To Mary, With Need to Understand
A rhymed offering for these troubling times...73 total reviews
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
It's been hard on everyone. I just want to go on a vacation, see my family, and be able to live life again. I'm not a very outgoing person but I saw my parents for a couple minutes outside on Christmas. I just want to see people again. This has been hard on so many of us, some of us have hit our breaking point, and it's hard. I hope your friend is okay.
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2021
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It's been hard on everyone. I just want to go on a vacation, see my family, and be able to live life again. I'm not a very outgoing person but I saw my parents for a couple minutes outside on Christmas. I just want to see people again. This has been hard on so many of us, some of us have hit our breaking point, and it's hard. I hope your friend is okay.
Comment Written 14-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2021
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Hello Friend,
Thank you!
diane
Comment from LisaMay
People react in different ways to fear and crisis, and unfortunately you've been on the receiving end of an apparent over-reaction on your friend's part. Perhaps she is immuno-compromised and that has ramped up her fear level. It is still no excuse to be so rude, though. Your poem and notes are well expressed as a useful and necessary conversation about the impact this pandemic is having on mental health.
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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People react in different ways to fear and crisis, and unfortunately you've been on the receiving end of an apparent over-reaction on your friend's part. Perhaps she is immuno-compromised and that has ramped up her fear level. It is still no excuse to be so rude, though. Your poem and notes are well expressed as a useful and necessary conversation about the impact this pandemic is having on mental health.
Comment Written 10-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Hello Lisa,
I wrote this piece to bring about awareness of the negative residual psychological and emotional effects this pandemic has wrought upon individuals.
"Mary" and I have been friends for over forty years. Our love of gardening/flowers is one of the key components of our friendship.
My gesture was purely to bring her cheer. I'll be back with tulips soon, but I'll phone first ... :)
Thank you!
P.S.
Have so enjoyed the writings you have shared from Christchurch!
Take Care!
diane
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It is so sad that your 40-yr friendship is threatened. Perhaps 'Mary' is regretting her outburst. Did you ring her up and talk about it? (i can understand your hurt feelings. If it happened to me it would take a while for me to lick my wounds.) While flowers continue to grow, and love and compassion are felt, there is always connection.
Comment from Lance S. Loria
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Covid 19 is not as scary as the media makes it out. I'm not crazy, I know we have lost 450,000 lives but I also know that statistic is grossly overstated. I work as a management consultant in healthcare field so I know about such things. The death rate is minimal. The treatment protocols are great. The vaccines are varied and soon within our reach. Clearly the elderly are at great risk and need to be protected. The rest of us need to be careful, but not live in fear. The lockdowns have been over done and are destroying the country. Oops, just ran out of soap box....
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Covid 19 is not as scary as the media makes it out. I'm not crazy, I know we have lost 450,000 lives but I also know that statistic is grossly overstated. I work as a management consultant in healthcare field so I know about such things. The death rate is minimal. The treatment protocols are great. The vaccines are varied and soon within our reach. Clearly the elderly are at great risk and need to be protected. The rest of us need to be careful, but not live in fear. The lockdowns have been over done and are destroying the country. Oops, just ran out of soap box....
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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I agree with your perspective, Lance!
In Michigan, you can be certain that the "lockdowns have been over done." Michigan may never recover.
Thank you for your excellent rating and thoughtful review.
diane
Comment from karenina
Such is the societal fear that has many of us in the grip of impending doom. I am immunocompromised and not due (estimated) for being able to get a vaccine until after mid-March, earliest. I don't think I've ever slammed a door--but I have stood behind my storm door and explained I can absolutely not risk exposure. Some have understood, others think it's all a hoax anyway and still others have tried to cajole me into letting them in "just this once." Fear can be paralyzing...but for those with weakened immunity it can save our life. I suppose I should edit and temper my self description as cautious--not fearful. I do go out to grocery and pharmacy and doctor. I am sure to mask and safe distance and wash and sanitize... I feel sorry for both you and your friend. I think you meant well and I applaud your thoughtfulness--and I pray your friend will gain some perspective on this virus and how to stay safe courteously!--Karenina
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Such is the societal fear that has many of us in the grip of impending doom. I am immunocompromised and not due (estimated) for being able to get a vaccine until after mid-March, earliest. I don't think I've ever slammed a door--but I have stood behind my storm door and explained I can absolutely not risk exposure. Some have understood, others think it's all a hoax anyway and still others have tried to cajole me into letting them in "just this once." Fear can be paralyzing...but for those with weakened immunity it can save our life. I suppose I should edit and temper my self description as cautious--not fearful. I do go out to grocery and pharmacy and doctor. I am sure to mask and safe distance and wash and sanitize... I feel sorry for both you and your friend. I think you meant well and I applaud your thoughtfulness--and I pray your friend will gain some perspective on this virus and how to stay safe courteously!--Karenina
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Good Morning, Karenina,
Thank you for your excellent rating and thoughtful review.
No need to feel sorry for me or my friend; we'll both muddle through.
I've been friends with this gal for over forty years. Gardening and flowers is one of the hallmark's of our friendship. Her two daughters have done a "bang up" job on making her increasingly fearful as the months of COVID drag on. I'll return in a few weeks with tulips, but I'll call first ... Might bring some wine, too! By then the snow should have melted in northern Michigan and we can sip outside ... :)
Stay well!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from JLR
Diane, this is such a poignant and truthful narrative. Your quatrains are very forward moving, your end rhymes unforced and your emotions are honest and relevant to the tremendous strain this has had on quite possibly everyone on earth. Thank you for sharing your strong work.
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Diane, this is such a poignant and truthful narrative. Your quatrains are very forward moving, your end rhymes unforced and your emotions are honest and relevant to the tremendous strain this has had on quite possibly everyone on earth. Thank you for sharing your strong work.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Good Morning, JLR!
Thank you for your exceptional rating and complimentary review.
So very pleased my presentation resonated with you.
Such trying and chaotic times!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Pam (respa)
-Lovely images and
nice presentation, diane.
-Your notes are appreciated.
-You wrote a very good poem
sharing your thoughts about
this experience, and the pain
this person must be feeling.
-It wasn't easy for you, either.
-I like the lines about missing her
smile and trying to understand.
-The conclusion really stands out
as showing how difficult and painful
this experience was, but you had the
daffodils. Hopefully she sees them
and brings them inside, and knows
what a good friend she has, and that
she is not alone.
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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-Lovely images and
nice presentation, diane.
-Your notes are appreciated.
-You wrote a very good poem
sharing your thoughts about
this experience, and the pain
this person must be feeling.
-It wasn't easy for you, either.
-I like the lines about missing her
smile and trying to understand.
-The conclusion really stands out
as showing how difficult and painful
this experience was, but you had the
daffodils. Hopefully she sees them
and brings them inside, and knows
what a good friend she has, and that
she is not alone.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Good Morning, Pam!
I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review!
Such chaotic and trying times.
My friend is definitely not alone; we've been friends for over forty years. I'll return in a few weeks with tulips. I'll call first. By then the snow in northern Michigan may have melted enough that we can sit outside and enjoy the flowers ... and some wine! :)
Thank you!
diane
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You are very welcome and deserving of the stars and the review, diane. Thanks for sharing about your friend. I have a friend I started teaching with and have known her over 40 years, too. It seems impossible.
Comment from Stephen Allen Crow
This, as sad as it is, perfectly reflects the collateral damage of this pandemic. Although we should take it seriously, we shouldn't lose our humanity in the process. Well done Diane, keep up the great work!
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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This, as sad as it is, perfectly reflects the collateral damage of this pandemic. Although we should take it seriously, we shouldn't lose our humanity in the process. Well done Diane, keep up the great work!
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Hello Stephen!
So pleased my words resonated with you!
Thank you!
diane
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You are very welcome!
Comment from robyn corum
Diane,
Oh, my. I can't imagine how sad and crippling that harsh and unexpected brush was for you. I love the way you've handled it. I am so impressed by this level of class and strength. No wonder you have so many friends. *smile* I am sure that when your friend starts to try to find her way out of her self-imposed cave she will need someone to help her. I hope you will still be there. Bless you.
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Diane,
Oh, my. I can't imagine how sad and crippling that harsh and unexpected brush was for you. I love the way you've handled it. I am so impressed by this level of class and strength. No wonder you have so many friends. *smile* I am sure that when your friend starts to try to find her way out of her self-imposed cave she will need someone to help her. I hope you will still be there. Bless you.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Hello Robyn!
So pleased my offering resonated with you.
My friend and I have known one another for over forty years. I always say we raised our "husbands" together! :) We'll be fine. In a few weeks, I'll return with tulips, but I'll phone first. By then, perhaps the weather will have tamed enough to sit outside and enjoy the flowers ... and some wine! :)
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Reese Turner
Your dear friend's frustrations seem to represent the general malaise we are suffering. It has taken a severe toll in many ways. My wife, for example, has kept her mind busy thinking up new ways to keep me busy.
We have saved money because we seldom go anywhere, but it has costs us money because of the things we buy at Home Depot. This is not my best life!
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Your dear friend's frustrations seem to represent the general malaise we are suffering. It has taken a severe toll in many ways. My wife, for example, has kept her mind busy thinking up new ways to keep me busy.
We have saved money because we seldom go anywhere, but it has costs us money because of the things we buy at Home Depot. This is not my best life!
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Hah! Reese!
How well I know the lure of online shopping! New normal!
Thank you for stopping by and the thoughtful review!
diane
Comment from kiwigirl2821
Hi Diane It's true you know, we can't help but to feel confused and disoriented in these times. I remember a time when I felt like I ruled my life. I owned my own store in the mall there in Traverse City and all was good, had a direction to go and fun getting there. Now, I'm not so sure. I self quarantine and am way more quiet. I just want to have Covid over and control back of my own life and see the smiles on loved ones that seem so far away. Fantastic write! xoxo deborah
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Hi Diane It's true you know, we can't help but to feel confused and disoriented in these times. I remember a time when I felt like I ruled my life. I owned my own store in the mall there in Traverse City and all was good, had a direction to go and fun getting there. Now, I'm not so sure. I self quarantine and am way more quiet. I just want to have Covid over and control back of my own life and see the smiles on loved ones that seem so far away. Fantastic write! xoxo deborah
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Hello Deborah!
Your thoughts certainly resonate with me; however, I go out all the time to shop and just clear my head. (And to buy daffodils!) What confounds and disturbs me is how quickly people withdrew into themselves and didn't - and still don't - question the executive orders of Madame Whitmer. We need the touch of human interactions and kindness; we were not meant to live our lives in fear and solitary confinement.
Wish you still lived in TC; I bring you some daffodils, but I'd phone first ... :)
Take Care!
diane
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I am closely attuned to Traverse City D as my best friend still lives there and her son is married to my daughter lol. Regardless, you could come over anytime, I'd still know how to quarantine even with my friend over and I would never be rude! I live in New Zealand where we have all but eradicated this plague, but still People are simply afraid to die. Take care! xx d