It's still hard for me to exert myself, but I have a compelling message in pain: Nobody is alone. One wishes one could travel into the past and change things for the better, but there's no safe way to do it --except, perhaps, by memory. What we need to do, exerting ourselves --even in pain-- is work presently to repair the future. I learn this from people like Father Kelly. Please listen; you might be astonished at his voice:Father Kelly,"Everybody Hurts"
So, we take up the implements of improvement, adjust them, tighten them down to their jobs and in love, despite discomfort, hold on.
WHAT a voice.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, we do all hurt. When I see people who apparently have a 'perfect' life I think of ducks. They look so serene, and under the water out of sight their little legs are going hell for leather keeping their image intact.
I am so very glad you are holding on. Hugs.
He does have a fine voice,EC. There is gentleness, and in gentleness, strength.
DeleteFather Kelly is jolly popular here, where articulating pain is only really acceptable through an artistic medium.
ReplyDelete'Gently does it' is a popular saying too, meaning go easy on yourself and your surroundings. Mending is frustrating and I'm not particularly good at it myself; pain is wearing to the soul and body - I hope it's good to know you have a throng of well wishers xx
It's good to know I'm not alone. It's good to get well-wished too!
DeleteThat is such a beautiful rendition of R.E.M's song. Yes,we all hurt, but I hope you have some time when you don't, Geo. Hold on, I pray that you will get better and stronger as the days pass by.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I feel I am only being held up by my fingernails (and they are only glued on), then I look and can see all those who surround me who are lifting me up carrying me high and I need not be afraid. Love does that.
Arleen, as I've suspected all along, you are immunized by a healthy attitude! Is there an inoculation or must I gain it by exposure? Or, as you say, maybe Love already does that.
DeleteHe brought tears to my eyes. We all have our moments of pain indeed of one kind or another.
ReplyDeleteAnd no, we are NOT alone.
Keep powering through Geo.
Delores, I must admit Father Kelly's performance affected me too. He sings not only from training, talent and experience, but also from the heart.
DeleteGeo - it's so reassuring (and inspiring) to know that you're doing work again, despite all the pain. And I'm considering getting a wagon to help drag my groceries from the car to the house here in the wilderness.....but I'd probably also need a team of horses. Or at least huskies.
ReplyDeleteI very often wish I could travel back in time to embrace the days when I had youth, health, and optimism. Thank God for memories. If nothing else, they sustain us....
I've never before heard Father Ray Kelly, but he has a magnificent voice.
And I haven't forgotten about the book. Things have been unusually hectic for me here in my private world of chaos, and I'm navigating in slow motion. Will try to get it in the mail this week. Will keep you posted.
No hurry on the book, Jon. Your poetry will live forever, and, so long as I have kindred spirits like you, so shall I.
DeleteGeo, one tail wag at a time :-) Nice wagon!
ReplyDeleteWill do my best to follow your counsel, Dylan, but my tail fell off when I entered puberty, with which I may or may not be done with. Norma ordered the wagon --she doesn't drive-- online and it does look serviceable. It will help me help her.
DeleteWe do as we must to get through it all. You have an ingenious grocery wagon there.
ReplyDeleteDear Emma, I shall do as I muddily must 'til I bodily bust --as the old service chant goes. We'll use whatever we can to help "get through". For Heaven's sake, we're living way the Hell in the future here --and there are wonders in it!
DeleteI am thoroughly impressed by Father Kelly's voice and delivery. And the fact that he is a religious leader and has undoubtedly seen more than many people's share of others' suffering makes it even more moving. It's a wonderful message to give and receive.
ReplyDeleteI hope your pain eases soon, Geo. It's probably feeling like this time will never end, but . . . hold on.
Pain hurts, Jenny. We all know that and worry a little or lot about it. But when I heard this guy sing, I felt comfort, not resolution or anesthesia but comfort. Pain can thrust us into loneliness. I just asked Norma across the table if loneliness had one or two e's. She said to keep the 'o' long you need two e's --otherwise it's "lawnliness". I fear lawnliness like anything!
DeleteI cannot and will not fall for another father figure in this or any other life, friend Geo … But glad for you and that you found what you needed at that time. Much love, cat.
ReplyDeleteDear Cat, to the best of my knowledge I'm 4 years older than Ray Kelly --but only father to 4 middle-aged people (to whom Norma is mother figure)--but I am happy to be called friend. Love appreciated and reciprocated.
DeleteGeo-It's wonderful to see you up and at it again. One step at a time in the exertion department. That is a fine looking new wagon. And Father Kelly sent a zinger right to heart and brain, enough so my eyes needed to mist themselves. Thanks. And best to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, dear Tom. My best to you too. I didn't know the ailment I have privately feared all my life would be so strange --and yet, this amazing world of the future, into which we have traveled, has produced healers of the body and spirit that give new hope, new strength.
DeleteGeo, I'm sorry you have had this bout with pain but may I say you look amazingly good and I pity those locknuts you're tightening. And Father Kelly has a very pleasant voice and a comforting message.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bruce. I AM feeling much better and gradually regaining strength. However, as you can see in the photo, I'm somewhat out of focus --probably because I wasn't wearing my glasses.
DeleteThis pain, too, shall pass, dude. I hate that you've had such a rough time of it, but think of how far you've come. Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today. Slowly forward, one day at a time. And LOTS of people are pulling for you. Pain makes us feel alone, especially in the middle of the night, but you aren't alone.
ReplyDeleteFather Kelly's rendition of that song is heartfelt and oh-so touching. Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing it, even if it did make me cry. (All three times I listened to it!)
Glad you liked Father Kelly's song. There are quite a few of them on Youtube. My favorite is a version of Cohen's "Hallelujah" sung as part of a wedding ceremony.
DeleteHi, Geo! As you can see I'm up to my old trick of trying to catch up by working backwards. I literally had shivers listening to Father Ray Kelly. What a gorgeous voice; but more important was the words he was singing: If you think you've had too much of this life, hang on ... ... You're not alone." Wow seems so inadequate. This was my third visit to this post, because I kept getting interrupted before I could listen to the song. I'm glad I finally did. Thanks for introducing me to this performer.
ReplyDeleteBut every bit as moving are your words: "What we need to do, exerting ourselves --even in pain-- is work presently to repair the future." I think you have to have lived for a while to really get this; and, boy is it ever true! I'll be saying prayers for you, my friend. Keep on torquing!
Dear dear Louise, I can't torque counterclockwise because it puts too much pressure on the mainspring, so forward we go. I sure appreciate your "catch(ing) up" this fall. You may wish to watch Father Kelly sing "Hallelujah" or belt out "New York! New York!" --a most versatile vocalist. I sure hope the College Of Cardinals has him in mind for next shift --not that Francis is any slouch at Pope-ing, but this man can sing like an angel.
DeleteHi, Geo! Just checking in on you. I hope that you and Norma had a lovely Thanksgiving! Sending you both a big hug!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Blue. Hug well-received and reciprocated. It was just the two of us here for the holiday. 3 sons and 4 grandchildren sent photos and phone calls from San Francisco. Daughter was busy preparing to join her husband --a performer on a Fla.-based cruise ship. It's a bigger world now and I'm not yet up to traveling. But yes, it was lovely and I hope yours was too.
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