Ann Gilmour | + Follow Poet |
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Strong and Forthright

So strong and forthright
My mother
A lady of stature
A generous soul
Her early life
She tried to forget
Her spirit was strong
So her life went on
              ~
Towards the end
She came to stay
Our roles now sadly reversed
Mother needed help to bathe
now weak with pain
still strong and brave
As this precious memory comes to mind
Her voice I hear so loud and clear...

  ‘Darling you shouldn’t be doing this
     for I am your mother and you are my child

My reply to her with tears in my eyes...
   
‘As a child you loved and cared for me 
    and I return that love and care for you’

She smiled ~ a smile I'll ne’er forget
Splashing me gently 
Getting me wet
I cared for her
For just a short time
And held her hand 
As her soul took flight

                    ~ part of my heart went with her that night ~

Written 2nd August 2020
Poignant memory of my Mother aged just 67
~ HER BIRTHDAY TODAY ~ 7TH AUGUST ~ GOD BLESS YOU AUDREY MAY ~

Contest Dusty Old Memories
Sponsor Constance La France
FIRST PLACE

Contest COMPLETELY YOUR CHOICE 18
Sponsor Brian Strand 
N/A

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John Castellenas Date: 10/12/2020 1:28:00 AM A wonderful poem for your mother. I sat with my father and my grandmother. More silence than talk. When we lose someone who loved us. A part of us is lost too. Thank you dear Ann for sharing your words and your thoughts. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 10/13/2020 4:21:00 AM Yes John they take a piece of our heart when they leave and life can never be quite the same again. I lost my beloved husband in 2008 and tragically my only son ~ my only child died suddenly last year 18th October, so my pain is very raw. My poetry helps as it can be quite cathartic to put ones emotions down on paper. Thank you for your support my friend. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

DM Babbit Date: 8/8/2020 7:25:00 AM A wonderfully sad memory. Congrats on your win. Well deserved. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/9/2020 3:32:00 AM So many thanks to you DM for your lovely words and congrats. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Aditi Mishra Date: 8/8/2020 3:45:00 AM Back to congratulate you on your top win Ann! Much love :) Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/9/2020 3:31:00 AM Dearest Aditi thank you and much love to you too... With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Mark Koplin Date: 8/7/2020 7:19:00 PM Beautiful indeed! Congratulations on your win! Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/9/2020 3:31:00 AM Wow... thank you Mark for 'beautiful' and congrats, I appreciate your visit. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Constance La France Date: 8/7/2020 12:20:00 PM Ann, congratulations on your win in my memories challenge with this excellent write, so emotional, it truly touched my heart, a FAV for me _Constance Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/9/2020 3:29:00 AM Thank you dear Constance such a wonderful comment from you - I feel truly honoured that my poetry touched your heart. Thank you too for your wonderful contests and the time you take over each one. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 8/7/2020 1:56:00 AM - A poem that shows true love, Ann ... deeds you will never regret -Congratulations on your top win :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/9/2020 3:27:00 AM Awww thank you so much Sunshine for your beautiful words that I truly appreciate my friend. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Beata Agustin Date: 8/6/2020 10:27:00 PM Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this... making me nostalgic of my Mom. God bless you! Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/9/2020 3:26:00 AM Bless you dear Beata and thank you so much for your lovely comments. With kinds thoughts Ann xx

Regina Mcintosh Date: 8/6/2020 7:28:00 PM Such a sweet and tender journey you've taken the reader on, my dear friend. God bless you and your words. With heartfelt hugs, Gina Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/6/2020 8:54:00 PM Bless you dear Gina and today is her birthday ~~7th August ~~ ×××

John Watt Date: 8/6/2020 4:50:00 PM Another read, another tear. Congratulatory blessings, dear Ann! Hugs ~ John Login to Reply John Watt Date: 8/6/2020 11:00:00 PM Happy birthday, dear Mum, RIP. Ann Gilmour Date: 8/6/2020 8:52:00 PM 7th August ~ today it would be her birthday...

Gordon Mcconnell Date: 8/4/2020 12:31:00 PM Nice penning Ann , good imagery and expression. Trust all is well with you, Blessings always,Gordon Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/6/2020 3:34:00 PM Thank so much Gordon, it is always good to hear from you. I hope you too are well and enjoying the lovely sunshine. Kindest thoughts Ann xx

V. Deepa Date: 8/4/2020 6:34:00 AM Strong emotions and love dripping in each of your lines Ann mam..True love first evolves between a mother and child.You've showered your feelings in your muse beautifully.My best wishes for you in the contest:-)Have a lovely day.Take care.Much love sent to you.:-) Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/6/2020 3:32:00 PM Bless you dear Deepa for your beautiful words of encouragement I thank you. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

John Watt Date: 8/3/2020 5:25:00 PM I know what you mean about that part of your heart leaving. Thank goodness for all the endearing memories we can carry with us. Such a beautiful write, Ann. I know you mother would love it to pieces. Enjoy the full moon tonight, my stellar friend! Hugs ~ John Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/4/2020 2:10:00 AM Yes John those memories are so precious and I will cherish them forever. Thank you for your lovely words John. Did you know I now have my very own telescope ~ a present from my grandson (see my poem ~ all shiny and new) I have not stopped looking at the Moon and Jupiter since it arrived and I have so much to explore in those celestial skies ~ so exciting! With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 8/3/2020 8:51:00 AM I read this breath taking write twice over - mother and daughters are very close always but I have to say that my father and I were closer. Love your write Ann, mothers are special. Hugs, Jennifer Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/4/2020 2:06:00 AM Thank you so much Jennifer for your lovely comments and I really appreciate your visit. So glad you enjoyed it my friend. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Tom Cunningham Date: 8/3/2020 12:14:00 AM A verse from your heart Ann, that bond between mother and daughter is so strong and can't be broken even in death. Tom Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/4/2020 2:04:00 AM That is so true Tom and I can still hear her laugh when I think about happier times. She was a force of nature and I know where'er she may be she will be running things for sure, haha... With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Caren Krutsinger Date: 8/2/2020 8:23:00 PM Such a wonderful explanation of love rendered between mother and daughter - both selfless and willing to nurture and take care. This is a wonderful write, Ann. Good luck in the contest. It is a winner! Your mother only made it to 67. This makes me sad as I turned 68 a mere two months ago. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/4/2020 2:00:00 AM Yes she went far too soon. She was full of life ~ a strong and generous lady but sadly the dreaded C took her... Thank you for your lovely comments Caren, always good to hear from you. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Aditi Mishra Date: 8/2/2020 11:58:00 AM This is such a heartfelt memory of your mother Ann. Beautifully penned with your nostalgic emotions :) Best wishes for the contest! Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/2/2020 4:35:00 PM Thank you dear Aditi for your lovely words and wishes. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Heidi Sands Date: 8/2/2020 6:09:00 AM Wow this is such an important memory and message. Beautifully, tenderly written Ann :) Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 8/2/2020 6:13:00 AM Bless you dear Heidi, it was such a tender moment and I cherish it. I hope you are well my friend and thank you for your lovely comments. With kindest thoughts Ann xx