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.
Filed Under: Featured Content, Give Good Get Good, Recent Posts Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A friend indeed

July 16, 2009 By 3 Comments

Sometimes a simple note can make your day.

Twice yesterday, girlfriends reached out to me with beautiful notes, some amazing support and words I needed to hear.

Today, a sweet friend sent me an email that started with, “Thank you for being You.”

The truth is, it feels like a little slice of heaven to be told you are appreciated, to be encouraged and loved.

I’m smiling from ear to ear.

Now it is my turn to pass that on.

Maybe you have someone who could use a little love – send them a note, shoot them an email. It will make you smile. Promise.

Filed Under: Gratitude, Recent Posts Tagged With: , ,

The Key to Extraordinary

March 18, 2008 By Leave a Comment

I was just talking to a very close friend a little bit ago.  She is the kind of person who always knows EXACTLY what to say to me, whether I’m full of joy or a bit sad.

Today, I was yapping about my Mommy-frustrations.  Her response:  “What makes you Extraordinary as a mommy is that you keep trying”.  Now, not only is that a beautiful thing to say, but it doesn’t only apply to me.  It applies to all Mommys.  That is precisely what makes Mommys Extraordinary - we are relentless.  We keep trying no matter how hard the day is, no matter how many times your 2 year old took his socks off as you were trying to get out the door, no matter how many times your daughter refused to eat, no matter how many times you were certain you were talking to yourself instead of the little people in front of you.

I love it.  I feel better.  Do you want to know what feels really Extraordinary right now?  That I have a friend like her (she knows who she is!) and that her simple words gave me a renewed sense of energy and peace for being with my family tonight!

Thank you, Friend!

Visit us at www.ExtraordinaryMommy.com

Filed Under: Gratitude, Mommy Trials Tagged With: , , , , , ,