A Birthday Reflection

I once dreamed of a sweet and gentle life

Where bliss greeted me at the door

And soft rose petals covered my bed...

But dreams are just dreams

And reality brings more pains

Than one could ever imagine...

Sheltered all my life

I thought it would all be easy

After all, up until then, life was a breeze...

Imagine my surprise

When the life I knew was suddenly interrupted

By people who thought they knew better...

Not only was there pain but shame as well

The crowd that used to surround us

Slowly dissipated into thin air...

Thank God for family and TRUE friends

It took one misfortune to unmask these faces

I wouldn't have survived without them...

Then you get to realize that

There is no such thing as an easy life

Everyone has an ordeal to tell...

Mine is a story of LOST love, life and hope

Until I decided to take the reins again

And stand up on my own...

Mine is a story of independence and liberation

Not of war but of love for life

A quest for deeper meaning of my existence...

You see, five years ago

I would have perished with James

And my three kids would have been orphaned...

But no, God had other plans

These kids are my mission

They are meant for greater things...

And I am here to guide and lead them

To the paths that the good Lord

Has paved for them...

God has been good to us

And I feel blessed to have everything we need

Enough lessons to teach us gratitude...

Now whenever I hear my kids say "thank you"

For every little nice thing done to them

I thank God for life lessons that were not wasted...

Let me take this opportunity to thank friends in  the blogosphere for making my birthday special...

To Thom for the nice birthday greeting that he posted in his blog "Thom's Place 4 Whatever".He just arrived from his Seattle trip and has been kept busy by a lot of things but he found the time to make a special post for my birthday.

Thom, your post took me by surprise. I don't even know how you got wind of my birthday but believe me, it felt so good to read your greetings online. You made me feel so special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And a big thanks as well to everyone who left a birthday wish or message for me in your blog.

To Jingle who really made it special with all the awards she gave me on my birthday. It was

indeed a pleasant surprise to see all those beautiful images that she made just for her Thursday Poets Rally Week 23 participants.

Jingle, I understand what you're going through right now. I am amazed at your  undying desire to lift our spirits up despite your own struggles. Rest assured that your efforts are much appreciated. Thank you for these beautiful awards:

 The Perfect Poet Award for Week 23











 The Most Consistent Poet  Award

The Most Persistent Poet Award

The Most Admirable Poet Award

The Celebrate Poet of May Runner Up Award

Friends are Precious Award

Wings of Light Award

Participation Award