The Time of My Miracle

I was only five and barely alive; diagnosed with a dreaded disease;
For six months I lay in a hospital bed not quite ready to leave.

My kidneys had failed; medications were no avail;
dialysis seemed the only treatment.
Then a miracle occurred; I know it’s absurd, 
because they don’t really happen too frequent.

Every morning I wasn’t dead the doctors scratched their heads
wondering how I was hanging on -
And slowly but surely I started to heal until the disease, somehow, was gone.

I was written about in the medical journals as an unsolved mystery;
That time in my life – even as young as I was - is my most significant history.

Not many of us can remember our lives when we were only five years old –
But I am here to tell, I remember it well; and often my story I’ve told.

A special bond had formed between my father and me
who visited me every day;
While my mother stayed home taking care of my five siblings
with one more sister on the way.

I write many poems of pure fiction but I assure you this story is true;
I was five years old, when my parents were told soon my life would be through.

This year, I turn 54 and have never had any kidney problems since.

Written and posted by Joe Flach on 1/8/2012 for Nette Onclauds, "...At This Age" contest.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

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Brown Avatar
January 16, 2012 at 1:04 PM
A belated congratulations on your win in Nette's "At This Age" contest Joe. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
January 14, 2012 at 11:53 AM
CONGRATS JOE ON ANOTHER FIRST PLACE WIN.. A TREASURED PIECE ..
Poet Avatar
January 14, 2012 at 6:47 AM
Yes it was a miracle.Congratulations Joe on your first place win in Nette's contest.Enjoyed the read.
Williams Avatar
January 14, 2012 at 2:19 AM
Joe congrats on your win, I for one am delighted you survived otherwise we would be short of one great poet..David
Dietrich Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 10:57 PM
wow, we are a lot alike here!!(except I don't think I was as close to death as you were.) I am only a few years older than you I guess and when I was five I was over a month in a hospital with pnemonia!! (no lung problems since) Congratulations on your BIG win, Joe. well deserved.
Macmillan Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 8:05 PM
Joe, this is both an amazing recount of your youth and a fantastic poem. Congrats on the win. Your high honours are well deserved. Miracles, do indeed, happen! I feel like this could be rewritten as a first chapter to a biography. Has the rest of your life been touched by grace, surprises, mystery? Smiles from Cyndi
Guzzi Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 6:10 PM
What experiences you have had Joe, fine write and another fine win. Congrad's Light & Love
Richards Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 4:47 PM
So glad I didn't miss this one! There are some things that have no explanation, except to say "miracle" ! Wow!!
Pemberton Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 5:13 AM
A great testimony to share! Thank you!
Pettit Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 9:31 PM
I agree with Kim. This is an amazing story. You have also told it well with some good rhyming. I'm glad you are still around, and I am sure you have many others that feel the same way.
Merryman Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 8:30 PM
An amazing story. So glad you shared it, Joe. Love, Kim
Northeast Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 7:52 PM
wonderful news- is this really true? Brenda : )
Flach Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 8:02 PM
Yes, Brenda, this is a true story. I have written about it a few times. My favorite one posted here on soup is "At Top of the Stairwell" - check it out, if you have the time and inclination.
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