Ah, here it is … a few days into April, and finally, the Poem of The Month from me..  

Between the Final Four Basketball competition, the opening of the baseball season, the will they-won’t they make it to the finals for the Seattle Kraken hockey guys, and the upcoming traditionally nicest, most gentlemanly competition in golf — the Master’s — all coming to us via satellite, live stream on our television sets (“smart” or not), or on our cell phones, tablets, desk tops, etc., it’s been an interesting challenge to find the right words to share this month. 

Obviously, most of the news I’ve been listening to has leaned more toward entertainment and toward people competing without killing each other… actually shaking hands and giving credit where credit’s due at the end of the match. A nice pat on the shoulder, an actual look into the faces of the members of the competing team… a recognition… 

Why can’t life “out there” be like that?

To counteract the hovering feeling of helplessness it occurred to me that even if we didn’t know what to do to make great strides into solving the problems of the world, there must be some form of action we might take… hence, the title: If You Can’t Do Something, Do What You Can.

The simplest act of kindness towards another human being… a smile, a nod, or a word (hello) (nice day for a walk) might be just the very thing the other person needs to allow his or her attitude abut life change direction to the positive.

I hope you enjoy the poem — April showers of kind, loving thoughts.

Remember, whatever the question, love is always the answer.

IF YOU CAN’T DO SOMETHING, DO WHAT YOU CAN

Have you ever noticed that when the sun is shining,
The water always looks blue.
It reflects the color of the sky, of course…
(It could be white, grey or black, too).

It seems that people are drawn to those
Who are happy with their lives;
Who can’t help but share their joy with others;
And who send forth only sunny vibes.

And have you noticed that when you’re happy
Your “sky” is blue, and reflects the same.
You can’t help but share your joy, my friend,
And others' “water” turns blue. It’s part of the game.

Make it a habit to share your sunshine with others!
This is advice for every woman and man.
Be aware that your joy has an affect on others.
Turn their water to blue every time you can.

As some of you may know, doing nothing is very hard for me, and as I'm spending most of my time in the healing process these days, it looks as if I am “doing nothing.” (Except: physical therapy for balance, strength, and endurance; occupational therapy to start doing things for myself, like showering, working a little bit in the kitchen… you know, life stuff.)

Between the above mentioned activities, there is a lot of time to sit and stare out the window… and the weather during the last few days of February has provided some amazing sights. Looking to the west I see the beautiful snow-capped Olympic Mountain range; and to the east the Cascade Mountain Range!

But, closer to my residence is a beautiful lake. And, guess what? It was pointed out to me by one of my caregivers that… 

The Water Is Blue! And, so it is! (whenever the sun shines).

The title stuck. I hope you like the poem that followed.

THE WATER IS BLUE

Have you ever noticed that when the sun is shining,
The water always looks blue.
It reflects the color of the sky, of course…
(It could be white, grey or black, too).

It seems that people are drawn to those
Who are happy with their lives;
Who can’t help but share their joy with others;
And who send forth only sunny vibes.

And have you noticed that when you’re happy
Your “sky” is blue, and reflects the same.
You can’t help but share your joy, my friend,
And others' “water” turns blue. It’s part of the game.

Make it a habit to share your sunshine with others!
This is advice for every woman and man.
Be aware that your joy has an affect on others.
Turn their water to blue every time you can.

The speed bumps I crossed are nearly behind me now, and life is taking on a rosier shade. I hope to not get behind in doing the things I love to do… mainly, sharing my thoughts (put to poetry) with you.

Recently, I was thinking of my own family… my mother’s voice rang in loud and clear with one of her wonderful remembrances, and I wished I could phone her (“to get the rest of the story”).

Of course, I was too late to get the information. And I had not asked when I could have talked to her in person. 

If, only.

I look forward to visiting with you again soon. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the poem… and, have fun with the interviews.

IF ONLY I KNEW MORE ABOUT MY FAMILY’S HISTORY...

Did you ever wonder what life was like
When your grandparents were girls and boys?
Did they like to play? And if they did, 
What were their favorite toys?

Asking direct questions (like an interview)
Might seem too formal a style.
But there are ways to phrase your questions
And you both end up with smiles.

Ask the right questions, and you’ll be amazed
At the delight they feel in remembering.
You will listen, of course, more than you talk.
It takes a special style of listening.

Ask them to share their earliest memories:
Do not interrupt when they start to share.
Listen intently to all they have say.
This is your family history! Are you aware?

There are many ways to harvest your family’s secrets.
You might ask how they got to school…
And expand with related questions,
Always following the golden rule.

You will know how to proceed in your quest for family knowledge.
And I urge you to pursue this as a special assignment.
But do it now, while they are still in your life.
Do not wait till it’s too late, stay in the proper alignment.