Join Diane, MotherOwl, Mimi, contributors in the comments -- and, at the last minute, me -- as we explore this fine topic. You can leave your poem in the comments here or post on your own blog; if you do the latter, please leave a comment here so we can find you and applaud. Use the topic, or choose another. You may also share a poem by another author if you prefer. Enjoy the process.
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First, thank you yet again for your words of support and encouragement. It means a great deal to me. I have relatively few listening ears in my non-blogging life, and, of those, two individuals are experiencing serious illnesses of their own which makes me reluctant to burden them further. Your kindness and caring make a big difference in my life.
I was going to sit out the poetry challenge this week but the topic spoke strongly to me. In the past month my husband's health problem has become quite severe. He has finally been given the first diagnostic test (aside from blood work) that the doctor requested five weeks previously. The test was delayed by some kind of communication glitch between the doctor and the hospital -- not once, but twice -- but a very kind bookings clerk took me at my word that an expedited request had been made and scheduled my husband right away. That was last week. And as a result of that test, he was immediately booked for further testing later today.
As you can no doubt imagine, I have been feeling quite stressed. It is so hard to see a loved one suffer, and be helpless to do anything about it. It's hard to see anyone suffer, for that matter. There is also the extra physical care for my husband and being up at all hours wearing on me. I am also doing some of the more vital yard work that my husband usually does. And I've been emailing and calling family to keep them in the loop.
In the midst of all of it, nature has been my solace. My deck garden, although not a great success this summer, still gives me a reason to get outside even if it's just for five minutes at a time. Yard work is therapeutic and helps me feel I am getting some real exercise. And most of all, going for a walk is a way to unwind, to process what is happening and what may lie ahead, and to calm my anxiety and soothe my sadness. And it is simply a pleasure to walk; the cool air we've had lately is invigorating, and much easier on my twitchy airways.
When thinking about the topic this week, I kept associating the word "nurture" with the word "nature", probably because of the frequently-discusssed question of how children develop -- whether "nature" or "nurture" has more impact on them. And I realized that there is another way to relate the two words that perfectly describes how I feel about nature, particularly right now.
This has got to be the longest preamble ever, for the shortest poem ever. You all get gold stars for sticking with it.
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In My Opinion *
Nature ...
Is
Nurture ...
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*Original title was "Maybe That's Why She's Called Mother". Edited to remove unintended sexism. Because fathers nurture, too.
Yep, that's it, that's all. Like I said: short.
And let us have a picture of wee kittens to smile over:
Until next week, I hope you have other reasons to smile, too, and can get out to enjoy nature's benefits.
I'm so sorry things are so rough. I'm pleased you are making some diagnostic progress. Finally.
ReplyDeleteThe poem is fabulous, nothing more to be said :)
Just a thought; when my step father was ill my mother couldn't cope with all the well meaning and enquiring phone calls and stopped answering the phone. I knew to ring her twice and then she would answer. Eventually things were being filtered through me rather than her have to deal with everyone.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good luck and I hope things go well for you both.
I straight up love your poem. And I really hope the health issues get sorted out soon and satisfactorily.
ReplyDeleteFor a couple of years after my stroke, I used to get these episodes where all of the sudden I would just freeze up and not be able to take another step. They happened mostly when I walked into open spaces away from walls or anything else that I could conceivably lean on for support. I would be walking back from the exercise room across the warehouse floor to the stairs that led up to my room and my heart would start racing and I would have to turn sideways and take these awkward, tiny steps until I got to the stairs, where as soon as I touched the banister I was fine again.
I think about those episodes sometimes when I stumble a little and it stops me up short and I get a similar feeling to them, and I silently give thanks that that doesn't happen anymore and hasn't for years.
Until yesterday, when it came roaring back while I was out walking, and I had to turn back about halfway to the pond where I have been walking to each day for months.
I made it up to the mailbox, and then spent a tense half hour walking back down in little halting steps until, true to form, as soon as I got to the stairs leading up to the house I was fine. Shaken, but fine.
So today I went back out and made it all the way to the pond again, and while I did tighten up on the way back down the hill, it didn't stop me like it did yesterday, so I'm hoping it's just something I can sort of work through.
Yesterday, before the freeze up, our neighbor told us that she had caught a picture of a mountain lion on her wildlife cam, and right after that there was a big pile of bear scat in the road, which isn't surprising as the berries are ripe here now.
So-
I guess that all we need is a tiger
To be fully not in Kansas any more.
Thank you god, who I don't really believe in
That I'm not in Kansas.
-Doug in Sugar Pine
Yes, we all need listening ears, especially when there is an illness in the family and I find blog friends to be very understanding and helpful. I know at least partially what you are going through with your husband's health. Tom is still having health problems and has since July. Besides worrying about your husband you are taking on all of the responsibilities around the house and yard that were previously shared between the two of you. You are trying to take care of your husband and get him to all of his appointments. In between all of that you are likely forgetting to take care of yourself. Keep enjoying your deck garden and your walks. Time for yourself is important now!
ReplyDeleteI love your poem because it is SO true! I'm keeping you and your husband in my thoughts! xxx
Nature is indeed nurture. And solace. And heart balm. How I wish that more of us realised this - and nurtured her too.
ReplyDeleteHolding you and yours tightly in my heart dear friend. Today and every day.
Thank you for updating. I'm still holding you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYour poem is short, but sweet.
Nature is Nurture is a perfect poem, Jenny. I am so sorry for your pain and anxiety as you and your dear husband go thru this illness and all difficulties in getting a diagnosis. I pray for sweet hummingbirds in your gardens and answers and treatments for your spouse. Know that we are always here for you, sweet friend, as you have touched us all over the years with posts that lift us up. We hope we can return the favor.
ReplyDeleteGlad that nature is nurturing you during this difficult time. Thinking of you and your husband. Pax.
ReplyDeleteSad to hear that there have been serious glitches in testing for your husband's condition. It's stressful to have to take on more responsibility and look after someone at the same time. Hopefully all will be solved .
ReplyDeleteThank you for your explanations and your poem, and the kitten picture. You and your husband are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJenny, I'm so pleased to hear that you are managing to keep going. You are right - even five minutes of yard work boosts the system and lifts morale. When I'm feeling a bit low I go outside and sweep! Like you I found the theme Nature such a vast topic - every different aspect could be a theme in itself. So I, too, opted for short rather than long. I've been tempted to try my hand at writing a haiku and managed to come up with these:
ReplyDeleteNATURE - 4 Haikus
1. Land left scarred by Man
Nature reclaims over time.
The circle of life.
2. Frozen trees at night
Slumber under snow-filled skies.
Resting until Spring.
3. Curled up ball of spines
In leafy pile under shed.
Hedgehog braves winter.
4. Fox digs up Dad’s lawn
Hunting worms on sultry night.
Dad’s snores spare Foxy.
The kitties made me laugh - is the front one saying: "Mommy - I've been goosed!" ?
Nature is nuture. I think so too.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers.
Nature has helped us cope with Covid too.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Jenny. Take care.
Well, some might interpret my latest poetic piece as being related to nature -- depends what one means by "nature".
ReplyDeleteVery sorry about the situation you and your husband are in. I know how stressful that can be, especially if you have no one nearby to help. I hope he will make a full recovery. It sounds like they at least know more now about what the problem is, which I hope will help do something about it.
you're right, nature is nurture but sometimes Mother Nature likes to throw a spanner in the works, like starting the pollen season early and giving us an extra one at the end of autumn.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, jenny_o. I am grateful that you are still able to share some updates with you. Take care and I will continue to send positive thoughts your way.
ReplyDeletethank lord that process of testing has started finally dear Jenny ,i could not stop thinking of you and your situation since i read your last post .
ReplyDeletei will insist to stay positive my precious wonderful friend because i believe things happen the way we look at them ,i know you are amazingly strong person Jenny and i somehow know you will overcome this trauma eventually .i think (from personal experiences) that lord test more whom he loves most all we need to stay firm on our faith upon him and faith on ourselves .
as far tiredness and anxiety some deep breathing and light yoga steps do magic for me .i know it is hard to find motivation or time but you have to take care of yourself because you can look after your husband if are strong and healthy . life is crucial sometime and reminds us laws of Darvin's laws ,"only those can live here who have guts to face and fight whatever comes before and survive " Never doubt yourself that you can do this ,believe me it is right within you ,it's just stress that blur our thoughts sometime and make us feel helpless .you have given strength to help others and this is not a common blessing given to all .
in my thoughts and prayers you and your loved one dear friend ,sending tons of healing energy ,love and hugs!!!
you said it all in few words ,i agree and share your thoughts because i know it is Nature who nurture me ,heal me ,uplift and hug me ,above all it connects me to him who is my only and true divine one.
please keep taking great care !
Your poem is short but profound, and the kitties are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that at least your husband's testing has begun. Even though you still don't "know" anything, at least there's progress.
I was sad to hear that there aren't too many listening ears in your life. It's a conundrum, isn't it? You don't want to burden your friends and loved ones; but it's not the kind of thing you'd discuss with anyone who wasn't close to you.
We only know each other through our blogs, but maybe that's an emotional distance that could work for you. If you need a virtual ear or shoulder, please email me anytime through the contact form on my website. (All email comes only to me, so it's private.) Or if that doesn't feel comfortable, please consider calling a crisis line just to talk with someone for a little while. When you're supporting everyone else, you need support, too.
Keeping you in my thoughts...
Thanks for filling us in on all that's going on in your life. Needless to say I hope things work out well. It's hard to watch anyone suffer, as you said, and caretaking can be difficult and exhausting. We're thinking of both of you.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, nature IS nurture. I agree!