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Eileen Manassian
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I guess you could say I'm a citizen of the world. I've traveled....and I've lived parts of my life in Iran, Lebanon, the US, and Cyprus. I am proud of my Armenian heritage. I was born in Tehran, Iran and soon after that, my family went to the States for my dad to work on his MA degree and many years later, to work on his Ed.D. I have a lot of the Middle East and the West in me, and at times....I feel confused about my identity. I do, however, cling to my Armenian roots and am outspoken about recognition by the world of the Armenian Genocide that took place over 100 years ago.

Since my parents had no common language, the language spoken in our home was English. Yes, I am most fluent in English, and I think, dream, and converse in that language, though I do speak 5 other languages to varying degrees! :)

I am melancholy/sanguine by nature and feel everything very keenly. My highs are SUPER HIGH...and my lows...SUPER LOW! I guess you could say...I'm INTENSE. I'm passionate about poetry to the point of obsession.

The events that have colored my life are the death of my mother due to MS and the war in Lebanon. As a child, it was hard for me to come to grips with the fact that my mother was ill, and to see her go from being a vibrant, well-loved teacher to a wheelchair bound, isolated woman was a very harrowing experience. I do believe, though, that there is a resurrection day and that, by His grace, I will see my Mama fully restored...free of wheelchair, able to sing, laugh, and smile again. The war in Lebanon...bombs landing all around, nights spent in bomb shelters.. has also scarred me to some degree.

What I'm most proud of? That would be my daughter...Shereen Natalie Ghali. She is the light of my life. Her name in Farsi means SWEET! :)

Currently, I teach English at Middle East University in Beirut, Lebanon. Poetry Soup has been a haven for me....most of the time! ;) I've developed amazing friendships here that are very genuine and real. My dream is to one day have my name on a volume of poetry! One can always dream....Thank you for making the effort to get acquainted. God bless!


 

In The Midst of Life, We are in Death

Blog Posted by Eileen Manassian: 4/27/2017 5:00:00 AM

Dear Soupers,

 

In less than 45 minutes I'm off to the airport. I'm going to Germany to attend my Uncle Daniel's funeral. My latest poem posted was about him.

Life has been very hectic lately...I will be gone over the weekend and will be back Monday morning. I'm sorry I haven't been answering your posts. My brother-in-law has been visiting from Canada because my mother-in-law had a medical scare.

I will see you on the other side. Please...remember to value every moment. 

Blessings,

EIleen

 

I will read this on Saturday during the service in the church:

 

Much More Than Uncle

Much more than Uncle was this man to me

He was beloved mentor, steadfast friend

The nature of his heart was plain to see

It beat of love and care right to the end

 

He wrote the words and then he gave them voice

And shared his love for God through radio waves

Some heard and then they made the better choice

For he had told them, “Only Jesus saves”

 

His humor lightened up our dreary days

And mischief winkled sweetly in his eyes

His wisdom touched us in so many ways

And though he sleeps, I know one day he’ll rise

 

He’ll rise to see His Savior’s face of love

And feel the vigor of his youthful frame

He’ll rise to taste of heaven up above

And hear his loving Lord whisper his name

 

“Well done, my servant, here you’ll ever be

Enclosed in paradise with those you’ve reached

Oh, Daniel know your life is dear to me

You loved me, so salvation’s joy you preached

 

And now rejoice with children, loved ones, wife

No more will sorrow touch your gracious heart

No more will I allow the winds of strife

To blow against your mind or pain impart

 

Forever safe and sound within my care

Enjoy the bounty of your gleaming prize

With loved ones and with me this Kingdom share

For you have found your favor in my eyes”

 

And so I say, “Goodnight, my Uncle dear

For resurrection morn is soon to be

We’ll have reunion there with loved ones near

I pray that each one here your face will see.”

 

Eileen Manassian Ghali

April 29, 2017

 

My Uncle was suffering from Alzheimers in the later part of his life. He was eventually bedridden. He was a minister, educater, and radio program producer. He was my friend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Date: 4/29/2017 9:56:00 AM
I hope your trip is a safe one, Eileen and that you always cherish your memories of your much-loved uncle....my condolences on your loss.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 8:50:00 AM
Thank you so much Leo. I'm touched that you would take the time to read and post. I just arrived back home early this morning. It was an emotional time, but also a joyous one as we had the chance to celebrate his life...God bless.
Date: 4/28/2017 8:32:00 AM
So sorry for your loss, Eileen:( may God comfort you and your family during this time! The poem is an encouraging write, Eileen, it sure will bring cheer and comfort to all who hear it:)
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 8:58:00 AM
We felt his presence, Jo. My uncle's quality of life was greatly diminished due to his illness. He had stopped eating or speaking. God knows all things. I believe He allowed him to finally rest in peace. That also was a comfort to us. Blessings.
Date: 4/27/2017 10:08:00 PM
Hugs! and more Hugs!
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 9:00:00 AM
All those hugs are appreciated, dear. Thank you for caring.
Date: 4/27/2017 7:43:00 PM
What a wonderful man he was. Your poem is filled with his spirit. May being surrounded by the people he loved and the people you love bring you comfort. I am truly sorry to hear of your loss.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 9:03:00 AM
I just got in this morning, Cyndi. I did read your post while in Germany, though, and it did bring me comfort. I'm touched by your kindness and the fact that you took the time to read, post a comment, and offer comfort. It was good to be with my family. It was an emotional time for us all, but the hope that we have in Jesus makes it easier to bear. It was a beautiful meaningful service. Having the support of Soupers was a great help to me.
Date: 4/27/2017 7:34:00 PM
I am sorry for your loss, Eileen. YOu wrote a wonderful tribute to your uncle. My stepfather also died of the same thing almost ten years ago. It inspired from me a poem I got to read at his funeral. It's very fitting that you read THIS One at HIS!
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 9:07:00 AM
Thank you, Andrea. I'm glad that you were able to honor your stepfather with one of your beautiful poems. My Uncle was very dear to me and it felt right to read a poem at the service. Thank God for the life that he lived. Only in heaven will we know the true scope of his labors here. Hugs, dear one.
Date: 4/27/2017 6:48:00 PM
Every time I read something you wrote, I am touched. This is so personally yours, but will be a comfort to everyone who hears it.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 9:08:00 AM
Thank you, Sunlite. You are kind. I hope that it did bring a measure of comfort. I know it felt good to write it...Hugs
Date: 4/27/2017 4:46:00 PM
Have comfort in your days of sorrow your poetic friends with opened hearts filled with prayers are by your side
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 10:10:00 AM
Thank you, dear Frederic. I read all these wonderful messages while there in Germany but had not time to respond...still, it was a great comfort to me. God bless
Date: 4/27/2017 4:14:00 PM
Eileen, good remembrance of your uncle. You're right - in life, death is never far from us, and ever closer as we age. Good luck on your travels.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 11:53:00 AM
Thank you, Doug. The travels went well. I'm back home now. It was a very emotional time, but it was good to be with my extended family again. We share memories...we laughed at some, we cried at others...Mostly we celebrated a life well lived.
Date: 4/27/2017 12:54:00 PM
I don't know you, but I can hear a lion heart's steps oceans away. Wish you well.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 11:55:00 AM
Thank you Connie. I don't know how much of a lioness I am, but lions are my favorite animals. I have pictures of them everywhere. I wish you well too.
Date: 4/27/2017 12:14:00 PM
What a beautiful tribute poem to your beloved uncle, Eileen! So glad He knew our Lord, and is in His presence and comfort now. God bless his family and yours, as well. Blessings and prayers, Laura :)
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 12:00:00 PM
Thank you, Laura. Yes, I do believe that my Uncle knew the Lord well. He loved and served him. We cling to the promise in I John 5: 12- He who has the Son has life. We believe we will be gifted immortality when Christ returns...I Corinthians 15: 53 & 54. His life is hidden in Christ. Blessings, dear...and thanks.
Date: 4/27/2017 12:14:00 PM
Sorry to hear about your uncle, Eileen. I send you my condolences. The above poem is beautiful and uplifting. Blessings....paul
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 11:56:00 AM
Thank you, Paul. It was good to be with family. The memorial and burial were difficult to go through, but we needed to grieve to be able to say our final goodbyes until we see each other again in a better place. Blessings
Date: 4/27/2017 9:58:00 AM
Beautiful Lady,my condolence. Your words will be very meaningful to all, a tribute to your uncle.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 12:01:00 PM
It was good to be able to share my love for him in my poem, dear. It helped in the healing process...Sending you lots of love.
Date: 4/27/2017 7:37:00 AM
I am sorry for your loss, Eileen. Your poem is a beautiful tribute to your uncle. Safe travels.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 12:02:00 PM
Thank you, Agnes. I arrived safely back home this morning in the wee hours. It was a very emotional time, but I'm glad I could offer support and love to my cousins and Aunt during this time. I appreciate your words.
Date: 4/27/2017 5:08:00 AM
What a beautiful tribut poem, Alzheimer's is a cruel disease Eileen, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you:-( Hugs Jan xx
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/1/2017 12:05:00 PM
Thanks, Jan. Yes, it is a horrible disease. My mother's sister had it as well. The memories are painful, but I try to remember my Uncle the way he was when he'd stay in my home....full of the joy of life. One day...he will be restored. Blessings, dear...and hugs

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