Comment from dragonpoet

Excellent

Hi Debi,
This is a well told story about the anguish of keeping a secret. I am glad she told you and you were able to find him. It is good that your mom met him before you died. Having more family is good,
Keep writing and stay healthy.
Have a great week.
Joan

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2023

Hello Joan, I appreciate very much your kind review and comments for my mom's story. Since he found us he has had to say goodbye to mom and two brothers, but we have one brother left.

In so many ways, I relate this to the story of Moses. God led him to the Holy Land, but didn't let him enter. My mom was given a couple visits from the son that she ached for so badly. God gave her a glance of what she had missed for those forty years. Anyway, that is how I look at it.

reply by dragonpoet on 22-Nov-2023

You're welcome, Debi.
That is a good way to look at it.
;Joan

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

What a wonderful story! I wasn't quite sure how significant that meeting with your mother was until I read your notes. But that's truly a happy ending...and they don't happen that often. Thanks for sharing, Debi. Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Nov-2023

Hi Debbie, due to having so many at one time, I want you to know I am sorry for the late response.
I appreciate the lovely review for my mom's poem and your sweet comments. I thank you so very much, dear friend.

reply by Debbie D'Arcy on 26-Nov-2023

You're welcome, Debi. x

Comment from GWHARGIS

Exceptional

This poem warmed my heart. I'm so glad you have a solid relationship with your half brother. That must have been so tough for your mother. I had a baby in the early 80s and I was a single mother. Times were a little better than when your mother had her baby. But there are still the common fears when you are alone. Poignant write. Gretchen

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2023

Gretchen, your story too is amazing and would you mind telling me if all worked out well for you. There is no shame in either way, but I know I could not give one up, but my grandpa was a pastor in a very strict Finnish church.
When I think of how my mom suffered, I am so happy you spared your life that misery. I am sure it was really tough, but you gave me even more respect and love than I had before for you.

I appreciate very much your kind review and comments for my mom's story. Since he found us he has had to say goodbye to mom and two brothers, but we have one brother left.

In so many ways, I relate this to the story of Moses. God led him to the Holy Land, but didn't let him enter. My mom was given a couple visits from the son that she ached for so badly. God gave her a glance of what she had missed for those forty years. Anyway, that is how I look at it.

Thanks again for the endearing comments and your gift of six stars. God bless you and have a very happy Thanksgiving.

reply by GWHARGIS on 22-Nov-2023

I kept him. Raised him alone until he was ten years old, then met an amazing man who accepted us both. Thank you for asking.

Comment from Sally Law

Exceptional

Oh wow! What a thing to carry all these years. I think the timing of her telling you was provential and allowed for a family addition and gap to be filled. A precious story in a poem, my friend. God bless you for sharing. The song is perfect too.

Sending you my best, and love and blessings always.
BBB XOs

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2023

Thanks so very much, Sally! I appreciate very much your kind review and comments for my mom's story. Also I am so honored by your six stars.
Since he found us he has had to say goodbye to mom and two brothers, but we have one brother left.

In so many ways, I relate this to the story of Moses. God led him to the Holy Land, but didn't let him enter. My mom was given a couple visits from the son that she ached for so badly. God gave her a glance of what she had missed for those forty years. Anyway, that is how I look at it. But as her only daughter, I have reaped the reward of finding him

Once again, have a very blessed Thanksgiving with your family!

Comment from Paul Manton

Excellent

Another lovely Merry go Rhyme, but rather more serious in content than usual. Brave to tell us so much about your family, Debbie, and obviously a 'confessional' poem, so a very modern idea.
I'm glad that you were able to make these connections. I regret not being able to meet again people who were so important in my own life story - untied ends are like sand in a shoe - not being able to draw a line under some really traumatic events is a permanent anxiety.
But that's life, I guess. Thank you for the poem.

Paul

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2023

My Dearest Paul, I feel unsettled by your comments. I hope my poem did not end up being a reminder of sad times for you. You are so important to me and I would feel terrible if that was the case. If you ever want to talk about it, you have my email address and I hope you always know I am here for you.

I appreciate very much your kind review and comments for my mom's story. Since he found us he has had to say goodbye to mom and two brothers, but we have one brother left.

In so many ways, I relate this to the story of Moses. God led him to the Holy Land, but didn't let him enter. My mom was given a couple visits from the son that she ached for so badly. God gave her a glance of what she had missed for those forty years. Anyway, that is how I look at it.

Let me know if you feel like sharing. Maybe you have your own story to share. You are, after all among friends. This poem seems to have brought it out in some. Please look at Roy's review here.

reply by Paul Manton on 22-Nov-2023

Thank you Debbie. Please don't worry. We all have regrets which can't be resolved. I often wish I could start again and make different decisions - but probably I would make the same mistakes.
Love from Paul

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

You told the entire beautiful story in your Merry~go~Rhyme. Your well-chosen words allows your readers to feel all of the family love. So, your mother loved butterflies. We have so much in common. Your butterfly picture is so beautiful:

I'm thankful for you, and hope you and your family have a perfect Thanksgiving.

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Nov-2023

Hi Lorraine, due to having so many at one time, I want you to know I am sorry for the late response.

Yes, my mom loved butterflies so much. I think I told you about the monarch that followed me from hole to hole when I was golfing about a week after her funeral. I know it was God's way of telling me she was ok. It was weird how it never flew around anyone else's head in my group. Just mine. All nine holes.

I appreciate the lovely review for my mom's poem and your sweet comments. I thank you so very much, dear friend.

Comment from Daylily

Excellent

This is a beautifully written biographical story about losing your beloved mother while finding a brother you knew nothing about before. The butterfly picture is striking and an excellent choice in memory of your mom. The Josh Groban song is a soothing and hopeful one for the future. Thank you for sharing all of this with us, Debi. X X Lily

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Nov-2023

Hi Lily, due to having so many at one time, I want you to know I am sorry for the late response.
I appreciate the lovely review for my mom's poem and your sweet comments. I thank you so very much, dear friend.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Your mother is just amazing. What a burden she carried all those years. And that your father never held that against her shows what a godly man he is. So glad you got to meet your half-brother and are still in touch! Thank you for sharing this sweet story and keep holding those siblings close until we get to Heaven and get to meet everyone!

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Nov-2023

Helen, due to having so many at one time, I want you to know I am sorry for the late response.

Thanks for the kind words for my mom and dad. My mother took his three little girls 3, 4 & 5 yrs old after their mother died the year before. She put off her teaching career for a bit while she had my three brothers and myself too, while raising my sisters. All I have left now are all 3 of my wonderful older sisters. And one brother and now Roger for the last 30 years, so we have had lots of time for phone calls and texts. It has now been about 15 years since we have seen each other.
Something else I haven't told anyone here, about 40 years ago, my mom knew of a couple who could not care for their baby because of their drug use. So my mom and dad made it happen that they would be legal guardians over Ryan, then later became attached and wanted to adopt him, but the parents wouldn't allow it. And the judge would not give Ryan back tho, so my mom and dad continued to raise him and after mom died my dad kept caring for him. When the mom tried to get Ryan back, Ryan said you aren't my mom, my mom is dead. (talking about my mom) So truthfully, even tho Ryan is a year younger than my baby, Bridget, he is my little brother too. Did you follow all of that?? LOL... I have always felt that she did that to make up for giving Roger up. When Ryan came into the picture, we didn't know about Roger yet.
Then Rob died at 43 from a heart attack and Denny at 47 from a car accident. So God keeps supplying me brothers.
I appreciate the lovely review for my mom's poem and your sweet comments. I thank you so very much, dear friend.

reply by the author on 26-Nov-2023

Ron, not Rob

reply by lyenochka on 26-Nov-2023

Like I said, your parents are amazing and wonderful people!! You are so blessed to have such godly roots for you to blossom from! Beautiful story of love growing from generation to generation through children of the heart and flesh! 💞💖🙏

reply by the author on 27-Nov-2023

😘🤗

Comment from Terry Broxson

Exceptional

Debi, I am conflicted, and you know why. LOL. Could it be that I think this would make a great "Share Your Story" in a prose contest? Yep, that is why I would be conflicted. Nevertheless, it is an excellent poem. One of the things I like about it is that it stays upbeat and on the positive side of life. That is not surprising. Outstanding. Terry.

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Nov-2023

Hi Terry, I am running behind, as I had so many in a row again. However, I appreciate the lovely review for my mom?s poem, your sweet comment and the honor of six stars, I thank you so very much, dear friend.

I did debate prose vs poem, but promised him a poem. I figured it this way, when it no longer is remembered, I will write it again in prose. Thanks again, Terry

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Debi, This is a very sweet story and very lovely artwork and song you chose. I love butterflies also. They are very special, and I love Cardinals. God made so many beautiful things for us to enjoy on this earth. Thank you so much for sharing your story! love you much dear friend, but Jesus loves you so much more!!!

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Nov-2023

Hi Teri, due to having so many at one time, I want you to know I am sorry for the late response.
I appreciate the lovely review for my mom's poem and your sweet comments. I thank you so very much, dear friend.