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Living In Isolation

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Paul Callus and I dedicated this poem to my friend Marianne, who had been caring for her grown son for more than a decade.  Doctors still don't know what caused him to become ill suddenly and his condition had grown worse with time.  He can no longer see, speak or walk.  Since Marianne's husband died shortly after Will was born, she devoted all of her time to caring for him at home.

Update -- On September 30, 2018, Marianne died of complications following open heart surgery.  Her greatest fear that Will would end up in a long-term care facility is now being realized.  I hope you will join me in praying for Will.  Surely, Marianne has earned her place in heaven.

My son has lost his eyesight And lacks mobility. His doctors are confounded, But I seek no pity. There is much love in caring Full time for those in need; Hard work and sacrifices, A focus to succeed. My career was put on hold; His life is in my hands. There’s nothing more important; I bow to life’s demands. Divesting self-attention Enduring broken sleep. Exhaustion brings disruption, Emotions that run deep. Few friends now come to visit. One thing I know for sure -- Without a diagnosis, They will not find a cure. The fear of escalation Disrupted life and hope. The overwhelming feelings Destroy the will to cope. I know my son would thank me, If only he could speak. I worry what will happen, I’m old; his future’s bleak. * June 25, 2018.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




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Date: 12/1/2018 5:02:00 PM
Congratulations for this collaboration winner. This is a very touching dedication. It moved me deeply, reading this. So well done :) Bless all of you.!
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Date: 10/9/2018 5:10:00 PM
Love the dual points of view. There are some sad things that happen. I think the world should be a better place. The care that people receive should always be stellar.
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Date: 8/4/2018 4:45:00 AM
Hi Carolyn, this is a sad and touching collaboration by yourself and Paul. It does touch the reader deeply. I don't mind saying that i had a tear in my eye as i did read. A belated congratulations on your win. Your pens have sung a touching song together. This song goes into my faves. Hugs....Mike. XX
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Date: 7/31/2018 9:50:00 PM
This piece is filled with mother love making sacrifices as a mother would do anything for her child. Beautifully composed by both of you. Congratulations on a top win! : )
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Date: 7/31/2018 9:04:00 PM
A very touching poem. Well done, Carolyn and Paul. Congrats on your win.
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Date: 7/31/2018 6:41:00 PM
Congratulations on your win. Goodness... sad. Very sad but lovely too.
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Date: 7/30/2018 10:57:00 AM
This is a beautiful piece, Carolyn & Paul... Congratulations on your collaborating win. Hugs Eve
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Date: 7/19/2018 1:09:00 AM
This is just SO sad, Carolyn. No words!! by the way, thanks so much for the limerick contest. It was a HIT.
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Date: 7/5/2018 11:19:00 AM
Hi Carolyn: I can imagine that you were proud of writing this poem for your friend's dilemma. I was in awe of reading it as it conveyed a related issue with me. A poignant but beautiful poem!
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Date: 6/29/2018 10:25:00 PM
There is much strength, courage, and love from a mother who tends to her children...you have displayed it here with great magnificence my dear friends...may the light & love of heaven come to this family...a prayer is in order...^WW^
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Date: 6/28/2018 4:38:00 PM
Tears ;(
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Date: 6/27/2018 9:00:00 AM
This weighs heavy on the heart. She is an amazing woman.
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Date: 6/27/2018 12:43:00 AM
This brought a tear to my eye, not only for Marianne but for you and Paul, I believe the support and comfort to caregivers from friends is so very valuable and all your hearts shine in this!
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 6/27/2018 4:41:00 PM
Thank you, Arthur. I can only visit Marianne when I travel to New Jersey and feel guilty I can't help more. She never complains. I am providing for Will in my will, but Marianne hates the thought of him going into a long-term care facility when she passes on.
Date: 6/26/2018 10:44:00 PM
Don't know how to express myself going through our poem. Marianne is a super strong gracious lady deserving admiration of all. God bless.
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 6/29/2018 3:04:00 PM
Thank you, Anisha. Marianne is strong, but this is aging her quickly. I'm hoping people will pray for her and Will.
Date: 6/26/2018 7:42:00 AM
Oh my goodness. Those poor people. How kind of you to see and feel and speak out for them. She works with the love a mother for her child. Her son however is probably still mentally aware and appreciates all she does. Kudos to the both of you for this fine write. She needs your companionship Carolyn. Bravo. God Bless, JB
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 6/26/2018 1:30:00 PM
Marianne has always been an inspiration. Even as a child, she was one of the kindest people you could hope to meet. Thank you for your kind words, Judy.
Date: 6/26/2018 12:04:00 AM
That's really sweet of both of you...I myself have been helping out an uncle with a stroke...and it's hard...it's a sacrifice... All the best to you and Paul...
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 7/13/2018 5:29:00 PM
I'm sure your uncle appreciates your help, Arturo.
Date: 6/25/2018 10:16:00 PM
A saint is right, Tom. This is beautiful and heart wrenching!!
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Date: 6/25/2018 9:12:00 PM
Anyone that devotes their life for the care of others is truly a saint, no other word to describe them . A lovely collaberation you and Paul have written . Tom
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 6/26/2018 1:31:00 PM
The pearly gates will be wide open when Marianne's time comes. We pray that the Lord will provide for her son if he outlives her.
Date: 6/25/2018 5:50:00 PM
Paul and Carolyn: You state the plight of caregivers so very well. I've been a caregiver for about 7 years, as you know, Carolyn, and it ain't fun but I know Vera would do the same for me if situations were reversed - Bob
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Date: 6/25/2018 5:19:00 PM
It's past my bedtime, Carolyn, but I had to visit your post before logging out. Thank you for yet another pleasant collaboration. I am so glad that you found the topic emotionally appealing to you...and to others, as I notice from the comments below. Marianne is one of those unsung heroes who dedicate their own life for others. ~ Love & Hugs // paul
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 6/27/2018 4:47:00 PM
As soon as you presented this topic, suppressed emotions rose to the surface. Thank you for writing with me again! It's always a pleasure, Paul.
Date: 6/25/2018 4:48:00 PM
So much emotion...Givimg me a lump in my troath.Well Done on your collab my dear friends Carolyn and Paul.
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Date: 6/25/2018 4:06:00 PM
very sad but touchingly written. kudos to both poets. i hope things improve for your friend and her son...
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Date: 6/25/2018 3:59:00 PM
Your lovely and poignant collaboration conveys the power of a mother's unconditional love. I pray that she gets answers to help him. : )
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 6/27/2018 4:45:00 PM
Marianne appreciate prayers, Connie. She is very religious and a parish priest used to come to her home until he was transferred to another diocese. When Marianne was 14, her mother died and she had to raise four younger brothers and sisters. She has never had time to devote to her own pursuits, especially since her husband died and Will became ill.
Date: 6/25/2018 2:20:00 PM
A beautiful and emotive write, stunning collaboration as well. Hope you are doing well Carolyn, love Wilma
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Date: 6/25/2018 1:49:00 PM
A touching and emotive collaboration that will appeal to all parents.. Must be hard for you friend,but what a wonderful dedicated lady she is...
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