Choosing Life

Eighty-four pounds at age 27
An illness nearly claimed my life
“You have an option,” the doctor said
But the choice was one that cut like a knife

“Pray for a miracle; linger in pain
Or negate any chance of having children”
My husband had died, my hope long since drained
In a sense I already felt barren

No way to rejoice, given such a choice
Knew I’d never feel like a real woman
So I sought guidance from my inner voice
Made the sign of the cross, said, “Amen”

“Do it,” I cried, tears welling in my eyes
My body dying, I saw no option
It seemed better than facing my demise
This was my darkest hour without question

Career struggles I faced in years ahead
And there was no man standing by my side
Empty within, faced the future with dread
Had I made the right choice? Still can’t decide

Perhaps a miracle would have occurred
I believe God watches over us all
But to a pain-free life I had deferred
Instead of trusting blessings would befall



* For Ryland's "Darkest Hour" challenge
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Poet Avatar
May 31, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Very touching write here Carolyn....you have an ever glowing fighting spirit in you.Enjoyed this wonderful poem...
Ojo Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 5:09 PM
Wish the brightness of the morning after. . . strength for Ryland!
Haick Avatar
December 17, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Warm congratulations on your Ist Place Win in Ryland's "Darkest Hour" Challenge, Carolyn..This one was just too much for me to write about. I only wrote about my darkest hour once and that was enough..Profound one this is, my friend...Blessings, peace, joy and love, always, Audrey
Milgate Avatar
December 11, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Powerful poem and time. Thank you for sharing. Life really isn't a disney movie is it?
Nandy Avatar
December 8, 2010 at 11:41 AM
Congratulations Carolyn on your 1st Place win in Ryland Matthew's "My Darkest Hour" contest. Touching and revealing to the core, Life is difficult and this is inspiring. Keep the faith. regards..Rinki Nandy.
Johnson Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 6:26 PM
This is heart wrenching. A tough choice but you made the only one possible. I am glad it won the high prize. I couldn't bear to search my life for my darkets hour. and I may have missed out on writing about my happiest day. I'll have to see. It is so hard to choose the best or worst. Love, Joyce
Johnson Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 6:25 PM
This is heart wrenching. A tough choice but you made the only one possible. I am glad it won the high prize. I couldn't bear to search my life for my darkets hour. and I may have missed out on writing about my happiest day. I'll have to see. It is so hard to choose the best or worst. Love, Joyce
Skyles-Theoklapoet Avatar
December 5, 2010 at 1:40 PM
OMG Carolyn my heart feels your pain I feel so bad cause I never knew your life was filled with all this hurt.I know you have lots of friends but consider m one more and if you ever need someone to talk to I'm a great listener.Your friend always Teresa Oh yeah congrats on your no.1 win.
Mehta Avatar
December 5, 2010 at 5:40 AM
Congratulations on this well deserv ed first place win in the contest of Ryland, carolyn
Flach Avatar
December 3, 2010 at 3:36 AM
Carolyn, a very powerful, gripping, revealing write. Love the poetry - Love the poet. Tough, emotional decisions all come with post-decision second guesses - it is our faith that God helps us with these challenges that keeps us strong. You do a wonderful, artistic job in relaying man's (or in this case, woman's) struggle with self-doubt. Thank you for opening up and sharing this with all of us. Joe
Hernandez Avatar
December 3, 2010 at 1:51 AM
Congrats on your well deserved win! It must have been hard to put such raw emotions and vulnerability into words, but you have done it with such grace. God bless!
Kendrick Avatar
November 30, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Congratulations on your win with emotive filled work.Sara
Brown Avatar
November 29, 2010 at 5:03 AM
Congratulations Carolyn on your 1st Place win in Ryland Matthew's "My Darkest Hour" contest. This is truly a most deserving poem coming straight from your heart my friend. Love, Carol
Richards Avatar
November 28, 2010 at 8:26 AM
A terrible choice to have to make at such a young age, and yet, sometimes life offers only one road. You are a survivor, and have endured. A sad yet, wonderful winning poem, Carolyn! Love, Carrie
Neels Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 10:28 PM
Carolyn, super congratulations on your first place win in the contest.. i sincerely hope your weekend is a relaxing one.. ;-) love and blessings Wilma
Villarosa Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 8:53 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win, Carolyn. (^_^) Noel.
Mannan Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 7:21 PM
A really painful time you've had dear Carolyn. The words really touched me. Many congratulations for this win.
Harris Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Congratulations on your win in the contest. This really was a great poem.
Freeman Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 11:57 AM
God knows He has a Gem in you, Carolyn. And in you alone. Congratulations, Moses
Loving Iii Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 8:24 AM
it's on God why i have'nt seen this until now. i'm sorry i did'nt over look it, i just missed it. 27 we're lucky to have you.
La France Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 6:44 AM
Congratulations on first place with this outstanding poem ~~ love constance
Mehta Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 6:06 AM
Accept my congrats on this first place win in the contest, Carolyn
Mehta Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 6:05 AM
Congratulations on this well deserved win, Carolyn
Whitlock-Ishway Avatar
November 22, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Hi Carolyn, I can tell you are a woman of faith as it's evident in your work. Trust that the decisions you had to make were influenced and ultimately made because of your faith in him. You are here with us today... Of course your deision was right. Thank you for sharing. Lay
Coulstock Avatar
November 20, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Dear Carolyn.You have had to deal with alot of challenges in your life.But are such a sweet lovely person.The love in your heart,which is so spiritually inspired reaches out to others spreading hope and is so uplifting. This along with your compassion and fair-mindedness shows through your words which are a pleasure to read for our hearts and minds Thank you for being the person that you are.God wanted you to live so that you could be a light in our world and you are.Love June
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