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Angel On The Ground

One chilly night, my young son crawled into my bed and we cuddled under the covers. As we talked one of us said to the other, "You're my angel on the ground." I honestly don't remember who said it, but I loved the thought that angels could be guiding us here on Earth as well as from above. Our "angels" don't just comfort us during the rough times; they uplift our spirits and triumph in our victories along with us. The phrase stuck in my head for months before it gave birth to this poem.

Glimmer Of Hope

Hurricane Katrina left an indelible mark in the late summer of 2005. The devastation left thousands without homes or jobs, and for some, without loved ones. Despite all of the tragedy, not all of the stories and images on the television news were heartbreaking. In a time of such horrific loss, people from all over the country and the world pulled together in hopes of restoring some of what Mother Nature so violently destroyed. It reminded me of what can happen when a glimmer of hope smolders among the ashes.

Shattered lives and shattered hearts
Shattered worlds torn apart
Tattered clothes and tattered dreams
Life blown asunder, so it seems

From the dark of night, all is lost
Devastation too high to count the cost
Yet amidst all the misery that abounds
A glimmer of hope can somehow be found

In an open heart and an outstretched hand
A compassionate smile helps us understand
We're not alone in our desperate plight
Someone can help us win our fight

With a little faith and a little hope
We'll find some peace and a way to cope
Thanks in part to someone who cared
Who was willing to give and willing to share

Sleep Tight, My Little Darling

One of my favorite poems, "Sleep Tight My Little Darling," evokes a familiar endearing feeling, as do many of our favorite lullabies. I would sometimes recite this poem to my son as he was falling asleep, wondering where his dreams would take him.

Sleep tight, my little darling
May your dreams take off in flight
As you cuddle to your pillow
Your face glows softly by night-light

I kiss your forehead gently
As to not disturb your dreams
Maybe you could bring me back
A rainbow or some moonbeams

Sleep tight, my little darling
May your dreams be just as sweet
As the child here before me
Nestled gently in the sheets

When the world begins to crumble
And my wings can't take off in flight
Your gentle love envelopes me
Until I know I'll be alright

Somehow you lift me up
And help me learn to fly again
You guide me with a love
That knows no boundaries or an end

And when the world is on my side
Life goes as I think it should
You're the first to say, "Let's celebrate"
Or "I always knew you could"

You're my angel on the ground
My slice of Heaven from above
The special gift God sent me
So I'd always feel His love

You're such a cherished gift to me
I can't tell you what you're worth
Except to say you're living proof
Angels do live here on Earth

A Bravery Pledge

When you think of bravery, what comes to your mind? If you're like most, it probably conjures up images of a firefighter running into a burning building to save a helpless victim… or maybe you envision a soldier in a fierce battle defending his country against a ruthless enemy. While they are certainly brave, I cannot deny the courage displayed by ordinary people facing their deepest and darkest fears head on. For me, my greatest fear is the possibility of letting my fear stand between me and my desired aspirations. Quite a rock and a hard place, huh?

Some think bravery is living without fear
But that is not true
Bravery is living despite the fear
Doing what needs to be done
Even though you're scared to death
Some can stand on the sidelines of life
And be content with what could have been
But never was and that is not me

I will not look back at the end of my life
Thinking of what could have been
I vow to live my dreams no matter what
I will stand up and be counted
Even when I'm one of the few
Or standing all by myself
I will proudly state before God and all who see
This is who is am and what I want to be

I will stand proudly in the batter's box
On the baseball field of my dreams
And I will not cower at the thought of being hit
Or feel ashamed if I should strike out
If I do not achieve all that I desire
It will not be for lack of courage or effort
I will go down swinging
As if my life depended on it

But if all I want is meant to be
Then I will hit a home run
That will not only echo in my heart and mind
But in all of those who were destined
To witness my success
And maybe in that moment
Courage will be found in another
Searching for the strength to be brave

Keeper Of The Flame

This poem is dedicated to my grandmother, Dorothy - otherwise known as Mimi. She was my favorite relative as a child and we had a very special relationship. In fact, I was her favorite grandchild - but let's not mention that to my brothers or cousins. It will just be our little secret. I have so many wonderful memories, like when she used to sing to me or when she used to let me crawl into bed during nap time - and we'd snuggle. Sadly, during the last few years of her life, she suffered from dementia. Debilitating like Alzheimer's disease, it robs the mind of its wisdom and memories. She didn't even know who I was the last time I saw her. I can only hope that she can remember now from the other side.

Through the years we've shared so much
The laughter and tears and each loving touch
The moments we had left its mark on my soul
All of life's celebrations and the heartbreaking blows
Were etched in my memory and I thought in yours, too
Until this horrific disease robbed it from you
As your memories grow dim and you don't know my name
I will vow to remember, I'll be the keeper of the flame
Our memories will thrive if I've got anything to say
And I'll relay our cherished stories until my dying day
So all will know just how much we once shared
And that nothing can rob us of the way that we cared
I'll remember for you and often pray for a time
When the flame of our memories can be rekindled in your mind