THE DANCE
Anonymous
It seems like only yesterday my doctor told me I had cancer,
and when asked, ‘‘How long do I have?’’ he didn’t have an answer.
And it seemed to me that time stood still and the room turned upside down.
Life just stopped and I stared at him and I didn’t hear a sound.
And a thousand years flashed by my eyes as I thought of all I’d miss,
Of the laughs and smiles of those I loved and my son and daughters kiss.
And I realized right then and there the time I had wasted,
of all the things I’d never done and all the life untasted.
And I thought of all the silly things that occupied our day,
like the stupid fight we had last night over bills we had to pay.
Well, years have come and gone and I’m still at The Dance.
I guess God just changed his mind and gave me another chance.
And on that day I took a vow, I would let go of the past,
To live my life and love each day as if it were my last.
For only God can know these things the day, the hour, the time,
but on this day I am alive and all the world is mine.
OUR ANGEL HAS BEEN CALLED HOME
If I could see your face or hold your hands and pray with you just one more time,
just to hear your voice would heal this heart of mine.
If I could see your smile, or hold your beautiful hand,
I would hold onto every minute and walk with you to your promise land.
But I know that is a territory that is not meant for me yet,
I just could not let go of you… and God has not let me fret.
My heart still breaks every day, I miss you Mom, and I love you,
and I know that you have not gone away.
You are in my life every day, and right by side. I will not be afraid,
and I know that you will be watching me every day….
I know that you have died, but have gone nowhere…
I can just think of you and you will be there.
If I only knew that your days were to be cut short, I would have prayed for longer nights,
and held onto you very tight. I know that you still had to leave,
God was ready to take your hand preparing you to part…
and all we could do is stay behind and watch as our hearts fell apart.
You are cancer-free now Mom, fly and go to places you have never gone before.
You are everywhere ----- and I will see you when I get there.
In memory of Josephine M. Blanco 1-26-07
By her daughter Carla J. Blanco
TWO TENTS OF HOPE
Submitted by Pete Badame
La Habra Host Lions Club
A tailor from St. Louis
Found lying in the street,
A victim of Consumption
Lay covered with a sheet.
A thimble in his pocket,
The symbol of his trade;
A pocket watch to guide his time
Was found just where he laid.
A flag was carried through the streets
To raise the burial cost.
A tragedy, this working man
Whose health and life were lost.
A turning point, as plans were made
To help those in distress.
Ten acres were acquired and housed
Two army tents, no less.
And thus began this caring place
A haven for the ill;
Two Tents of Hope were raised that day
And serve in our hearts still.
City of Hope’s Departments of Patient, Family & Community Education and Communications produce Hope Notes. Please contact Linda Baginski, editor, at 626-256-4673, ext. 62978, fax 626-301-8868 or e-mail: lbaginski@coh.org
