This Poem was Submitted By: Kenneth R. Patton On Date: 2006-11-22 09:03:58 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Could Be Thanksgiving

It occurred to me the other day while visiting my mother I’m getting more at this time in my life than at probably any other Being from a family of ten there was one thing always absent but now every weekday morning I’m wallowing in contentment With the alleged reason of helping by getting her breakfast and coffee We sit there alone and share our thoughts (and sometimes a couple of cookies!) Each of us so-called caregivers have a splendid opportunity to get the attention that we all lacked growing up in that sea of humanity  This morning she expressed her gratitude for the â€œAngels who come every day” and allow her to spend her declining years at home in a comfortable way I responded â€œDon’t underestimate what we all are getting too. I’m sure that every one of us values this time with you” As she took a sip of coffee then lay back on her couch I thought â€œimagine what it would have been like to do this with the Grouch”

Copyright © November 2006 Kenneth R. Patton

Additional Notes:
"Grouch" was one of my father's nicknames. He passed on in 2001 p.s. What's with the "?" instead of "©" ;-)


This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2006-12-03 16:55:50
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.50000
Ken this is so heart warming........I was mom's caretaker and have missed her dearly since she has gone on to God's Heavenly Garden..........the memories made in her later years are well placed by all who stopped by to visit..........mom was 92 when she left us and you have brought forth memories of time shared, morning, noon and night.........mom lived here with me and Jerry and she passed on here in Tully. A super fitting title for It could be Thanksgiving.....enjoyed your free style with this one. God Bless, Claire


This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2006-11-30 16:55:04
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.54545
Kenneth, This could be a mother's day poem. It shows how dear she is to yu. And yes you are smart enough to realize your blessed to have this time with her. And she is much blessed herself. If I were dad to 10 kids and had to feed and house and educate them, I'd be pretty tired and grouchy too. It would seem my whole life was raising children. I'd jump off a bridge I think! I feel the warmth sitting at the breakfast table eating cookies! Nice delightful poem. Dellena
This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2006-11-23 13:21:49
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.93750
Hi Ken...this is such an important poem for anyone who has cared for a parent. I took care of my mother for 6 years before she passed away at the age of 91. She was in an assisted living facility but I took her out frequently and spent as much time with her as I could. Coming from a family of 10 is wonderful! I was an only child who always longed for a sibling. When I got married I wanted 6 children so none of them would ever be alone. However, we stopped at 3! Now, believe it or not, I have 22 people in my family to buy Xmas gifts for....good grief what if we had 6 kids?? I love the way you wrote this poem. Written in free verse without punctuation...you have let the line breaks and captilization do that for you which is very effective. Take every moment you can with your mom and soak up everything she says...you will be so happy you did. Well done. Best....Marilyn
This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2006-11-22 11:17:54
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Kenneth, Thank you so much for posting this well penned heart tugging poem. This is so special, it gives hope that offspring do care even if it doesn't manifest till later. I sure that your Mom appreciates what you and your sibblings do, and secretly she probably enjoys the one on one time as much as you, for often Moms don't get a chance to give the time to each child as they want to. I knew right away who "Grouch" was; no explanation necessary and from your wording I had concluded that person was no longer with the family. Truly a Thanksgiving blessing, one that carries year round. Many blessings to you and a big thank you for posting this offering. Kudos! Lora
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