Reviews from

Still Here

I love my aging mother and want to be there for her.

28 total reviews 
Comment from evesayshi
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

In my opinion, a beautiful expression of love, easily rendered in its narrated free verse - a sincere and carressive tribute to an obviously caring and devoted mother. I wish I could relate, but I am warmed to my very soul to learn such wonderful mothers do exist, and I thoroughly appreciate your sharing this dedication to her with us readers...

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 26-Dec-2019
    Many thanks for your kindhearted review of my poem. I love what you wrote. I know from conversations I've had with friends, from reading stories about other people's lives and from listening to the news, that not everyone has a mother who is as devoted and loving as mine. I began to realize with sadness, years ago, that this is true, and I am sorry that this has not been your experience. However it is to your credit that you are nevertheless able to recognize and appreciate it when others are blessed by such a gift. You must have known love from someone at some time, because you see it for what it is. God bless you! I deeply appreciate your honesty and your generous heart.
reply by evesayshi on 26-Dec-2019
    You are very welcome indeed, Mary Kay - this was truly an inspiring read for me, and I loved it - thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute...Eve
Comment from harmony13
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The author's words are beautiful, heartfelt, creative and filled with
love. The reader pondered on the strong emotions the author
conveyed. The artwork is perfect. It compliments both the theme
and words of this poem. Merry Christmas! And Welcome to Fanstory!

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 27-Dec-2019
    Thank you very much for your beautiful review. It touches my heart. I appreciate your thoughtful and personal approach to reading it. Thank you for the welcome and Christmas wishes! I hope your Christmas was happy, and that you will have a happy and blessed New Year. Sorry I was a little slow in my reply, but I read it sooner and wanted to give you a thorough response. I appreciate everything you wrote.
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Mary Kay. This is a beautiful tribute to your mother. I grew up in somewhat similar circumstances but my mother turned out to be my grandmother. You have effectively told a life story in a single free verse poem.
The narrative is superb and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.
It is well written and I wish you good luck in the contest.
Robert

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 26-Dec-2019
    Thank you so very much, Robert, I am so grateful for your Exceptional rating of my poem, as well as the beautiful review you have written. I love what you wrote! I'm so happy to hear that you, also, grew up with a mother's love -- even a grandmother's love, it can be so significant!
    When my mother first started working and my Grandma had to take care of us, before we were old enough for school, we spent so much time with her that we often called her "Mama-Grandma." I was doubly blessed to have the love of both of these devoted women -- so I understand that a grandmother can step in and become a true mother to a child also. Thank you for sharing, and for your encouragement!
reply by Robert Zimmerman on 26-Dec-2019
    Hi Mary Kay. Thank you for your wonderful comments. I liked the content and the construction of your poem very much. Robert
reply by Robert Zimmerman on 26-Dec-2019
    Hi Mary Kay. Thank you for your wonderful comments. I liked the content and the construction of your poem very much. Robert
reply by the author on 27-Dec-2019
    You're welcome, Robert, and I would like to tell you again, how very much I appreciate your six-star rating. Wow!
reply by Robert Zimmerman on 27-Dec-2019
    You're welcome Mary Kay. You deserve it. :) Robert
Comment from Sandra Ludwick
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing your thoughts through your poem. I enjoyed reading it and found it to be very touching. Many times it's our families who keep us going. Well done.

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 27-Dec-2019
    Thank you so much for your beautiful review. I appreciate what you wrote. Yes, our families are precious and they do help to keep us going. Thanks for your encouragement.
Comment from heavenempress
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi, this is a beautiful piece of work. very attractive and I liked the style of the poem and will try it out. It so important to pause and reflect on our mum's sacrifices and love. It is important to thank them for them. Keep it up and I highly recommend your work to others.

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 27-Dec-2019
    Thank you for your kind and beautiful review of my poem. I'm glad my work attracted you to the style and leads you to want to try it, that's a nice compliment! Also, that you want to recommend my work to others, how lovely. Yes, it's so important to love and honor our parents who have made very loving sacrifices for us. My Mom is a true blessing and I can never forget how much she loves me and has shown in the things she has done.
    I'm sorry it took two days to answer you, a lot has been going on. Also I like to answer properly and carefully. I am very grateful for your thoughtful comments!
Comment from June Sargent
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You have written a beautiful tribute to your mom. You've highlighted her self sacrificing spirit and strength as a single mom. And the wisdom she has obviously passed down to you. Thank you for sharing these lovely sentiments.

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 26-Dec-2019
    Thank you very much, June, for your beautiful and thoughtful review. I appreciate the wonderful things you wrote about my Mom and my writing.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a lovely devotion to one who knows how life works and has shown you the way through the loneliness and pain of loss. You have responded to your mum's immense sacrifice and are a credible mouthpiece for her. Beautifully Written, a great entry in this contest, well done, good luck, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2019
    Thank you very kindly, Roy! I greatly appreciate your words of understanding and encouragement.
reply by royowen on 24-Dec-2019
    My pleasure
Comment from Barbaraj1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a heartfelt tribute to your mother. You poured in so much love
into this poem. Your mother sounds like a great woman. As you say things
are out of your control.

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2019
    Thank you, Barbara, for your beautiful review and your heart of understanding. Yes, I agree that my mother is a great woman. It's true that we can't control everything. The "Serenity Prayer" is a good one, and it speaks to many situations. My own words, as you have reflected them back to me, remind me to pray accordingly. I must never underestimate the power of prayer.
Comment from LisaMay
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I am reading your poem on Christmas Eve in New Zealand - the sentiments you describe in your deeply personal poem are universal and touching. I had that sort of relationship with my father (my mother died 50 years ago) and I was there for him as he had been there for me all his life.
The sincerity of love in your family is a beacon of how relationships can be. I salute you for your tribute to your mother's love and the demonstration of your own within the poem's lines.

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2019
    Thank you so much, LisaMay, for your warm and beautiful review, and for the Exceptional rating. I am sorry for the loss of both your parents - your father, with whom you shared such a close bond of devotion across a sea of time, and your mother, who was taken from you much earlier in life. Yes, I do believe there is something universal about the intensity of that type of love, although it is unfortunately not found in every family. As you implied in your comments, I think it is important to share these stories with others, because spreading such love can only make our world a brighter and more welcoming place.
Comment from RShipp
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

"Some things are just beyond our control." No matter how hard we try and how much we care ... a truth.

I loved "the crazy Mom with Pine Sol" story!!!

Well done.

Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2019
    Thank you for your great review, and for your appreciation of this truth. I appreciate your words of encouragement!