This Poem was Submitted By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2005-07-27 16:35:34 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!To Listen to Music While Reading this Poem, just Click Here!
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Bob's Name Is Roger Last week the patient I called Bob came into the oncology unit
for his radiation treatment. A little embarrassed I said, "I didn't
ask your name, when we met, so I decided you are a Bob."
Laughingly he said, "for you I will be a Bob but my real name
is Roger!" Then he added, "when I finish my treatments I will
do something else for you."
"And what would that be?" I asked with a smile...
"I'm going to bake you a chocolate cake from a new
recipe, it is real good," he assured me.
Today when he didn't come in at his scheduled time
I asked the radiation tech what time he was due. His
answer was, "He won't be coming in, he passed away on Friday."
Seeing the look on my face he gently patted my shoulder.
The patient I called Bob never got to see France
and I never got a cake. Driving home I asked the
Lord to give "Bob" just a little glimpse of France.
I still have a lump in my throat. |
|
Copyright © July 2005 marilyn terwilleger
Additional Notes:
For those of you who didn't read the first story..."I'll call him Bob" I volunteer at the radiation oncology unit at our local hospital every Wednesday. This man deeply touched me and I knew he did not have long to live. For those of you who did read the first story...I wanted you to know how it ended.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Latorial D. Faison On Date: 2005-08-07 21:08:59
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.84000
Marilyn,
Thanks for sharing this poem. I did not get to read the first story, but this second one touched me. You give readers another glimpse of just how precious life and the people around us really are.
The conversation aspect of this poem makes the growing relationship, as short as it was, become more real to readers, and we can see how easy and natural it was for "Bob" or Roger to have this kind of impact on you. I think it would be nice if we could be this effected by all of the people that we meet. What a wonderful world it would be (smile).
Thanks for sharing this one. It touched me, perhaps just as deep as Bob touched you.
Latorial
www.latorialfaison.com
This Poem was Critiqued By: Turner Lee Williams On Date: 2005-08-02 11:13:27
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.75000
Marilyn–-Sorry, but I didn’t do any reviews in June or a few other months.
In order to get some background on “Bob” I read your lead post. It is just
as poignant and heartbreaking as this sequel due to the subject matter and
what our family was/is going through. Every so often a poem is posted which
moves me to comment without critiquing–this is one of those poems. On the
surface your narrative is a very calm and mundane conversation (if having
a conversation in a place like this--under these circumstances can be
ordinary), but for me the undercurrent is an emotional noisy gut wrenching
blast! My composure during this read and at the medical center when given
the “diagnostic talk” is and was far from stoic. Thanks for relaying this
beautifully scribed and heartfelt follow-up. The compassion shown in this
and your prior post touches me deeply. TLW
This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2005-07-30 17:32:07
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.83333
Shit! that's all I can say! You know I'm a former nurse, and when a pt. died that I got attached
to for whatever reason, it always left me with that lump in my throat and asking myself (as most
Nurse's do) ... "could I have done better?" Even last week I read in my hometown paper of a pt.
I had that died. I left the profession almost two years ago, and still felt sad. Oncology is a
tough area to work and I admire you for that. Perhaps he is in France now sipping wine and eating
croissant...at least I hope so. Thanks M.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Joyce P. Hale On Date: 2005-07-28 05:17:19
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.52381
Ah, Marilyn, a heart-tugging piece of real life.... Not being a member for very long, I did not read the first write, but will search it out and do so now. An example of how not only do the lives and deaths of those near and dear to us have an effect on our lives, but also those with whom we cross paths for only a short time. God bless you for the care you hand out to those who are in need. Hugs,
This Poem was Critiqued By: Duane J Jackson On Date: 2005-07-27 23:45:13
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.96154
Hi Marilyn,
This was tragic and through the tragedy of it all we have with us, the spirit of a man who lived to inspire...who inspires even in his death. Bob's selfless service at the shelter, his cheer amidst adversity, his positivity and undettered faith in God (he was a reverend, if i'm not mistaken), give us a lot to be greatful for. In a world hogged by violence, jealousy and hate, it is these smaller unknown lives that loom great in our eyes. There is no doubt that Bob has found a dazzling place of refuge in paradise and will live there forever as a testament to God's greatness and His victory over death. Yes, there wasn't a chocolate cake or a trip to France but there can be no greater gift from one to another or to himself than inspiration and steadfastness in spirit and faith. You have written this beautifully Marilyn. You have opened a window into the life of a great human being and in doing so have given all of us a yardstick to measure our own greatness and purpose here on earth. May Bob's soul rest in peace.
Take care,
Duane.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2005-07-27 22:29:57
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.58621
Oh Marilyn,
I'm so sorry to hear that "Bob" passed on, his goals and dreams not fulfilled in this life. The lives he touched are so much richer for his being, look at the inspiration he gave to you. I can hear the hope, the anticipation of seeing, the disappointment and even your heart crying at the news. I am truly sorry that you have lost a friend. I believe he is probably looking down on you as we speak. Good form, structure and read although I would have preferred a different ending as you would have also. Blessings.
Lora
This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2005-07-27 20:32:42
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.66176
My dear friend...........such a heart breaking yet heart touching piece filled with both you, Roger and Bob.........he was so touched by you, your smile, your outgoing manner to him that he was going to bake you a very special cake........I am sad he was not able to return in person to bring you the cake but please know in your heart that he shall always remain within your memory......two souls passing on life's journey yet touching in a most important way..........I am sad to hear of his passing, I so prayed for his being able to see France.......perhaps on his way to God's Heavenly Garden he was able to take in a part of France.....its possible for miracles happen all the time. Thank you for taking the time to share with us this most difficult piece to write.........you are a very special person and I hope you know how important you are not only to 'Bob' but to all others that come your way. Take care, God bless, Claire
This Poem was Critiqued By: Rachel F. Spinoza On Date: 2005-07-27 17:07:40
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.87097
Dear Marilyn,
Wht a wonderful tribute to a life clearly well lived. That is , even at the end he was
thinking about doing things for others. How fortunate you were to have known him
if only so briefly. You have captured the experience wonderfully well
Bst
Rach
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