Miracles still happen

Miracles still happen

My husband is cleaning the windows

Perhaps it's my eyes which deceive

If I wasn't sitting here witnessing it

It's something I'd never believe!

You might think I'm over reacting

But my statement below is quite true

It's a job that he's always been proud to admit

Is something that he'd never do.

“I've never done that in my lifetime”

he'd say with a glint in his eye.

It left me with no doubt whatsoever

That he never intended to try!

And so over the years I have done them

When the sunshine has showed their true state

I'm not one to criticize harshly

Or my poor, dear husband berate.

Today he has made a mistake folks

An error of judgement, a flaw

For now he has proved he can do it

There's plenty more tasks lie in store.

The paint in the kitchen is peeling

There's ironing awaiting attention

Though some would say that's not a job for a man

It's often a bone of contention

The list that I've made is unending

How did I ever cope all alone?

And here all along was my dear one

A house husband if I'd just known

Does anyone else need assistance?

I'd be willing to hire him out

If you've got any windows need cleaning

You know where I am, give a shout!

Karen

October 7^th 2010

An Ode to my Novopen

During my recent hospital stay the diabetic team change me onto a new insulin.  This required me to use a different "insulin pen" and for the first time in all my 33 diabetic years I got my very own Novopen.  I had to write a verse to commemorate such a special happening in my life!  A DSN is a diabetic specialist nurse and for those who are confused about the number of jabs I have, I only use the Novopen for 2 of them, the rest I use a different pen called the humapen.

Oh my beloved Novopen, at last in my possession,
Through years of diabetic care, you've been my main obsession.
I've gazed in awe at pictures of your shiny, polished finish
No amount of pens my real passion could diminish
My DSN had no idea of my long held ambition
My deep desire, my secret lust, the Novopen my mission.

Undaunted I held on to hope that one day you'd be mine
I'd treat you with respect and care, maintain your gleaming shine.
The Autopen, so cheap and nasty I viewed with great distaste
It's numbered dial soon wore away and had to be replaced
In bright green plastic, crudely made it mocked me every day
The rubbish case went mouldy so I threw the thing away.

Then, as I lay in hospital, forlorn, devoid of hope
my hand all weak and useless, however would I cope?
When suddenly some folk appeared, the diabetic team
(A fine young man I have to say, the best the ward had seen!)
"We think we'll change your insulin, the question is though, when?
For first of all we must make sure, you have a Novopen!"

Oh my beloved novopen, we meet but twice a day
And you will never realise what joy you've brought my way
The Autopen is cast aside, it's mocking days are done
For now each jab is tinged with pride, real life has now begun!Oh Novopen, You're mine at last, you are a work of art
You've captured every part of me, especially my heart!

Inward/Outward

Since my stroke I have become aware of how many people make assumptions based on outward appearances. I wrote this poem - to no-one in particular and yet to everyone who crosses my path to try and show that you should never judge a book by it's cover.

Outwardly I look like you

Walking, talking, smiling too

Glad to listen, quick to joke

Interested in other folk

Keen to learn and understand

Pleased to share in all you've planned

Controversial, unafraid

Proud of all the progress made

Outwardly I am the same

I know life's rules, I play the game

Inwardly I'm somehow changed

All my thoughts are rearranged

Nothing's simple, nothing's clear

Life's uncertain tinged with fear

Feeling old but looking fine

Each small step a lengthy climb

Every action now requires

Conscious thought which makes me tired

Crowds alarm me, I retreat

I stand still, I can't compete.

Outwardly I'm still just me

Yet I beg you, try to see

how I falter, though I try

to keep up and not to cry

Inwardly I chide myself

Don't give in, return to health

Even I remain quite shaken

By the course my life has taken

Tiredness my constant friend

As my brain attempts to mend

Inwardly I won't lose hope

otherwise I wouldn't cope

Outwardly perhaps it seems

I've lost sight of fragile dreams

Let me tell you that's not true

Though it looks that way to you

Just for now I must step back

Regain strength which now I lack

I'll return when I am able

When I feel a bit more stable

Inwardly I struggle so

Outwardly you wouldn't know

Blood tests, jabs and tired brain feeling

All of this has left me reeling

Writing makes me tire so fast

My days of long epistle's past!

So I plead, just give me space

Let me go at my own pace

Tears come easier than words

This is normal so I've heard.

May your prayers reflect my need

Just to go at my own speed.

In my weakness He is strong

Yes, it's hard don't get me wrong

Still my soul delights to claim

He, my Lord remains the same

Life has not gone as I planned

And I do not understand

There's no way we can explain

Please don't try, for in my pain

Honesty will help me best

Just leave God to do the rest.

Inwardly I'm still just me

Still sarcastic – wait and see!

Outwardly I look a sight

Hair needs cutting, what a fright!

Inwardly my world has changed

Outwardly I might seem strange

Recovery may take a while

So keep in touch and make me smile

Soon I will be back again

Albeit with a damaged brain

I hear you muttering “nothing new”!

I knew I could depend on you!

Karen

October 5^th 2010