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Valdelice Marinho's avatar

Thank you Graham for this wonderful poem! I have three brothers and one sister. We are different from each other, sometimes we don't agree with each other, but I believe that Love overcomes anything! Love is the basis of everything. So, whenever we can, we meet at my parents' house or somewhere else, whenever a problem arises we try to solve it as soon as possible, we don't leave it for tomorrow! Anyway, what makes us appreciate each other is Love! Have a great Tuesday! 🙏❤️

Barbara Avgerinos's avatar

This is my all time favorite poem from your book. I do so hope that someday the broken relationships in my life can and will be repaired. I always admire that you are so hopeful about such things. You remain so positive, something I find hard to do. Thank you for this reflection and good luck on your summer trip.

Kathleen Ludwig's avatar

Graham, this was my absolute very favorite poem, but of course I love them all. This is the first poem that came to mind when you offered the hand drawn poems. How I would love to have a copy of this one. Because it was so long, I chose another. I wish I still would have attempted to order, maybe it would have been okay, but the info you provided suggested that if it was a long one to choose another, so I did. You saw my poem after it was framed, I love it. Special to me not only because of you, but also because my husband made a beautiful frame for it. It hangs in a special place in my home. I commented on today's poem in THC. Thank you!!!!!

Lucy Bernas's avatar

Graham I always love this poem from your first book page #18 thank you for sharing again . Life is about the moments,be grateful for every moment! I learned from my past,apply what I’ve learned from my present and enjoy a brighter future! I’m mastering my emotional state! I reach out to my family and friends,opening up about my struggles,and to my surprise,they showered me with love and support. They became my pillar strength,reminding me that I wasn’t alone in this battle. Remember, you deserve kindness,compassion,and love from yourself just as much as you give to others. Treat yourself as your best friend,and watch your inner light radiate brighter than eve!

Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Good Morning, Graham ~ I absolutely loved the image of your little sister Grace, the personification of Love -- calling out to you. I'm glad you waited & she caught up. It is a beautiful poem and explanation.

India Freitas💙🇧🇷's avatar

Graham Hello

From my heart to your heart

The first time I read your book #Findyourtruth, I confess I didn't understand this chapter...

I thought it could be the translation...

But I went back to reading, and more and more, I went deeper, and managed to connect to your mind, where I could understand what you were talking about.

When I finally understood, I was amazed;

Because in the face of so many problems, you were overcoming differences... And you were with your family, boarding the train of life...

And there... You knew you were protected, you knew that love reigned there...

"Hey, hey... wait for me.".. Another passenger arrived, to board this train...

Whose travelers lives in your heart...

They are part of your life forever.

Once again, your poem reminded me of my differences with my father, of the hurt that insists on surfacing...

But I need to overcome...

And in this healing process, which I have been facing, you and your overcoming, have a fundamental, expressive role in me...

The self-esteem and self-love, which you have, is something beyond this world...

It is something SENT BY GOD.🙏

Thank you Graham for more a Tuesday Reflections... #Poetry📖

I send you a thousand stars of light 💥

Cheers 🥂 IndiaFreitas 🇧🇷💙☘️

Mary Jean Ribaudo's avatar

Thank you Graham for sharing with us this beautiful poem once again. I am blessed to have two brothers and a sister. I am the oldest and I now am the matriarch of our family. I love my family very much. Sometimes we are not on the same page and there are struggles . But we are a family who love to talk things out. I thank God everyday for giving me my family, my people.🙏❤️ Blessings to you Graham❤️🙏😊

Karen Knox's avatar

How profoundly beautiful! I remember reading this from your book and not fully understanding its depth, but now with these heartfelt comments it is so clear- sort of. I am the youngest of three children (the baby as I was called). I was the peace maker because I could not tolerate controversy very well. We all know that siblings have controversy just to carve out their place in the “pecking order” ( so to speak ) of family existence. Sometimes it is easy to claim your spot but it can be difficult also. While I can say we sometimes disagreed it never lasted long. None of us actually had a “ falling out” over a long period of time. I don’t know whether that is the norm in most families or the other is more prevalent but the way it has always been for us. My older sister was the “general”, my brother the “captain”, and I, for the most part I was the “private”. Our love has always been deep and respectful and still is today. We remain close today and are very fortunate to still have each other.

Linda Jane Brown's avatar

Once again your poem has brought me to a place of reflection. I have three sisters and two brothers. Throughout our journey together our parents were our anchor. They grounded us and taught us to appreciate the gift of family. As we grew older and our anchor passed on, we all became the anchor of our own families, passing those same lessons on to them. My siblings and I are far apart in distance but always near in our hearts. Some of us travelled expected paths and some did not but we respect that each, as you say, have our own journey. When differences arise, which they do, we talk and recall lessons from our parents. We realize that this journey we have travelled together on this earth will someday end but our spirits will remain together forever. Thank you, Graham, for your inspiration and your gift of love through your words. Blessings on your continued journey.

Lois Hyatt's avatar

Thank you Graham for this beautiful poem this poem is one of my favorites from your book. I have one sister it’s just the two of us. She been my inspiration since my mother passed away. The feeling from this poem fills my heart with love, and to appreciate life every day. Thank you again Graham as always have a wonderful day.🙏🏻❤️

Wendy Lesser's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful poem! As I reflect upon the loved ones I have lost, many way before their time, I find myself wishing that I could have one more conversation, one more hug, one more time. Since I lost them during my childhood what would those conversations be like? I can only wonder and know that I will see them again one day.

Lucinda Jolly's avatar

Your poems sends me to this place. I loved the part where your sister announced her name. I am Grace! In families we don’t always see the heavenly grace in them. Sometimes it has to announce itself. What I gathered also from this poem is how lovely your parents must be and you and your siblings are such a blessing to them.

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good tidings. of peace, Who bring tidings of good things.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Deborah Russo Coran's avatar

Gratitude to you Graham for this amazing poem. A quite unique inspiring, warm-hearted message that describes your feelings and experiences with your siblings and the way each one touched your life. It makes me reflect on all the relationships I’ve had past and in the present. Some stay forever, some only for a short while to help me learn and be a part of the journey I must walk. Sort of like mirrors reflecting back to me. I would love to buy a copy of your new book. Thanks for bringing a bundle of love and joy into my world.

Linda Lubitz's avatar

Graham , this is a favorite of mine from your first book. This morning it really resonated with me as I recently spent a week with my older brother (he's 6 years older than me) on a road trip. We talked about our childhood, shared things and feelings we hadn't shared before, Both of us saw each other in a different light. I was one of the middle kids with 2 older brothers and a younger sister. my relationship with my siblings has always been good but we don't often share deeper emotions. That changed after the passing of our one brother, his passing had an effect on us..we now share more.

Family and friend relationships can be challenging but are a part of this journey of life. Each one is a blessing along our path, even the challenging ones, we learn and grow from each one. I believe that we will all be united in heaven and the differences or trials we have here on earth will no longer be there., only the love we have for each other.

Graham, may you find joy, peace and many blessings as you journey on life's wonderful path.

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HereinBC's avatar

Such a beautiful powerful poem.

I wish I had your first book. Is there a way to purchase it?

Love love the imagery with baby sister Grace joining the family. Symbolism not lost in that either ... every family needs to have grace.

I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Exactly, at the beginning of this grand scheme we were at different places. Nevermind the gov mandates that physically kept us apart but many of them were scared to be anywhere near me. It really helped put perspective on lepers being ostracized. Thankfully, we had a great Christmas last year. Hugs abounded. However, discussions around 'everything' amount to many ostriches choosing to put their heads in the sand.

So I have to pretend all is well and show grace.

I will be there for them, no matter what.

My only surviving parent wouldnt see me until the last year. I have just spent the last 3 days with her on Vancouver Island and am waiting in Departure Bay to return to the mainland.

Blessings be upon your trip. Enjoy Alberta my second favourite place in Canada. (Calgary born)

Many blessings be upon you as you and your siblings and your parents journeys heal in this life. Hugs

Amy Ezell's avatar

This is so beautiful Graham, and thank you so much for being open and vulnerable with us. The last few years have definitely been a challenge with some of my own relationships. Many reflections have been made as I try to quiet my soul and listen for truth. I think it is okay to have boundaries. I also believe that when you can appreciate the people that have come into your life for however amount of time that is ....appreciation turns away bitterness and unforgiveness. We can still love without having to agree or compromise ourselves. It hasn't been an easy journey but there is freedom I find in it. I'm a new member and really enjoying this space so thank you!

Laurie L's avatar

Welcome Amy! I just wanted to say I love what you wrote here-appreciation in everything is such an important key to life. Have an amazing day :)

Amy Ezell's avatar

Thanks Laurie. I'm really enjoying this space. I'm not much of a writer, but I went to a performing arts boarding school where I danced and I miss being surrounded by all the amazing artists! This space Graham created feels a bit like that for me.