I was visiting a wonderful friend of mine in Newcastle a couple of weeks ago and we took a drive to Whitley Bay. He had some other commitments to attend to so I had about an hour or so to spend on my own. I went to a quiet little bar and thought, I will be happy writing some poetry. Next to the table I was sitting at, there was some small flyers/brochures and I picked up one that was entitled “Saras Hope Foundation”. Let me tell you a little bit about what it said:
Saras Hope Foundation
Sara Hoburn tragically lost a two year battle with a rare form of colon cancer at the age of sixteen in 2001. Her dream was to help other sick children to enjoy normal family lives away from the hospital environment. She is the inspiration behind the charity Saras Hope Foundation, which runs a holiday retreat in Crete, offering respite for children and young people with cancer and their families. Sara especially loved Greece and the Greek Islands and it was her dream to get married in a little blue and white church on the beach.
Sara was known as “Smiling Star” by the medical staff who treated her at the Teenage Cancer Unit in the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle because she was always smiling and had such a positive attitude.
Sara was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and when she lost the battle on 16 January 2001, Sara became a “hero”.
I was so inspired by the above story and as I looked at the beautiful photographs of Sara on the brochure the following poem poured out of me. I share this with you today in honour of this brave young lady who has inspired and helped children/young people and their families all over the world.
“Smiling Star”
I look at her photo, such a beautiful smile,
Her eyes are sparkling, on the rainbow mile.
She brings us hope, she brings relief,
From darker days, felt heavy in grief.
A frozen memory, from a special place,
Now an angel in heaven, and our saving grace.
We are touched with her love, in every way,
Moving our spirits, on this special family holiday.
Today is the anniversary of my Dad’s passing away in 1997 but I remember it all like yesterday. Even though he suffered with cancer for about 5 years I choose to remember him when he was happy, fit and healthy. What a wonderful human being he was, full of laughter, always singing and loved his family very very much and even though he is not here today I still feel his unconditional love around me, so very abundant and strong. When loved ones leave our life here on earth, I believe their loving spirit still shines upon us, more than we will ever know. Their love is surrounding you right now. Clarabelle
Here is the post which I shared before here on this blog:
His Loving Spirit Lives On
I initially had second thoughts about posting this poem, simply because it is extremely personal to me and tells the true story of my Dad’s fight with cancer over 15 years ago. Sadly, after battling with this disease for 5 years, he passed away on 1 February 1997. The reason why I decided to share this poem is because although it was in some places, painful to write, I do feel other people who have gone through a similar situation with their family members will be able to relate to it and hopefully help them to come to terms with their sad loss and be able to gently move on. I know everyone deals with grief differently and I think it took me about 5 years for the sadness to truly melt away. Now when I think of my Dad, I think of the wonderful, happy and outgoing person he was, this then makes me smile and so proud to be his daughter and part of his life…..his loving spirit lives on in every heart he touched and I know he touched many.
Mum & Dad on their Wedding Day on 16 July 1966, Gran Murray on Left and Gran Stewart on the right
My Wonderful Dad
It was 15 years ago, when you passed away
I must admit, it was my saddest day
My heart felt heavy, from deep inside
I had lost my Dad, I had lost my guide
The tears were painful, unbearable at times
Red bloodshot eyes, were swollen signs
When all alone, I cried out my heart
The deepest sadness, when you did depart
I held your hand, a few days before
And took a last glance back, before I left the ward door
Something told me to look back, when visiting that night
It was 24 hours later, you gave up the fight
I was out with a friend, but didn’t want to go
You told me to ‘live on’ and for the sadness not to show
I came home that night, there was a cold chill in the air
I instantly knew, why no one was there
They were called to the hospital, late that night
You were taking your last breathe, and approaching the light
Everyone was there, except for me
Because I went out, very selfishly
I lived with that hurt, for a few years
Why wasn’t I with you, I cried so many tears
I think it took about 5 years to move on
It was a painful few years, when your presence was gone
But now when I think of my wonderful Dad
I remember the good times, never the sad
I celebrate your life years, there were 58
I was part of 23 and you made them great
You never lived a perfect life, worry got to you
It’s easy to blame, but we didn’t live in your shoes
I think of your singing, I think of your smile
I think of that waistcoat, you wore for a while
You were fond of the mirror, a poser you were
Talking to yourself, as you played with your hair
When you left for work, I missed you right away
When you arrived home, it made my day
You were always positive and friendly to all
You liked to use humour, to break down the brick walls
A charmer you were, fun and caring
A Dad in a million and a little bit daring
You sang at most weddings, with a few whiskys inside
You jigged on the dance floor and flirted with the bride
You loved a laugh and would welcome a crowd
You loved your family, they made you feel so proud
In this physical world, your body is away
In another dimension, your spirit lives on each day
Maybe I can’t see you, but you can see me
You can feel my spirit and its frequency
So I’m sending you this message after 15 years
Life is good Dad, we have no more tears
You are still greatly missed and always will be
You have an extended family, it’s so beautiful to see
As the years go by and the older we get
We must live in each moment, but never will forget
The loved ones of the past, who are present in our mind
Who live in our hearts and are one of a kind
We love you, we miss you and to hold you once more
Would be a dream come true, if you walked through that door
The tears of the past, are now gone forever
They ran down my cheek and joined the river
And as the river flows, my heart does to
It is joined by my soul and reaches out to you
Because on the crest of the wave, there you stand
Holding out your heart and holding out your hand
Thank you Dad, for in me you live
Thank you for the lessons and to others I now give
Live your best life, every moment of every day
Connect with your inner self and listen to what it says
Enjoy the journey, as you sail down the river
Because there are hearts and many hands helping you forever.
poemsbyclarabelle, 6 January 2012
If you really like what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
No matter what age you are it is never too late to start something new, to make a positive change in your life or give up a bad habit. My mum is 70 years of age this year and she did her first sponsored charity walk with me at the weekend. It is amazing how one decision in the right direction can kick start a self-motivating process. At the end of the walk my mum was talking about stopping smoking, she has been smoking for 50 years of her life, I think her taking part in the walk made her think differently about her own health and wellbeing and swapping bad habits for good habits. The conversation we had was so uplifting, I am so proud of my mum for saying ‘yes’ to doing the walk, I hope I have her upbeat attitude to life when I reach her age, and also her amazing energy!! This next poem is dedicated to my mum, well done and thanks for joining me on the walk to support MacMillan Cancer.
Me and My Mum, 1 July 2012
Such a Beautiful Day
Well done mum, you covered every mile
You laughed along the way and offered out your smile
Such a beautiful day, to support ones in need
Step by step we followed suit, as the piper took the lead
What a wonderful achievement, to give a little back
A positive deed for all involved, our lives are back on track
poemsbyclarabelle, 3 July 2012
If you enjoy what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in borrowing for FREEand/or purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational poetry ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or clickHERE
I initially had second thoughts about posting this poem, simply because it is extremely personal to me and tells the true story of my Dad’s fight with cancer over 15 years ago. Sadly, after battling with this disease for 5 years, he passed away on 1 February 1997. The reason why I decided to share this poem is because although it was in some places, painful to write, I do feel other people who have gone through a similar situation with their family members will be able to relate to it and hopefully help them to come to terms with their sad loss and be able to gently move on. I know everyone deals with grief differently and I think it took me about 5 years for the sadness to truly melt away. Now when I think of my Dad, I think of the wonderful, happy and outgoing person he was, this then makes me smile and so proud to be his daughter and part of his life…..his loving spirit lives on in every heart he touched and I know he touched many.
My Wonderful Dad
It was 15 years ago, when you passed away
I must admit, it was my saddest day
My heart felt heavy, from deep inside
I had lost my Dad, I had lost my guide
The tears were painful, unbearable at times
Red bloodshot eyes, were swollen signs
When all alone, I cried out my heart
The deepest sadness, when you did depart
I held your hand, a few days before
And took a last glance back, before I left the ward door
Something told me to look back, when visiting that night
It was 24 hours later, you gave up the fight
I was out with a friend, but didn’t want to go
You told me to ‘live on’ and for the sadness not to show
I came home that night, there was a cold chill in the air
I instantly knew, why no one was there
They were called to the hospital, late that night
You were taking your last breathe, and approaching the light
Everyone was there, except for me
Because I went out, very selfishly
I lived with that hurt, for a few years
Why wasn’t I with you, I cried so many tears
I think it took about 5 years to move on
It was a painful few years, when your presence was gone
But now when I think of my wonderful Dad
I remember the good times, never the sad
I celebrate your life years, there were 58
I was part of 23 and you made them great
You never lived a perfect life, worry got to you
It’s easy to blame, but we didn’t live in your shoes
I think of your singing, I think of your smile
I think of that waistcoat, you wore for a while
You were fond of the mirror, a poser you were
Talking to yourself, as you played with your hair
When you left for work, I missed you right away
When you arrived home, it made my day
You were always positive and friendly to all
You liked to use humour, to break down the brick walls
A charmer you were, fun and caring
A Dad in a million and a little bit daring
You sang at most weddings, with a few whiskys inside
You jigged on the dance floor and flirted with the bride
You loved a laugh and would welcome a crowd
You loved your family, they made you feel so proud
In this physical world, your body is away
In another dimension, your spirit lives on each day
Maybe I can’t see you, but you can see me
You can feel my spirit and its frequency
So I’m sending you this message after 15 years
Life is good Dad, we have no more tears
You are still greatly missed and always will be
You have an extended family, it’s so beautiful to see
As the years go by and the older we get
We must live in each moment, but never will forget
The loved ones of the past, who are present in our mind
Who live in our hearts and are one of a kind
We love you, we miss you and to hold you once more
Would be a dream come true, if you walked through that door
The tears of the past, are now gone forever
They ran down my cheek and joined the river
And as the river flows, my heart does to
It is joined by my soul and reaches out to you
Because on the crest of the wave, there you stand
Holding out your heart and holding out your hand
Thank you Dad, for in me you live
Thank you for the lessons and to others I now give
Live your best life, every moment of every day
Connect with your inner self and listen to what it says
Enjoy the journey, as you sail down the river
Because there are hearts and many hands helping you forever.
poemsbyclarabelle, 6 January 2012
If you really like what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
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