this month. I love how you wrote, " I choose living.." I'm so glad that you are part of this writing community. You have been so honest and open this month through your slices. Also, thank you for all your comments and reading my slices. I really appreciate it. Your friend in Seoul.
ReplyDelete--jee young
What a beautiful photo-poem. As the passenger rear view mirror says: things are closer than they appear. Thank for the inspiration and for sharing your lovely positive spirit.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteYour picture of the future made me smile. It has been a delightful month. Following slices I have heard so many stories that have touched my heard, taught me about craft, and helped me to see the importance of community. I have enjoyed stopping by and look forward to continuing to follow your story.
Cathy
I love your photos to go along with the poem....for your especially, it has been a roller coaster of a month. Take care of yourself--read you on Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteYour writing is so lovely, so honest, without being gushy - does that make sense? And what a gift to have the slice of life challenge this month when life was throwing challenges your way every day. Thank you for writing - your words have breathed grace into my days.
ReplyDeleteThank you for trusting this community with the details of your life this month. Physically we couldn't help, but mentally I hope you felt the support from each person who left you a comment. Your words are so thoughtful in your posts and comments. They touch everyone who reads you. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThat girl of yours is adorable, definitely a vision of the future! Your poem says it all, roller coaster or not, you choose living, giving, which says so much about you, your character, your wisdom. Thank you for being there in your own slices - so genuine and open - and your comments to others, including me. See you Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of looking through the rear view mirror is a great one. Lovely poem. Thank you for being here. I feel honored to have stopped at your blog and have you share your writings with us. Thank you for all of the support you have given to me in the past month!
ReplyDelete"I don’t know what might happen tomorrow
ReplyDeleteyet I know that I choose living" These are my favorite lines; maybe because they have become my motto as well! I believe that when you look into the rear view mirror, you will also see the reflection of the future.
Linda, you are a hero! I know this has been rough, but you have traveled the road with grace and wisdom. My life is enriched by your model. Thank you so much for your openness and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteYour granddaughter is a cutie! How did you take a picture of the road in your rearview mirror? At a traffic light?
God's peace to you, friend.
Wow, Linda, once again I'm amazed just by stopping by your blog. I love the reflection here and the positive look towards the future. You have so much to look forward to with those beautiful grandchildren. I'm glad your husband is somewhere you feel good about. I hope that gives you comfort.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Linda for sharing your challenges and supporting me in mine. Let's keep sharing,
ReplyDeleteBOnnie
Linda, thank you for this extraordinarily beautiful piece! I love the metaphor of the rearview mirror, I love the surprise of your grandchild's face in the mirror. Absolutely lovely. Your poem is poignant and so, so special. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou create, you give, you listen, you give, you care, you give, you encourage, you give. You have a big heart. Big, big heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
What beautiful poem and sentiments shared. So glad you know you through blogging. I love your outlook on life. Keep looking ahead. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the rear view mirror pics -- such a great metaphor! Your poem at the end is so beautiful and sums you up so well, from what I've come to know of you. I have loved exchanging comments with you and am looking forward to continuing to get to know you the rest of the year!
ReplyDeleteLove the rear view mirror metaphor. Also the poem of thanks and love. You are a blessing to all of us. Thanks for being an integral part of this community. I'll look for you on Tuesdays.
ReplyDeleteI love your images joined with your words. I love the way you persisted in your writing through the thick of things. In my own little world, I missed what has happened with your husband, only reading an unrelated post. May your rearview mirror shed light on the good, and may you continue to see hope in the present and future. Prayers for your peace. Maya
ReplyDeletehttp://meanderingmaya.blogspot.com/
what a great slice, and photos. It made me homesick a bit, for the mountains. I will not be leaving you in my rear view but still checking on you daily through your wonderful writing.
ReplyDeleteSending a hug,
Tammy
Love the creative photos -- looking back, but thinking of the future! Thank you for always giving, giving your words, your stories, your thoughtful comments. Take good care of yourself. See you on Tuesdays!
ReplyDeleteYour grace in the presence of adversity is incredibly inspiring. I'm glad to know your husband is in a safe place, as difficult as that might be. Your rearview mirror analogy is such a powerful one.
ReplyDeleteYou are one amazing lady and I'm so glad we met during this challenge. I look forward to continuing our conversations on Slice of Life Tuesdays!
I love that you really followed your metaphor through and photographed the mirror! What a cutie you found there :) Somehow you find peace, hope, and comfort in what is a difficult time in your life. Your words, your poetry is beautiful, as is the grace with which you carry yourself through this world.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful way to end the month of words. Thank you for all your inspiration. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYour final slice of the month is profound. I love the rear view mirror photos, along with the photo of the young lady who is the future!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your husband has settled in. I'm sure the adjustment will be hard. If there's a way I can help from a distance, then please let me know.
Until then, thanks for being an incredible part of this writing community, Linda.
Thanks very much to everyone for your comfort (my one little word). Among all the days, isn't it quite amazing that that's the word I chose, the one I most need? Cheers for a great April!
ReplyDeleteYou were one of the early posters and I'm very, very late. But I wanted to check in with you before I went to bed. I'm happy/sad as you must be. A relief that your husband is "home" in a safe, caring place. But the changes that have happened can mean a sadness for what is gone. But never live life looking in the rearview mirror. Glance there once, and then look ahead. There are lots of things ahead for you. You are a special lady! I'll keep you and your husband in my prayers. Just keep a picture of that little miss looking at you in the rearview mirror...the future! Read you on Tuesday. I'll be posting on A to Z Challenge this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna, they are good words to hear! I just spoke to you on your post! Good luck with the A to Z!
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful metaphor. I loved the last picture. My heart aches for you, and rejoices in your strength. I am glad your husband is in a place that will give him loving care.
I hope our friendship brings you comfort. I know your generosity of spirit blesses all of us who you have touched.
Yes, I actually have returned to some of the earlier words you wrote. I know you understand some of what I've experienced because of your experience, so it helps immensely. Thanks Ruth. I really do enjoy your stories!
DeleteWhat a fabulous way to sum up the slicing experience. And I love that rear view shot of the future. Someday, perhaps, we 'll meet face to face ,Linda, and plot a book together!
ReplyDelete