Comment from Trenee' Zweigle

Exceptional

Excellent poem, it's like you're right there in the moment. The only thing that might have been added were some of the words uttered by the woman, some kind of specific connection. I had tears in my eyes at the end, good job!
Trenee' Zweigle

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2022

Thanks for digging back into the archives, Sharlyn. This is one of my favorites.

Comment from Melodie Michelle

Excellent

I wish I could give you 6 stars bc you certainly deserve it my friend! Perfect rhythm to the poem and it doesn't miss a beat;-) I adored this piece!

Thank you for sharing and may God bless you and your family this Christmas;-)

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 24-Dec-2021

Thanks, Melodie. I appreciate you kind words.

Comment from Carol Clark2

Exceptional

Beautiful poem! It reminds me of visiting my mom in a nursing home near the end of her life, when she looked up and struggled to remember who I was and how she knew me. I love that the boys each hugged the woman and brought love to her loneliness. Best wishes in the contest. Great story in your poem. Blessings and Merry Christmas! Carol

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2021

Thanks, Carol. This is a true story. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother. I embellished a little for dramatic effect.

reply by Carol Clark2 on 24-Dec-2021

It was very effective. Have a blessed Christmas.

Comment from T B Botts

Exceptional

Paul, you really knocked this one out of the park. What a touching story, so well told. The power that we all have to make someone's day special is amazing. Your story has convinced me to make time this year to visit the folks in the local nursing home. I've got the time, and as you pointed out, the gift flows both ways. Well done. Well done.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Tom

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2021

Thanks, Tom. The story is true. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother. I embellished a little for dramatic effect.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

I'm sorry I haven't got a six left, this brought a lump to my throat. Being old isn't always a happy time, not for those alone. Your poem is really lovely, where three young boys gave one old, lonely lady a day of happiness as she remembered those happier times. Well done, and good luck in the contest! :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2021

Thanks, Sandra. The story is true. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was me mother. I embellished a little.

reply by Sandra Stoner-Mitchell on 23-Dec-2021

Aww, that is makes it even more special! What lovely grandsons you have. It's the worst illness to have when you are old. xxx

Comment from Sanku

Exceptional

This is a beautiful memory,one in which you and your friends made an old lady happy. Small gestures are enough to make them contented. The poem resonated with me because my mother passed away on vDec 12th..The picture itself had a vague similarity to her...

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021

Thanks, Sanku. Sorry to hear about your mother. My mother passed away a number of years ago in that nursing home.

Comment from lauralumummu

Exceptional

This is filled with emotion so deep and empathic. This is the kind of poetry the stirs the soul to remind us to be kinder do better and really care. Your poem is eloquent and masterful. God bless you, Laura.

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021

Thanks, Laura. A true story with some embellishment.

Comment from Irish Rain

Exceptional

Oh, such a beautiful story-poem!!
The memories given here were certainly priceless,
and the boys gave, but were also blessed in the
receiving. I just loved this!
Merry Christmas,
blessings...

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021

Thanks, Irish. A true story. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother. I embellished some for dramatic effect.

reply by Irish Rain on 22-Dec-2021

Oh, wow. Even more special then, bless you for sharing.

Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)

Exceptional

For we received and gave, some say,
God's greatest gift that Christmas Day...this is so touching if made me sniffle! I loved it a wonderfully meaningful Christmas poem reminding me of the true meaning many seem to have forgotten love and best wishes Happy Christmas love Meia x

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021

Thanks, Meia. The story is true. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother. I embellished a little.

Comment from Reese Turner

Exceptional

You touched my heart and stirred my fears. I have dealt with my own parents and family members in rest homes. And, until COVID for years I sang old rock and old country with a karaoke group "American Idles" in 10 local rest homes. You described what I've seen perfectly - including when you can break thru and connect. It feels very good. But, I think until reading your poem, I never really considered that someday I would be the one alone in that home. I am 73 and my memory is starting to come up short. My wife of 44 years says she is going to drop me off at the bus station and run off with a younger man. I feel sorry for that guy... We love New England. She is from Massachusetts. I married a yankee. I had been drinking. Since we both retired, we spend months each year in our RV in Maine, New Hampshire, VT and at her family place in Plymouth Mass. This Texan loves playing golf where there are no poisonous snakes! Merry Christmas

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2021

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reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021

Thanks for the very entertaining review, Reese. The story is true with a few embellishments. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother. I volunteered at that nursing home while my mother was there. I know what you mean about memory. My wife says the same things to me.