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Being There





When emergency calls,
one's whole world falls;
life as one had known it
reality does not permit.

The caretaker rushes to protect,
hoping the professionals will detect
whatever has befallen the loved one,
to soon declare the battle won.

But the road is long,
the meds all wrong.
The patient is in distress,
the caretaker in a mess.

No matter the staff expertise
the caretaker's desire to please,
the patient's condition worsens,
feeling abandoned by all persons.

But then comes the light,
the gift of true sight,
as the patient says a prayer,
sees the loved one standing there.

No amount of professional care,
or cups of tea, a comb for the hair,
can equal the joy extraordinaire
of the loved one just being there.




Aesthete2000
10/07/2008

Author notes

For Edna and Hugh,
the best Rx in the world,
the loved one being there.

In a list

A contest entry

Words come alive when answered in kind.

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
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Comments

1 - 53 of 53

  • Denerica
    November 22, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Very true

    I work in a nursing home where it could be our mother, our father and yet this mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers have no one to visit them, and sometimes us caretakers take on that form, one lady recently is in the hospital now a mom and grandmother like me and yet was alone there, I have been the only visitor, maybe her sister too, but she couldn't stop holding my hand...captured so will in this write.


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      November 23, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      I do believe that those who work in nursing homes
      must be part angel, part big loving heart.
      You certainly fit that description!
      And people in that situation
      are so starved for affection!
      You surely make a difference
      evrey day!

      M-C


  • angelica silver member
    October 25, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Congratulations M-C on winning a BRONZE trophy for your great entry.
    HAHA That Yemassee is a real character, but we love him eh? How could we not no matter what character he is.
    Love Joan


  • Yemassee gold member
    October 24, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Lousy bronze. Why if it were me, know what I'd do? I'd send Huguenauties a mean IM saying they can shove that bronze where the sun doesn't shine! Why, I am so mad that my weird song didn't win! I mean, that was such a beautiful song, and that little toy guitar the guy had, that was SO precious!

    Life is one big bowl of humor to me. Congrats on the bronze.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 24, 2008

      Edit | Reply
      Ah, Yem. You are just jealous of the cool, green guy
      whose musette was honored. And, of course, you know
      I voted for Ima!

      That song needed Moxie for a sing-a-long!!!!!!!!

      Thank you!

      M-C

      • Yemassee gold member
        October 24, 2008

        Edit | Reply
        Good one! Yes, I think a lot of folk might say that Moxie tastes like that song sounds.

        Wow, if you gave a vote to Sir Ima and Mariza did, that probaBLY MEANS NO ONE ELSE DID! I shall get my revenge on them in this next contest! Time to write another poem about tossing people down wells!

        • Aesthete2000 gold member
          October 24, 2008
          Edit | Reply
          No, not the well theme! Horror of horrors!

          I am sure we were joined by like thinkers
          who thought Ima's might attract more votes
          than the song in need of Moxie, which would
          have needed swing voters!!!


  • catz Moderators member
    October 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is so true. When we're ill, in the hospital, no amount of medicine can cure like the tenderness of a loved one standing by

    a lovely poem and the pictures are wonderful with it

    Dee


  • lordoftherings gold member
    October 22, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    We shoukld send this one around for all caregivers in our lives and show them how much we appreciate them. Beautiful take on healing.

    Gregg


  • J aime Coudre silver member
    October 22, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Wonderful prayer for our Queen...


  • Aesthete2000 gold member
    October 21, 2008
    Edit | Reply


    Sending a new prayer each day...


  • Blushfulmoon silver member
    October 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    excellent~

    Beautiful words on this get well poem for Edna
    love the artwork too
    I have up one for her too hope you drop by
    Best of luck in the contest
    Hugs
    Susan~~~


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 18, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you, Susan.

      And I loved the cheerful greeting you created
      with your "card."


  • Maureen silver member
    October 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    How right you are! When your loved one's there, and you know they care, sickness is much easier to bear!

    I enjoyed your poem and your art!

    Best wishes!
    <3 Maureen

  • mythicdreamer
    October 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is so true. I have done a little bit of care taking, and clearly remember standing beside an elderly gentleman -- great guy -- in the emergency room. The blood pressure reading was very low, but a phone call to his daughter and as soon as he heard her voice the pressure shot up and steadied. He was able to recover enough to make it a couple more weeks until all family had visited.
    There is some powerful medicine in love. Your poem says it all


  • Hinemoa silver member
    October 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Dear M-C, Beautiful words to ease the pain of dear Edna who is being well looked after by Hugh just as you describe.
    There's nothing like our loved ones walking through the door when one is in hospital. Your poem is lovely and the drawing magnificent.
    Hine


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 18, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you, so much, Hine1

      Right, some elements are irreplaceable.

      M-C


  • poetryality silver member
    October 15, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I agree with your sentiments here poet. There is no better place for Hugh than at Edna's side, even though I am sure sometimes it can get kinda crazy, especially when we know that all we really can do is pray, and be of help, aid the ones we love. I like the personal feel of this poem. There are tons of of reflections of dedication and servitude here poet. I worked in a Nursing Home for 2 years. I loved my seniors but God knows it was taxing work. I had to leave the job because the loss was too great for me after a while.

    Excellent work! I wish you well in the contest.


    Much Love ♥

    Renee

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 16, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you, Renee. Oh what a test, the job you had.
      I marvelled with every visit to my Mom, how the cheery
      smiles were always there from everyone on staff.
      I could be cheery while there, but saddened by all
      the circunstances. It certainly takes a special
      kind of saint for a job like that.

      LIke your new avatar. Sharing a few buttons with you...


  • trekkergirl
    October 13, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    to be honest I do agree with you. I know that when I take care of someone at the hospital I see a lot of elderly people without visitors and they are usually very sad and depressed people. The ones with lots of visitors and friends and family are usually happier.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 13, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Praise to you for the work you do.

      Right, those all alone
      seem so forlorn. The
      staff must keep an extra
      supply of smiles for them!

      Thank you for the visit, trekkergirl.

      Aesthete


  • maa gold member
    October 13, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I love you, mary carol ...


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 13, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Ah, Marion! I miss you,
      and love you, too!!

      Nice to see you here.

      M-C


  • jenelda silver member
    October 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Dear M-C,
    Your words are very comforting for Hugh and Edna and will put a smile on their face. I think your cartoon drawing is wonderful. A beautiful get well message.
    Jen


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 12, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thanl you, Jenelda.

      I always try to look at the brighter side,
      even if it glows in pink hues!

      M-C


  • Summer52
    October 8, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Indeed, Mumsy... you did it again... telling something true to life.

    Just being there by my side
    Nothing else matters,
    Just the look of love
    in your eyes,
    the touch of your hands
    easing all my pains,
    The sweetest smile
    from your lips,
    no words necessary,
    That's all I need...

    So, just be there.


    Wonderful read!


    summer51


  • Mari Goes gold member
    October 8, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Ah, that is so true. The worries, the care, the love that increases when our beloved are sick.
    No better medicine than feeling the warmth that comes straight from the heart.

    Your poem is tender and the drawing so cute!
    Simply lovely

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 8, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Oh, thank you, Mariza!

      It's always a concern for the caregiver, too,
      that two don't end up as patients with all
      the stress and strain...

      N-C


  • hugh wyles silver member
    October 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Dear M-C,

    Inevitably fails the heart
    of loved ones who are pulled apart.
    The hours alone are drear and long
    and suddenly the world seems wrong.

    But, as the prayers of friends impress
    and mitigate the carer's stress
    he manages to worry less
    and starts to rise above the mess.

    Although the meds don't really stick
    but just make the poor patient sick,
    the GP comes and puts things right
    and now we see a bit of light.

    My Edna's home, I'm glad to say
    and feels more like herself today.

    Thankyou, M-C for your deeply insightful poem and for your kind message of concern and support during the worst time when your IM really bucked me up. I shall not forget.

    Your poem shows deep understanding and is simply beautiful. Thankyou for it.
    Best of luck in the voting.
    Applause, love and hugs, XXX Hugh (R.)

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 8, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Hugh, such good news, Edna home again!

      Amd bar the door to those mutiple meds,
      demand an explanation for the need of each one,
      for Dr. Hugh is the best medication
      for the now happy patient!

      Thank you so much for the words of appreciation.

      M-C


  • piccolo
    October 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Hi there -- Say, Hugh sounds like a favorite uncle of mine. He was a top-of-the-line guy, loved his wife, and he wrote poems, too. (Even Hugh's picture is similar, down to the glass of ...)

    Word to the wise: that pill thing is something to keep an eye on. Over-prescribing and mix-ups have been a problem for a long time with hospitals, doctors, and pharmacies. Been there, done that ~

    Good luck to Edna.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 8, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Right, all those side effects, the interactions.
      Bad stuff!

      Hey, I can only see your avatar as a red X,
      not revealing itself with "show picture."
      Wondering what you came up with!

      M-C

  • angelica silver member
    October 7, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Beautiful

    Dear M-C, That is Hugh to a T he is a very caring man and he looks after Edna wonderfully, no one could ask for a better Husband, I have been there and seen it first hand. I love the drawing and the cuppa tea is ideal as that is exactly what he gets her and when I was there I'd get one too, especially of a morning with our crumpets. I'm happy Edna seems to be on the mend since her Doctor took her off the pills that were making her sick. Wonderful words you have written.
    Bless you my sweet.
    Love Joan

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 8, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Yes, we so far away can only picture
      the happenings from the words, but
      you have seen the caring, first hand.

      Was hoping Hugh wouldn't mind all the pink,
      but I wanted to drench the scene in a cozy color.

      Thank you, Joan,

      M-C


  • arafura gold member
    October 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    "No amount of professional care,
    or cups of tea, a comb for the hair,
    can equal the joy extraordinaire
    of the loved one just being there."

    Very wise words! The touch of humanity that makes all the difference.


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 8, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Right, Arafura, no substitution
      for the human, loving touch.

      Thank you,

      M-C

  • mythicdreamer
    October 7, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Yes, being there to turn the pillow to the cool side, rub shoulders, brush hair, fetch a favorite from the snack bar, just busy around the room making small talk -- it's these little things that can bring comfort. But it is the actual loved one who brings inner strength. No doubt a bout it~

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 8, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Mythicdreamer, you have it, exactly,
      the tender touches, but the presence
      the most important.

      Thank you for the visit,

      M-C

  • Yemassee gold member
    October 7, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    After the first few lines I thought it was about your plumbing fiasco and then I realized my silliness. You'd think the graphic would have shown me what it was about, after all, that heart standing look just like Hugh!

    This is a subject you know something about first hand!

    See this is a great truth I have tried to explain to a few people I've known, who just don't seem to understand this simple thing...when someone is sick, a little TLC is a big deal...getting a bowl of soup, a glass of juice, adjusting the tv away from the sun's rays...little things...and it's the same in a relationship when there is no illness...getting someone we care about a drink or a pillow when they are sitting down is a nice thing...and should be reciprocal but I find women are suspicious of it, like they are being asked to wait on the man...I've tried to explain the reciprocity of it...but they still think it's some evil male agenda, lol.

    Wow, did I stray far from the main path this time...but it is so much fun wandering in this wooded grove in my noggin!

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 8, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Hah! More than TLC needed for the plumbing!
      Quite a lot of banging, sawing, replacing!

      I hope Hugh didn't mind the pink wash of color,
      but I wanted to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.

      Re the wooded grove in your noggin---
      I believe the situation you describe
      has to be seen in the light of each
      person's reaction or interpretation,

      A truly generous person would give and
      receive graciously with no thought of
      motive or consequence. A person more
      involved with self, having less confidence,
      may be more inclined and suspicious,
      looking for motives and future expectations.

      "Evil male agenda"---sounds like that person
      may have been exposed to the agenda of
      the elephant party!

      Thanks for opening your noggin.

      M-C

      • Yemassee gold member
        October 8, 2008
        Edit | Reply
        I'm sorry that leak has created such a mess. I hate when stuff like that happens. Last leak I had was from the roof and I ended up taking off the entire roof...well a section of it. Hope you are well, as usual I woke up late, bye.


  • MargaretG
    October 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    exactly

    "When emergency calls,
    one's whole world falls"
    I had experience of this when my son was in an accident - fear of the unknown is terrible. I was there for him, my husband was there for me, our friends were there for our whole family. Wow - this verse brings it all back, with the gratitude for caring.
    Well done M-C, a wonderful poem of compassion.
    Best of luck!

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 7, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Oh, thank you, Margaret.

      Yes, we have all shared that experience
      from one perspective or another.

      It's the loved ones that hold it all together.

      M-C


  • Olivias Violin
    October 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    "joy extraordinaire of the loved one just being there"
    - Beautiful

    and such sweet drawings

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 7, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you, Olivia.
      Nice to see you here!

      Re the drawings, Hugh had
      mentioned bringing the cups
      of tea for that was all dear
      Edna could tolerate.

      M-C


  • Pisces rainbow gold member
    October 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Gorgeous truth, love is more powerful then anything we can see, you have expressed this well my friend.
    wonderful compasionate write.
    and your msterpieces are so appreciated
    God bless you...

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 7, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Pisces, thank you. Your words always
      mean so much to me! And it's the
      person looking out for the patient,
      the tired caretaker who is so
      important to getting well again!

      The blessing is appreciated...

      M-C


  • GoodCarMa
    October 7, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Absolutely! This one touched my heart, dear.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 7, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Oh, Carma, thank you!
      I thought of it from my perspective
      when in the hospital, my daughter being
      there at my side when I hardly knew
      what was happening, and my buddy
      visiting when they would let him in.

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