Comment from Joy Graham

Excellent

I like the perfect shape of your etheree. The squigglies on the bottom add the perfect accent so it looks like a Christmas tree.

You have brought up a good theme. My mom loves in a seniors apartment where many of her neighbors have no family to come visit them. It's sad. When my mom used to go to the nursing home to visit my dad, she took a while after getting off the elevator before she reached my dad's room at the end of the hall. She would chat with the residents sitting in the hallway, and they brightened when they saw her arrival.

I enjoyed your poem today. It is good to remind people that some folks could use a visit or kind smile. Best wishes in the contest.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 01-Dec-2016

Joy,

Thanks so much for your review and comments. I agree it is important we show love and kindness to our seniors. One day, if it is God's will I will be at the age where I pray I am not forgotten. Blessings my friend.............Portia

Comment from I am Cat

Excellent

I wish I had a six for this, sweet friend... I knew, of course, when I started reading, that you were talking about your mother and your siblings... it's heartbreaking, and at the same time, it's a flawless use of this form, one which I don't see often, plus, you really nailed the last line, using it as a 'satori' line, or an 'aha' moment.
VERY powerful and effective, Portia.
Well done and a virtual sixer from me, by virtue of the fact that I have no more to give. :(
Great job and great luck in the contest
Cat

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2016

---

reply by the author on 30-Nov-2016

Cat,

You are so sweet and kind, thanks my dear friend for such an outstanding review. I'll take your very kind review over a six any day. Lots of love..............Portia

Comment from ronnie k

Excellent

Hallajah , my DEAR FRIEND my mother has no memory of me, I have four brothers one sister I live her alone, visit as often as I can but it is so painful, we are attached by spirits, my dear friend my soul mate, I will message you later I have no words right now.

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Nov-2016

I know exactly how you feel. If is so difficult for me to see my mother they way she is. I remember her as a strong and vibrant mother. I am very sensitive and I cry a lot for her. There is nothing like the love of a mother and oh how I love her so. I will keep your mother in my prayers. Blessings my dear friend...................Portia

Comment from Lu Saluna

Excellent

It is very sad when children turn their backs on their parents for no good reason. Parents make sacrifices for their children and it almost always goes unnoticed and unrewarded. Alzheimer's is a tall price to pay for not bearing the pain of being ignored by your children when you don't deserve it. You have written a very good poem and I wish you well in the contest.

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Nov-2016

Lu,

Thank you for your review and comments, they are greatly appreciated. Lots of love..............Portia

Comment from giraffmang

Excellent

Hi there,

This is a very good etheree poem. Not sure I've ever seen this portrayed as a blessing before, but you could very well be right in some situations.

Good tight little piece.
GMG

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Nov-2016

Thank you for your review and comments, they are greatly appreciated. Blessings...............Portia

Comment from wilkswrites

Exceptional

WoW---this is an exact reflection of what I have been feeling about one of my daughters. Actually, I raised her along with my own two daughters from the age of nine at her drug addicted mother's request. Today she is almost 31, and rarely says two words to me. I just helped her with her wedding, and she rode off into the sunset and didn't look back -- just as I had suspected she would.

Thank you for sharing, and also thank you for your kind response and stars to my latest post.

 Comment Written 28-Nov-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Nov-2016

Miss VWilks,

You have been missed. I smiled when I received your review and thanks so much for it and the six star rating. I couldn't wait to visit your portfolio and check you out. I am glad I did, you got my vote as well.

Sorry to hear about your daughter, but our children can be so ungrateful at times. Its hard for me to see my mother the way she is, it breaks my heart and I find myself crying a lot. Glad you are back. Blessings..................Portia

reply by wilkswrites on 03-Dec-2016

Thank you so much

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

Siblings. You can't live with 'em and you can't kill 'em. Forensic science is much too sophisticated these days to get away with it.

I volunteer as part of a church outreach program named, quite simply, the Adopt a Son or Daughter program. What we do is visit elderly shut-ins in area nursing homes; people whose families and friends have seemingly forgotten them, for whatever reasons. Or, their family has all since passed on and they have no one left to visit them any longer.

I see first-hand the effects Alzheimer's has on some of these wonderful folks, and it's heartbreaking. I just let them believe whomever it is they want me to be.
That seems to make most of them very happy.

I only bring this up because your mother is dealing with a similar situation. But thank God she still has you--someone who still loves and cares about her.

 Comment Written 28-Nov-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Nov-2016

Dean,

You have such a kind, loving and giving heart. Thank you for your review and very kind and consoling comments, Blessings my friend.................Portia

reply by Dean Kuch on 29-Nov-2016

It's always a pleasure, Portia. You're more than welcome.
Give your mom a hug from me next time you see her.

reply by the author on 29-Nov-2016

Thanks Dean, I will give her a big hug that means the world to me. Portia

reply by Dean Kuch on 29-Nov-2016

You bet, Portia.
Anytime. :}

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

Portia,
How sad this has turned out for your mother.

You did a good job with your contest entry. Your syllable count is correct. Your lines flow smoothly with a sad, but to often true, message.

Please look at these suggestions:

[has] forgotten
children who [show] no concern

It's a verb 'thing.'

Thanks for sharing & caring. You are a true friend with a heart of gold. Jan

 Comment Written 28-Nov-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Nov-2016

Jan,

You are the best! I really appreciate your thorough and kind review. Thanks so much for bringing the errors to my attention. I love you my friend!!!! Blessings......Portia

Comment from Thomas Bowling

Excellent

I used to run a nursing home ministry. We would visit and sing for the patients every Sunday. For many it was the only time they ever had visitors. It was sad.

 Comment Written 28-Nov-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Nov-2016

Tom,

Thanks so much for your review and comments. You have a very kind and giving heart. Blessings................Portia