I am grateful
for the variety of people whose path’s in life I’ve crossed
who were behind me those times I’ve succeeded…
as well all the times I’ve lost.
For every person along the way…every encounter…
I’ve gained new knowledge from…
and all have helped to strengthen me
for whatever is yet to come.
May you always remember this about people who hate you
on the basis of the color of your skin,
your sex, gender, sexual preference or religious view…
THE PROBLEM IS WITH THEM…
THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH YOU!
Although I find this difficult to do…
in the world I’m trying to create...
I will do my best not to return your anger with anger...
or return your hate...with hate.
I believe in human rights
the rights of everyone to be free
and I gladly lend my voice to the chorus
of peace and harmony.
Hate has tried to rule the world
from every demagogue, dictator and tsar.
When you take a look at history...
how’s that worked out so far?
Although it is often difficult to do
in this world I’m trying to enhance...
I will do my best to return your hate with love...
It’s the only way…peace will ever have a chance!
I am grateful for my ancestors….
all those who have sailed before me down life’s stream…
and I hope from where they’re watching…
I have exceeded their wildest dreams…
And I gladly take my place among them
as I sail down life’s stream…
as I watch my own children and grandchildren
exceed my wildest dreams.
May we be blessed to remember
all the ancestors we’ve come from…
and to live our life so they’ll be proud
of the person we’ve become.
No one really knows what happens after someone we love dies…
It’s something we try not to think about…and often don’t discuss.
but I like to think…from wherever they now reside…they’re watching over us.
Sometimes we feel their presence…and we know we’re not alone
other times we’re sure…as they make their presences known.
Those times we hear their voice…calling from another room
Or when just the thought of them can help to ease our gloom
Those times we see their spirit…if only for a little while…
Or when we really need it…we remember how they smiled.
Oftentimes it’s a surprise…they show up suddenly without a fuss
As we’re doing something that had a special meaning…for the two of us.
They may show up as a pelican…a bumble bee
a lunar moth or a butterfly…
We wonder in that moment…what and how and why…
As we wipe our tears and smile
we are calm, unafraid and happy they found a way
to come down for a visit…and brighten up our day.
Here to remind us the line between life and death is thin…
and how even those no longer with us…
have a way of looking in.
It’s funny how they appear to us…as a thought…a vision or a ghost…
when we least expect them…but…when we seem to need them most.
How they fill our heart with love…and how we’ve found
we sleep a little sounder…knowing they’re around.
It is reassuring to know they will never abandon us
that they still think about us too…
and comforting to know they are watching over us…
just like they used to do.
I am grateful for all the people in my life
who, whenever my wings have been broken
have come by to help my broken wing mend…
who through their love,
their caring and support
have helped me fly again.
