The Kindness of Strangers: Poetry of The Heart

January 6, 2012 By 10 Comments

Gina working with the Pujols Family Foundation in the Dominican Republic

Yesterday I wrote a post about my friend Gina.  The post hurt to write.  Gina has had a hell of a year. In one year’s time she lost her husband in a tragic car accident, battled and beat colon cancer only to discover she now has to fight cancer in her liver that has also spread to her lymph nodes, her abdomen and the walls of her chest.

But my post was about her strength, her spirit, her will to fight. I wrote about my love of our friendship, my admiration of her giving nature and her gift of photography. And what I believe is a new beginning for her.
And I shared the post as I often do.  On Facebook.  And on Twitter.
The comments were beautiful.  But something else remarkable happened.
This man…. this poet, reached out to me via twitter and offered something beautiful.
And I accepted.  Martin Dejnicki is a poet.  He was inspired to create AnitaPoems.com  for his wife who he refers to as his ‘soulmate’.  In his words, he wanted to “show people how simple gestures like rhyming poems can bring love into their lives (just like it happened to me). And writing poems for others who need them is the most genuine and authentic way I could possibly think of accomplishing this.”
In only a matter of hours, this arrived in my inbox.
He wrote the poem in 1st person, as though I might be speaking to Gina….
Gina
I have been blessed,
with a remarkable friend.
How much she means to me,
through these words I extend.

The day that I met her,
I knew from the start.
This little brunette,
has the most generous heart.

Our bond and our journey,
eight priceless years.
We’ve shared so much,
both smiles and tears.

She’s a beautiful lady,
that I truly adore.
Gives to so many,
and strives to do more.

Obstacles and tragedies,
she tackles each one.
Raised the most kind-hearted,
daughter and son.

I’m always amazed,
at her courage and will.
All of her dreams,
I know she’ll fulfill.

She has a special talent,
even time stops to look.
The most beautiful photos,
over the years she has took.

Gina lives life,
with the most humblest grace.
Children in need,
she will always embrace.

Even when against a wall,
she talks about giving back.
She’ll conquer cancer,
with a faith-filled attack.

This wonderful friend,
continues to inspire.
Her zest for life,
I truly admire.

Her impact on my life,
has been way beyond vast.
Our beautiful friendship,
forever shall last.

I have pure faith in Gina,
the stars are aligned.
The world is better,
with her love that’s so kind.

Before today, Martin and I had exchanged but a few tweets…
Thank you, Martin, for putting prayer into action, for being an example of faith, for giving me yet another reason to believe in the goodness of people.  I’m so grateful for the gift of your words.

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  • Gina

    Thank you ~ This is truly a beautiful gift and so uplifting.  I am so blessed by so many that care esp you Danielle and such a beautiful well written poem Martin and touches on my relationship with my dear dear friend Danielle – thank you for lifting me up at 4 am when I could not sleep due to all the toxic chemo going into my body – this was peace for me this morning and a true gift! Praise God and may blessing pour over both your lives!

  • Anonymous

    Gina, your friendship with Danielle has truly inspired me. You’re an amazing lady, that deserves only the best things that life has to offer.

    I will pray for your speedy recovery, and Danielle has clearly proven that you possess the strength to defeat this.

    Best Wishes in 2012,
    Martin

  • http://twitter.com/DwayneReaves Dwayne Reaves

    A very touching and well written poem!

  • Danielle Smith

    Dwayne – it is lovely, isn’t it?  Such a beautiful surprise.  

  • Danielle Smith

    Martin – thank you again for this gift.  I’m so truly grateful.

  • Danielle Smith

    Oh my friend…..  sending you love, strength and hugs.  xoxo

  • Erin Margolin

    SO lovely, inspiring, and beautiful—all of this. The bonds of friendship, the post, the poem, and the interactions among all of you. Makes me happy!

  • Danielle Smith

    Erin – you know – I feel just the same.  It helps my heart to know there is goodness like this.

  • http://borderlessthinking.com/ Cherry

    It’s a wonderful gesture on Martin’s part and beautiful words for you to share with your friend Gina.
    I don’t know what to say to Gina or to you. Life’s difficulties can be hard to fathom. My prayers are with you. love & hugs Danielle, Cherry

  • Danielle Smith

    Cherry – thank you so very much for your beautiful words.  I’m so truly grateful.  I will take your hugs anytime I can get them. xo