POEM FOR THE GRIEVING

I am aware that there are a number of people around me who are dealing with the deaths of loved ones. I would like to share a poem with you; It had special meaning to me after my own fathed died in 1998:

Though I am dead, grieve not for me with tears.
Think not of death with sorrowing and fears.
I am so near that every tear you shead
touches and tortures me,
though you think me dead.

But when you laugh and sing in glad delight;
my soul is lifted to the Light.
Laugh and be glad with me for all that life is giving
And I, though dead, will share your joy in living
(ANON)

I pray that your day will be filled with strength, comfort and piece. With love, CAM

ROBZ' POEM TO GRANNY

I post this special poem, with my daughter, Robyn's permission. It was written by her, in memory of her granny, Jessie Moll, who passed away in 1997 after a brave fight against cancer.

This poem was on Jessie's memorial packet which was placed, together with many other lit-up packets, around the walking track at the Cancer relay at Westridge High School last night.

I'll never forget the way you hugged,
or the way you held my hand.
I'll never forget the way you laughed,
Despite things grave at hand
I remember you patience,
The glow in your eyes.
I remember the soap bubbles,
And catching butterflies,
the wedding in the garden,
begging for 'sweety time',
the time you spent with me, though short
made my life truly sublime.

I remember the smile
through the oxygen mask,
You telling me to be strong,
the way you told me to trust in God
the way you had all along.
So Granny, I miss you, I always will,
You held a special place in my heart
and while you may have died long ago,
I know from your love,
I'll never be truly apart...

Your granddaughter, Robz xox

THE WALK OF HOPE

Tonight I am participating in a 12 hour Cancer walking relay. The aim is to raise funds for cancer research. The idea of participating in such an event appealed to me since so many people have been affected by this dreaded disease. My husband's mom died in 1997 after a brave fight against breast cancer. The good news is that there is increased awareness of this disease since then, extensive research and an environment where we talk about it and encourage survivors in their own personal fight. Indeed there are so many people who need our support.

There are 11 people in our team who will be walking in relay through the night. The event starts at 6pm this evening, at WestRidge High School (Gauteng) with a "Survivor's Lap of Honour". I will be placing my own personal tribute to mom on the field this evening; its a brown packet with a candle inside and highlights her photo, our love and admiratin of her. As the various teams walk around the track we will remember those who have passed on and those who are survivors. It seems that it will be quite a solemn ceremony, but each team will do its best to raise funds for Cancer Research.

I have invited my friends to join me on my own walk - a two hour time slot - and then to make a donation for their participation. Hopefully we will be able to make our own further contribution.

So tonight as I walk my own walk, I will be thankful for my own blessings - my friends, my health, my abilities, my life. I will enjoy the night around me, the stars (hopefully), the breeze and the awesome goodwill of the various participants.

Good luck to all who will take part!