A Straight Line of Sight

It's been so long since I've visited my beautiful, brilliant friends at Hubpages. Thank you, Joyelle, for your lovely comment, which brought me back to this page today. I feel like I've walked into a warm glow, a gathering of all the generous, kind, accepting people who've I've come to love. I have missed you all. I took the time to re-read my poem and all of the beautiful, touching commentary you've left me, and I had to walk away for a few moments to compose myself after breaking into tears. I have missed every friend here. I have been consumed by taking care of my mother, who is slipping into the predictably devastating claws of Alzheimers. I want to take this opportunity, at Christmas, to thank each and every one of you for surrounding me with the experience of heaven on earth...with the gifts of your presence, words and generosity. Merry Christmas to each and every soul here with me now.

I am glad to be following your work, too, Aubrey, especially your human interest topics that are so full of honesty and heart. Thank you for your visit, my friend.

I am honored by your visit, Micky Dee. I am so happy to see you here. Thank you

Hearing from you, Suzette, is always a breath of fresh air into my day. I am always so touched by your openness and forthright honesty. I consider you a vital part of my writing and a real friend to me. I never write a poem that I don't think of you, because of the words you've sent me here. I sincerely value our connection. Thank you, my friend.

It's true, Docmo, that every generation learns new ways, yet we learn based on ideas from the past. With every new idea there are pros and cons. Of course, I couldn't exist like I want to without the connection of my laptop, but with all new tech there are new scams, too. If I'm still around at my mom's age, I hope to be as "with it" as she is, even without the internet. She is amazing. And, of all the connections I make online, there is none I am more grateful to be part of than the one I share with her.

Thank you for your beautiful words to me, my brilliant friend.

Oh, lovely, Ruby, you always say the words I long to hear. Reading your comments, whether they make me laugh or cry, always leaves me feeling fortunate to have found a wonderful friend in you. Hugs to you, Ruby Tuesday.

Oh, Eddy, I'm so glad you enjoyed this piece. Thank you for letting me know.

Amy sending a hug from St. Lou

Thank you, Suzette. I chose the Sinatra song, because my mom always calls me to let me know whenever our local PBS televises one of his past concerts. I like him, especially when he sings this song. I always get such a kick out of you (another Sinatra reference), Suzette, because your are so enthusiastic and upbeat in your comments about my poetry. You can't imagine how much you boost my morale and determination to make the next one better! I'm sending a hug to you from St. Lou!

Thank you, kindly, soccer-world. I appreciate your time and words.

Swetankraj, Thank you so much for reading my poem and leaving your beautiful comment.

Oh, thank you, vocalcoach for words that touch my heart. I am eternally grateful for the relationship that my mom and I share, which has become much stronger, with less strife, than in my youth. I marvel at her ability to laugh and accept those moments where she forgets, instead of becoming angry due to frustration. She is a beautiful, gentle example of grace under trying circumstances. I learn from her each time we are together.

Thank you so much for your kindness, vocalcoach. Although you say you are a "super senior", you look like a 25 year old. But, what I love about you is your beautiful heart.

Awww, Gypsy, my friend, I don't want to make you cry. But, I know what you mean, because when I get home after taking my mom somewhere or helping her out, I think about our conversations and I usually cry. It is difficult watching her get older and be impacted by health concerns and her independence diminished. When I think about some of her ideas about life today, I sometimes cry for the sheer innocent yet astute brilliance of her mind. Though she struggles with some dementia, I listen to her carefully, because she is a wise woman with not only an impressive intellect, but finely honed logic. There is so much about the past and our elderly that we can learn if we only listen. I am so happy to know that you enjoyed such a loving relationship with your mother, that made you feel all was right with the world in her presence. We were blessed to have a families that gave us a sanctuary of love. Thank you, my sweet friend.

Dear drbj, It is impossible for me to tell you how much I value your comments. They are so uniquely you; sometimes comedic genius, sometimes uplifting, always encouraging and thought-provoking. I especially appreciate your telling me what stands out for you, because, trust me, my friend, I remember and think of those ideas every time I write something new, which is why I think of you, drbj, as my mentor, teacher and friend. Thank you

The only way to listen to The Stones is loud!!! I love how you see things, Mister C, through your rock & roll eyes....Keith, Mick and Amy, wow, yep, I'd be standing next to Mick.

I just took a break from watching the movie "Testament". The world, to me, feels closer to it now than I want to think about. Even the possibility leaves me needing to step away and take a deep breath.

Thank you, Colin, for giving my work an edge through your unique vision. Everytime I read your work or am lucky enough to see you light my space, I know I will always be reminded that you "shine on, you crazy diamond."

Dear Jackie, I'm glad this made you smile. I haven't moved in with me mum at this point. I don't think she really wants that yet. So, I help her in every way I can, and for now, she still feels somewhat independent, which is top priority for her happiness. When the time is right, we will both know. Otherwise, she would see me as an intrusion. I understand the "snappy" feeling, but, like you, I have learned to go with the flow regarding my mom. Most things aren't worry quibbling over. I always consider the long run consequences. The last thing I would ever want to do is hastily say something that hurt my mom's feelings. If she forgets, what does it really matter? I can do the remembering. And, sometimes, she remembers things I don't!!! I try to behave in a way that leaves my conscience clear. Its the only way I can sleep at night. Thank you so much for asking about my mom, Jackie. I appreciate your sincerity and caring heart. Sending love from me to you.

Bill, you have a poet's soul. Thank you for this absolutely beautiful, profoundly perceptive comment. You've said a lot of truth in a few sentences, my friend. We think alike. Love from St. Lou to you

Dear Augustine, The lost love and her knight is my dad. He died suddenly 10 years ago Sept. 12th. She never recovered from the loss. Thank you for reading this and leaving me a beautiful comment.

You are so right on the mark, BongSantos. I appreciate your time and meaningful, perceptive comment. Thank you

Mark, Your words are so true and so beautifully stated. When I was very young, I didn't see it that way. I'm wiser, in that respect, now.

Thank you, my friend.

Ryem, Thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I love your name!

Dear William, I am thrilled that you like this piece. Thank you so much for your time, attention and awesome comment.

It's funny, Martie, because my mom was telling me about some of the things that bother her in the neighborhood where she lives, most of these issues are the same ones that have been an ongoing source of irritation. We were entering the grocery store when my mom said "Why can't things just be normal?" I laughed and said "there is no normal anymore". My mom, like many of today's elderly, have no interest in the internet or new technology. It is difficult for them to see, much less find useful. My mom is terrified of identity theft and even uses a black marker to blot out her name and address on mail she throws out. I use to think she was ridiculously over cautious, but the more I learn, the more I see her point. I cannot even imagine a world without the internet or cell phones. I wouldn't want that. But, balance is a good thing. I agree with me mum about caution. Scams, theft, including identity, wreak havoc on lives for a long, long time. I find great value in my mother's still relevent ideas and I share her love of the constancy of nature. And, even in fashion, the classics remain supreme. I abhor the invisibility and irrelevence that many give to our elderly.

Thank you, Martie, for your confidence boosting words of encouragement. Coming from a writer with your smarts, I'm over the moon!