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About This Poem

The Journey and The Destination


The journey started over forty years ago. That was the day she saved me! 
my blue eyed blonde with the smile that lit up a room, an overwhelming
personality and the dirtiest laugh anyone could possibly hear. We never
 planned the journey, it just… lead us, we happily followed, trusting our gut 
feeling and God. Along the journey there have been lots of up’s and down’s,
three children, seventeen house moves, two fish, (Gill and Fin) no dog’s or cats
not that anyone actually owns a cat! Then thirty two years ago, just after the
birth of our third child, my wife was diagnosed with RA, our world fell apart,
I was in full time employment and she was bedridden for two years, so in that 
time I got the kids up and ready for school each day, dropped them off went to
work, came home at lunch to feed my wife and carry her downstairs, where she 
would sit in the chair until I had left work did the shopping, picked up the kids, cooked
an evening meal, played with them, put them to bed and read to them then carried 
my wife upstairs bathed her, sat with her and just talked and laughed, nothing got us down.
It was what we promised in our vows, through sickness and in health. Then the first
of the new super meds came along and she was selected for them, the BBC wanted to film her progress and it was like Lazarus all over again, so much so, that the following year she was climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge. Our journey had taken a new course and again we just followed. Steadily through the years the meds would begin to fail and each time they did, she would get worse, until they found the next suitable one, and so it went for most of our married life. This time is a little different, as The Destination draws nearer, I spent so much time at her bedside I had lots of time to think, and I realised that the one thing that had always been missing was, in those times I sat alone in the many hospitals, I had no-one to talk to, the kids were too young to understand and we lived far away from her family. This time it was different, I had you guys with me all of the way, and that made it a whole different ball game. I had time to thank God for all of the pleasures we have had in our lives and how our love has grown from day to day, we have no regrets, it is what it is….life.

© 25/9/2012

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  1. Date: 12/31/2012 1:21:00 PM

    Oh, you are making me cry. It is a sweetest story I've ever heard and you are the sweetest man. I wish I would find someone like you, such dedication. Love you, David. Hang in there. We will pray for you and your family. Take good care of her (know you will) and have a great, happy New Year :) Didn't know why you were gone a long time. Love ya, Toquyen

  1. Date: 10/18/2012 2:08:00 PM

    "..We never planned the journey, it just… lead us, we happily followed, trusting our gut feeling and God..." we learn through our journeys that no matter what, life is always right. How courageous of you to welcome it!! Thank you dear for reminding me to say yes to life! Much love to you and yours!!

  1. Date: 10/13/2012 9:48:00 AM

    Good God David, If there is any justice in this world or the next and though I certainly know you do not seek pity or praise, I pray that there is a window to forever that has happiness and peace in it. Those of us lucky enough to have had relatively insignificant things to complain about have to thank those like you for reminding us that, after all, it is a wonderful life and it is what we make of it. God Bless my friend...

  1. Date: 10/5/2012 8:51:00 PM

    I don't know what to write. How dedicated you are and how lucky you are to have each other. This gave me the chills. It's beautiful. That's what it's all about...no regrets. Hard to do......

  1. Date: 10/1/2012 4:00:00 PM

    Good to see you back again mate, though life has been so hard, go on you did just first rate , better man than i am gunga din... apologys to kipling? Don

  1. Date: 9/30/2012 10:10:00 AM

    Dear David - I was today thinking of you and your wife. Your writing is a testament to love and I'm so happy for your in-between years. I hope the flame flickers for you both as time passes. I am struck by your bravery and hers. My own sister-in-law has traveled a similar road of pain and medications for many years and the toll is great. You are in my prayers. love, Kathy

  1. Date: 9/30/2012 8:32:00 AM

    I just love the ending to this one David, we sometime forget that even it thid midst of it all God is still there and He somehow surrounds us with his love.. I salute you for being the man God knew your wife would need in her life, you truely are a blessing.. Enjoyed this gem from you.. Love & smiles ;) Wilma

  1. Date: 9/29/2012 8:26:00 PM

    Hi David, nice to see you here. Thank you for the hi.. It really made my afternoon. I'm glad you are a man of vows, and dignity. I wish me and my soul-mate encounter such a life.. Your poem is the perfect example of what life, is and should be, .. however pain is one heartache I wish we did not have to endure during our time on earth.. love your poem.. always~ TEX...

  1. Date: 9/27/2012 12:43:00 AM

    The definition of HONORABLE!

  1. Date: 9/25/2012 5:37:00 PM

    I am overwhelmed after reading this very touching narrative,David.A true reflection of what love is really about.It takes an enormous amont of love,care and strength to stick by the vows once we are tested to the limit.God bless you and your family my friend.Take Care Always,Arild

  1. Date: 9/25/2012 3:20:00 PM

    sending you and geraldine white light as my prayers for continued peace and good health continue, david.. a heartfelt write, so beautifully crafted!..:) huggs!

  1. Date: 9/25/2012 3:11:00 PM

    I think you are more angel than man David and Geraldine is your fairy princess...you have got my admiration and respect..the worst is over and you both have got a new lease on life..just relax and take it easy David...

  1. Date: 9/25/2012 2:15:00 PM

    Wow David I will email you tomorrow, you know you have never been alone neither of you xx

  1. Date: 9/25/2012 11:26:00 AM

    I did not know your wife had all these troubles, I knew something was wrong but never really knew what it was! I hope and pray thing will work out, maybe a new super med will come out that will help her! I know your heart David, you'll stay with her and keep your family whole! I admire you for this! We do miss your presence here on the Soup my friend! But I understand your situation is rough and you probably will not be able to get on, that is ok, we still think of you! You'll always be with us!

  1. Date: 9/25/2012 11:12:00 AM

    David, it is clear you are a wonderful man. Many men would have fled early on. God bless your dear soul. And God Bless both you and your wife and the love you share. hugs, Catie :)

  1. Date: 9/25/2012 10:55:00 AM

    good to see you back, David, yes just glad to be there with you and your wife, as i know you would be there for any of us. hope every thing improves from now on... Harry