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March 19 Memories

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Believers Who Have Died (I Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18)

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Mama….it’s today The chalendar shouts it Today 15 years ago..you breathed your last and I still see you in dreams and I still miss you, Mama I’m sitting here in front of the screen wondering….what it would be like to see your smile again wondering if you’d be proud of my work I write, Mama I write poetry But you knew that I wrote you many poems and you loved my lines You always believed in me and you believed that one day I’d make it as a writer and you made me promise to always sign my maiden name after everything I write so that the world would know where the talent came from you were so proud of me I’m crying, Mama I’m crying I miss you so much You made me who I am I’m just another reflection of you the woman in love with words in love with life in love with people in love with passion the teacher the well respected Bible scholar the one with a caring heart whom everyone adored... the one with the ready smile But MS had a hold on you even before I came to be and I had to witness you succumbing to its power It changed my happy dreams into nightmares of losing you Blood Stiches Broken bones Burns I saw it all, Mama As I was growing up… I saw it all And I died a million deaths Waiting for the time that you would go And you left, Mama You left me You prayed to go to be free from your wheelchair He heard… He answered… and you are asleep in Him now waiting for the trumpet call when you will be awaked from your slumber Free…. your smile no longer crooked your body no longer bent your voice beautiful again... how you mourned the loss of your voice, Mama you will sing again… you will run and dance and pick flowers I will be there, Mama When you awake up.. I will be there to hold you and kiss you and thank you for giving me life and making me who I am But for now…Mama, I need to cry I miss you… March 19 is always a reminder of what I’ve missed all these years a mother beside me to guide me and love me and to tell me that everything everything is going to be Ok in the end but I carry you in my heart now and forever… You are with me, Mama I love you! I'll see you on the other side! where there will be no more death no more crying or sickness or pain no more MS! only joy... March 19 will be no more Only eternity!!!! Eileen Manassian Ghali Isaiah 57: 1 & 2- The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. 2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

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Graphite Drug

Date: 5/3/2015 6:42:00 PM

A wonderful confessional poem. It must be difficult for some people to share their lives, not sure if you’re one of those. It is obviously a poem many people can relate to. It is a direct monologue. Not sure if it is searching, sharing, healing or all the above. Had I written it, I would have tried to describe my parent in the hospital and then lingered more on a specific good memory.

Mohan Chutani

Date: 4/2/2015 9:29:00 AM

Eileen, thanx for visiting my page. I lost my mother in 1970 when I was only eleven. It has been a long journey for me since then. Your tribute to your mother is also pouring straight from the heart. I pray as she found peace finally, you also find the same. May god bless you and family. Mohan

Robert Lindley

Date: 4/1/2015 1:18:00 PM

Love this great poem my friend. My poem I just finished and posted mere moments ago may interest you as its about death and salvation. A7 and truly this is a soft, sad and wonderful write. Your talent always impresses me!

Mama Bear

Date: 3/21/2015 9:28:00 PM

What a beautiful tribute to Mother. My tears are with you and may you know that Mother smiles down on you with every line that you write. Congratulations on POD it was well deserved Many hugs my dear Edith

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/22/2015 4:42:00 AM

Edith...thank you for your visit to me and your kind words. Always a pleasure to have you share your thoughts with me. I know my Mama would be happy, and that thought in itself brings comfort. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/20/2015 10:10:00 PM

Congratulations on poem of the Day! Well deserved for this magnificent tribute! Hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:51:00 PM

Thank you, Richard. I'm pleased.

Shane Cooper

Date: 3/20/2015 5:40:00 PM

Dear Eileen, I think that your mother would be smiling now knowing that so many here recognise your passion and love and acknowledge your talent as a poetess. POTD for this tribute is well deserved. I will miss your and Jan's poems while you both take a break. Come back soon healed and whole. All my love Shane xxx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:54:00 PM

Thank you Shane. I like to think so. She was indeed special. Yes....I feel I need a break. I wanted to acknowledge all those who posted on this poem, though. Take care of yourself. Thanks for your lovely post. HUGS :)

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/20/2015 1:50:00 PM

- Deeply touching and beautifully Eileen - Congratulations on p.o.t.d. !!!- Happy weekend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:55:00 PM

Thank you, Sunshine. Love you to bits and pieces. Hugs

Paul Callus

Date: 3/20/2015 12:10:00 PM

Dear Eileen, just realizes that this poem has been chosen as POTD; her anniversary on 19th March, the feast dedicated to St. Joseph. I know how much your mum suffered,reading your letter/tribute to her makes me all emotional. The love and closeness between you two is something really special..it will live for ever more. You will meet and hug each other again; hopefully you will introduce me to her...I would be proud to meet her! Many hugs ... paul

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:56:00 PM

Oh Paul....I'd love to introduce you to Mama one day. You now you are one of my fav people here. You've always shown your support and care. I never forget kindness. It has a profound effect on me. Thank you. Hugs

David Meade

Date: 3/20/2015 10:58:00 AM

Yes!! I am so happy to see this here!! Your words need to be read, digested, internalized . . . they contain a passionate love that we all need -- each and everyday!! Death does not contain this love -- Woo Hoo LO I am dancing with hope and love, tears turned into joy!!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:36:00 AM

David...thanks for this lovely message. I know Mama would be proud. I'm glad it got featured. I might not be posting poems for a while. I need to clear my head. Please...do keep in touch. I hope you have a fab weekend. Will be thinking of you....Hugs from LO....

Kp Nunez

Date: 3/20/2015 10:09:00 AM

Eileen, such a wonderful love letter to your mom done poetically. I feel for you. Halfway to this write, the tears were already flowing. I too had to care for my mom 3 years before she went. I'm sure your mom is very proud of you, and is now content where she is, in God's presence. Carry on, make her prouder evermore. Be the woman you feel she'd love to see you, had she been alive. Lastly, be happy, for nothing can make her happier than to see her daughter that way. God bless you, Eileen.Hugs!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:40:00 AM

Beautiful, Kim. Thank you for much for your lovely message. Had me my share of crying. It's not easy being a caregiver. My father cared for her till the very end. He'd bathe her, change her diapers, feed her, brush her teeth, comb her hair...and so much more. I'm glad we didn't have to leave her in a home. She loved to go on rides....Just like I do. I guess that's when she felt she was truly free. I feel your pain...and send you love. You are a wonderful daughter to care for your mother. May God bless you, sweetie. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/20/2015 9:53:00 AM

Thanks for your persistence in responding. Sometimes the site can be so finicky. I too know you will one day be reunited with your mom and I am sure I will have the privilege to meet her as well. Hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 12:04:00 PM

Oh Dear....Richard....that was LONG messages not LOVE messages....That's all I need. Someone to misconstrue...Sorry about the typo. Hugs

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 12:02:00 PM

Of course...I'd keep trying because it's you. Love messages....Now, it happened twice. Thanks, Richard. I'd love to introduce you two one day. By His grace.....only by His grace. I'm leaving for a bit. I need to clear my head. I will read and post comments on your writes...and delve into the older ones a bit to gain some peace. Thanks for being who you are, Richard. Blessings.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 12:00:00 PM

Neva Romaine

Date: 3/20/2015 9:34:00 AM

Hey Jade, BIG congratulations on your lovely poem being chosen as POTD!! Such a wonderful and beautifully expressed tribute to your mom. Be Blessed, Neva

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:56:00 AM

Thanks, Neva. Glad you could pass by. I appreciate the sentiments. Sending blessings.

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser

Date: 3/20/2015 9:23:00 AM

overflowing with so much love, unforgotten fruitful memories that bares how much you cherish your mom Eileen.. :) I like also your passage.. :)! ISaiah is one of my fave books in the Bible.. :)! tremendous heartfelt tribute! am glad I stopped today and read this one!! Happy weekend!//olive eloisa

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:54:00 AM

I love Isaiah, Olive. He's my favorite after Paul. Paul is my all time favorite. So many verses that speak to the heart. Isaiah is beautiful as well. I love his verse. "For the Maker is your husband" What comfort...So many passages there. My Mama knew her Bible so well...as do I. I lead out in Bible discussion in our church group. I'm thankful that despite my hang ups and brokenness, God can use me. Sending you love, my sweet. Take care.

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders

Date: 3/20/2015 9:12:00 AM

You have written a beautiful, loving tribute to your dear mother, Eileen. I hope the words that flow from your heart bring you comfort. I have tears for you and share your sorrow...sending a big hug, Rhonda

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:52:00 AM

Thank you, Rhonda. God is good. He isn't the reason for pain and suffering. One day this will all be behind us. We will have the deeper healing...the spiritual one. I love the song, NO MORE NIGHT..."No more night, no more pain, no more tears, never crying again...and praises to the Great I AM, we will live in the love of the risen Lamb." A better day is coming. Thanks for the visit, hon. I won't be visiting for a while. Need a bit of a break. Stay strong and beautiful. hugs

Sandra Haight

Date: 3/20/2015 8:20:00 AM

Such a beautiful poem, Eileen, and what an amazing tribute to your dear Mom. I can share your words as my own...your feelings echo mine...I know this pain. Congratulations on your outstanding poem being featured as Poem of the Day. Hugs, Sandra

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:48:00 AM

I'm sorry you've experience pain, Sandra. It does leave a scar, doesn't it. I hope that you have coping mechanisms in place. I don't have answers for why she wasn't healed, but I trust one day I will know. Keep the faith...what else can we do. Sending you hugs.

Jan Allison

Date: 3/20/2015 7:32:00 AM

congrats on poem of the day Eileen:-) Hugs jan xx

Jan Allison
Date: 3/20/2015 12:49:00 PM

I will take a break for a few days too Eileen:-) Hugs jan xx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:46:00 AM

Thanks, hon. Taking a bit of a break. Don't think I'm ignoring you. Sending hugs.

Casarah Nance

Date: 3/20/2015 7:22:00 AM

I am so glad this was featured. It was fourteen years ago today that my dad died, I just posted a poem about it, then saw your write. I just think we both need a big hug,xxx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 11:44:00 AM

I'm sending you a big hug, Hon. It's hard to lose someone. Sometimes there is still something that needs to be said....Thanks for the visit. I might not be visiting much. I'm taking a bit of a break. Keep writing. Hugs

Tim Smith

Date: 3/20/2015 5:55:00 AM

Congratulations Eileen on this being featured. It is truly remarkable. Mom is smiling : )

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 7:41:00 AM

Thanks, Tim. I know she would be very happy to be honored. Thanks for congratulating me. Hugs

David Meade

Date: 3/19/2015 9:31:00 PM

I love this poem . . . it flows directly from your heart filled with love, longing, hope, and promise . . . it lifts my heart and encourages me to love my children, to let them know of this incredible love that bond us together. Passionate love expressed in so many ways -- another signature write LO, 7 FAV

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/19/2015 9:59:00 PM

I have no doubt that you're an amazing dad, David. You are kind and considerate, caring and supportive...and loving. Cherish every moment. Some are not afforded these carefree times. My mother's illness tested my faith in so many ways. I bargained with God, pleaded, demanded, that she be made well. I even...tried to heal her..."In the name of Jesus....be healed." You know...like the disciples did. He didn't answer my prayer. I had to watch her go from being a vibrant woman to a wheelchair bound one who couldn't care for her most basic needs. It hurt. It still does, but I know that she had faith. I believe God will grant her eternal life. That keeps me going despite the pain of separation. Thanks for the visit. Hugs

Tim Smith

Date: 3/19/2015 6:36:00 PM

I am crying right along with you Eileen and that is okay. It is okay to cry for the ones you love. It is okay to cry for the one who made you who you are today. It is okay to cry for the ones we miss.Eileen it is okay to feel, to want, to need to be with her again It is okay to want to share your gifts with her and show her how great of a woman you are. It is okay to relive the beautiful and sad memories you had with her. Eileen it will be okay..Many prayers and hugs for you and your family.Tim

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 12:05:00 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8q1auoDcPg (in French) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l4S6HDEiOQ (in English) Every time....I cry. It is as though it were written for my mother. She loved flowers...and was a child at heart...as I am. Enjoy

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/19/2015 10:17:00 PM

FLY Fly, fly little wing My sweet, my swallow Go far, go in peace Let nothing here hold you back Join the heavens and freedom Leave us, leave the earth Leave your unhappy exterior Change your world. Fly, fly little sister Fly my angel, my pain Leave your body and us So your suffering finally ends. Go rejoin the other shore The one of flowers and laughter The one you yearned for so much Your life from childhood Fly, fly my love Since what is ours is too burdensome Since nothing relieves you Fly to your last journey Leave your exhausted hours Fly, you deserve it Become a breath, become a dove So you can fly away Fly, Fly little flame Fly my angel, my soul Leave your skin of unhappiness Go find the light

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/19/2015 10:14:00 PM

Tim....I've cried many many tears while she was with me. So many times...Once when I was sitting next to her, she looked at me and said, "You're afraid I'm going to die, aren't you?" I couldn't answer.... I just started crying and she held me and cried with me. There is a song that Celine Dion sings in French called Vole...It's about her niece who died at an early age. Every time I hear that song....my heart breaks. I'm crying right now as I'm rereading the words.....I'll post it here under the comment. You should hear the song on youtube. She also sings it in English....I miss my Mama, Tim. Thank you for understanding....I'm touched.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 3/19/2015 5:32:00 PM

You manage to make me cry with you everytime you write about your mum..But friends cry together and thank the lord together,and here I thank God for giving you such an amazing mother,cuz if she wasnt that amazing,how could you be that enchanting queen of beauty inside and out.Yes your mum is with you sweet Eileen and a living part of who you are..Big hugs.It is a public holiday on the isle ..Its St Joseph's feast here today..Dear one ,Fav. this tribute to your sweet mama.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/19/2015 10:32:00 PM

I'm crying now, sweetie. I couldn't answer posts yesterday. I was so tired. Sometimes we numb ourselves so we can survive. I don't want my Mamma to ever be forgotten. I want her life to be remember. I posted on Facebook yesterday. It made me so happy to read the comments of people who remember her kind heart and loving smile. Her students loved her. She was so kind and humorous. The sickness took her smile and made it crooked, Charmaine....It took her voice so she could no longer sing. She used to sing in church...beautiful rich alto voice. She taught me to pick out the alto in hymns. She would never let us miss church. She was a good pastor's wife....and a wonderful mother. I miss her. Thank you so much for your love towards me. I need it. Bless you, my sweet. Bless you. Hope you enjoyed St Joseph's day...

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/19/2015 8:11:00 AM

A fitting tribute for your mom filled with deep emotion. Have I not read this one before, or am I having a dejavu moment? This one yanks at the heart strings Eileen. I know for you this loss feels like yesterday. This must be such a difficult day. Hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/19/2015 11:27:00 PM

Richard...this is my FOUTH post to you. EVERY time I try to hit the submit button, there has been a system's error. Surreal. I'm so upset. I shared my heart and I can't recapture those words. :( I appreciate your visit because I know you are SO busy. Yes, my dear...this is a repost. You are so observant. I made some changes. I had to have a poem up about my Mama yesterday. Time and emotional constraints made it hard. I posted this as a remembrance of her. You would have loved her, Richard. You would have loved her knowledge of the Bible, her spirit, her faith. A few years back I was reading the verses I quoted above in Thessalonians. I was feeling discouraged. I know that Mama wants to see her kids on resurrection more....I felt inadequate...then I read the words you'll read below. HE can do it, if we but let him. I'm sorry for the lost words to you...Please know that I appreciate your caring heart during this time. Hugs

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/19/2015 11:22:00 PM

23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.…

Jan Allison

Date: 3/19/2015 5:22:00 AM

My heart goes out to you Eileen I know your mother would be so so proud of you and this is a wonderful tribute to the one I know meant the world to you she will always be with you my friend:-) Hugs Jan xx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/19/2015 11:39:00 PM

Thank you, Jan...sweetie. She lives in my heart. I owe so much to her. I think I'm very much a reflection of her, in so many ways. Thank you for your loving and sympathetic heart, Jan. I value and treasure your friendship. Bless you, my sweet.

Shane Cooper

Date: 3/19/2015 4:27:00 AM

My enchantress I am crying after reading your words, you love with every fiber of your heart and soul, so so deep. If your Mother could read your words now she would be so proud of what you have just written, it is so beautiful, so full of longing and hope. You are a remarkable woman Eileen, I am so proud to be able to call you my friend. A phrase the Jan wrote in one of her poems that stay's with me always seems to fit you both so well "Daughter, wife, mother". You out shine the sun! love Shane

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 12:08:00 AM

Thank you, Shane. I'm also privilege to call you friend. :) My Mama loved with her heart and soul. She believed in her kids. She believed we could achieve, and she always supported us. I have kept the letters my Mama wrote to me while I was living in Cyprus. Thought it was hard for her to write...she'd write pages and pages...telling me all that was happening. Her handwriting was often hard to decipher, but those letters are mine to keep forever....a priceless treasure. Thanks for your care and love. Check out the youtube links I posted on Tim's post. Listen if you can...See if that doesn't bring tears. Hugs

Njeri Hunjeri

Date: 3/19/2015 2:52:00 AM

Eileen, am sorry about your mom. This is a soulful poem full of beautiful memories, full of love and hope. May God bless you and your family. Love, njeri.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/20/2015 12:12:00 AM

Thank you, my dear Njeri. Your comment brings me comfort. I'm glad you are able to empathize with me. Death is a real part of life....Someone has said that when we are born, we begin to die. That is true. It is the same destiny for us all...rich or poor. However, we must live life to the maximum so that when death comes, we will welcome it...as one would welcome sleep after a hard day of labor. Thanks for your kindness.