To read an introduction and access the Shorts index, click here: Shorts: Introduction
Dedicated to all who suffer in silence...
Which isn't silent at all...
The torment is a far scream from quiet...
You are heard...
You are not alone...
We are not alone...
Monday, 5/15/23
Chipmunk stands on deck rail
Surveying back yard
"I am Chippy!!"
"This is my kingdom!"
I wonder,
How far can chipmunk eyes see?
I feel sad
So, feel it
You miss living...
The mountain trips and biking
Occasional visits with friends
Going out to eat or to a movie
Maybe you can watch Guardians this week
I wish people I know
understood the misery
I live with
But I can still drive
I am still mobile
Occasionally I can even cook
I see Michele tomorrow
I pray,
God, direct us both as to
the next step
Ahh...
I am comparing
my current can'ts
to my once coulds
Other people's ables
to my disables
I just don't know
why I am still here
Am I to learn
that my worth, my value
is not dependent on
what I can give?
What determines
the value, the worth
of one person's life?
Wednesday, 5/17/23
Rough day
Another one
Bites the dust
But I had a good day
yesterday
Imagine two good days in a row
Or even three!!
God, I prayed
I asked for guidance
for yesterday
I thought we were on
the right track
I was hopeful
Then last night
I didn't sleep
during second-shift
Today was again met
with dizziness and nausea
On top of weakness, pain, fatigue
Insomnia
I feel like I'm being poisoned
Am I?
With what?
Thursday, 5/18/23
Carol, you are divinely cared for
Recall the many times
an answer appeared from darkness
Sometimes you were seeking
Sometimes not
But even with the nots
You recognized there was Something
Like Tuesday
The three encounters
with three young men
around the age of Son
each one
The first walked with you
down the stone stairs
Part of Jomeokee Trial
He slowed his young,
fit pace to walk
with you, Carol
Y'all spoke about his work
about the trails
about the mountains
The second, from Florida,
spotted you at the rocks
The one place you were
a little concerned about
Like trail magic, he was there
to spot you
We talked about his work
about community
about trails and mountains
And the third, from Belgium
He inquired about your injury
When you answered it was a medical injury
His eyes looked keenly interested
Ends up, he's a pharmaceutical packaging rep
We had a pleasant conversation
Work, community, mountains
He had three days to wander the area
He inquired about other places to hike
I gladly shared
while he took notes
In these three encounters
none of us exchanged names
Yet, as strangers, we connected
with our hearts
Trail people are the best folks in the world
I was refreshed
And I felt hope for the next generation
Friday, 5/19/23
The masked bandit
Four legs
Inspecting the deck
Back and forth
I slept last night
Not without help
From my little pill friends
But I slept
And it felt good
May I be so bold to ask
For two nights in a row?
Saturday, 5/20/23
Lightning bugs
Flashing in trees
What was it like to see my first
Lightning bugs?
Little boy today
on the trail
thrilled and delighted
with a slug, ladybug, and moth
How do you feel Carol?
Grateful, but at the same time
a little sad
How does your body feel?
Oh that...
It hurts, especially
my hands
