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22-07-2012, 04:46 PM
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Bright the hawk's flight
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Mt Duneed Vic
Posts: 3,982
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In Memoriam
Some of you may remember that I posted a little while ago about my step mother who was struggling with MS. Unfortunately she lost her long and courageous battle a fortnight ago. One of the strongest memories of my childhood is that in our house we had an outside loo and hanging on the back of the door was a poster of Max Ehrmans poem "Desiderata"
I would like to share the text of the poem with you as it was the words that inspired my step mother in her way of viewing the world.
Desiderata
"Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy."
I know it has a religious reference which was certainly not her or my "thing", but reading these words again after all these years brings back many happy memories.
Malcolm
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22-07-2012, 05:02 PM
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IIS Member #671
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Canberra
Posts: 11,159
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I'm sorry for your loss, Malcolm.
That is a great poem.
H
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22-07-2012, 05:13 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sydney
Posts: 5,244
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Likewise sorry for your loss. I remember that poem as a hit record many years ago-its words are profound.
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22-07-2012, 05:27 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Porepunkah, Australia
Posts: 329
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It's very sad to lose a parent Malcolm, but those happy memories you hold will last forever.
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22-07-2012, 05:45 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 242
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Sorry for your loss Malcolm.
Thanks for reminding me of those great words. I too remember the song version and was always moved by it.
"Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be" sort of eases the religiosity of that line for me.
Hope her passing was peaceful.
Cheers
Dave
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22-07-2012, 05:56 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Monto
Posts: 16,741
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Such beautiful words and how wonderful that you will forever associate them with your Step-mum.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
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22-07-2012, 07:52 PM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: NEWCASTLE NSW Australia
Posts: 33,425
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Malcolm
Sorry to hear of your loss but the one thng that stands out is the long lasting legacy she has given you
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22-07-2012, 08:01 PM
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Not enough time and money
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,133
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So sorry to hear of your loss Malcolm. MS is a terrible condition, I hope she found peace in the end.
Bo
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22-07-2012, 08:19 PM
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Starcatcher
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Gerringong
Posts: 8,548
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Sorry to hear Malcolm.
Thanks for sharing.
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22-07-2012, 10:00 PM
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Galaxy Hunting
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Geelong region.
Posts: 947
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Sorry for your loss Malcolm.
Those are memorable wise words.
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22-07-2012, 11:55 PM
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Searching for Travolta...
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Brisbane, Australia.
Posts: 3,700
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Oh what such beautiful words there Malcolm- I hadn't heard it before and I thank you sharing it.
I too am sorry for your loss- I hope you're okay, it must be a difficult time.
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23-07-2012, 12:09 AM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Thurgoona, NSW
Posts: 922
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Sorry for your loss Malcolm.
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23-07-2012, 01:42 AM
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Support your local RFS
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Wamboin NSW
Posts: 12,405
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Sorry for your loss Malcolm
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23-07-2012, 06:29 PM
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Bright the hawk's flight
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Mt Duneed Vic
Posts: 3,982
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Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts. It has been a difficult few months. Luckily her passing was very peaceful.
Malcolm
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23-07-2012, 09:15 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 211
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Consider your loss of course but dwell not on it, consider your gain in knowing this woman, consider her legacy in you as you continue your life.
Be at peace. Dennis.
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