29 Comments

Thank you for sharing this. So raw. So much truth.

“Even with too many mistakes

I’m still learning

How to love them perfectly.”

This rings so true. Thank you for being brave enough to show us your deepest selves here. And shine!

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Thank you, dear Corie. You are the font of my inspiration 🤍

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I am like the diving board and the one who gave you a few strategies for how to swim. But you are definitely the brave one who jumped.

Love and miss you!

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Amazing Ilona, wow!! Great work there - baring your soul it seems. Congratulations on the joy of being a grandmother

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Thanks, Carla! My grandchildren make life even more joyful.

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Wow, Ilona….. What a wonderful poem. I re-read it three times, absorbing your creativity, your words, as you bare your soul so beautifully. Thank you for sharing this with us - I am working up the courage to share one of mine soon…..

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Thanks, Deborah. I haven't written a poem since because I lack the courage to try again. Poetry is very emotional for me. I guess that's the point.

I look forward to when you release yours. 🤍

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This is absolutely gorgeous and beautifully honest and I’m so thankful you shared it. What a lovely poet you are 💗

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Thanks my friend. As are you 🤍

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Wow, Ilona, I am speechless. It's beautiful, yet raw, heartbreaking and yet heart warming in the end. It's beautiful. Thank you for sharing and you have nothing to be scared about, dear Ilona.

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Thank you for sharing such kind words, Sweet Serenity. 🤍

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Congratulations Grandma! That's so lovely. And to the lovely mother. What a great news. I am so happy for you. I didn't even read the poem yet. I was so excited.

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Thanks, Neera!

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Huge, huge congratulations on the birth of your grandson, how absolutely wonderful for you and your family. New beginnings await Ilona, your poem says it all. Well done, in so many ways. Lots of love.

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Thanks, Lindsey! New beginnings are welcomed.

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Congratulations! Grandparenting is much better than parenting. We're so much smarter now, right? Ha!

The hardest part for us is keeping our mouths shut...mostly :)

Enjoy

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Thank you, Bill! I know all about keeping my mouth shut! All that smartness with no place to go.

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I, too, would not call myself a poet, but I love the format as a way to express the essence of my thoughts with minimal and carefully selected words. Well done and congrats!

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Thanks, Michelle! I also straddle the line of when and whether I should call myself a writer. It's always an internal negotiation.

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I do too, mainly because of the writers I know with more writing knowledge and experience. But I then compare that to my work as an artist. I have toiled for over 40 years and see others doing art as their second and third act. I used to scoff at those "Sunday Painters" as I would call them. I have since toned down my somewhat "elitist" attitude realizing I do not have a corner on the market. We all have a measure of creativity just as we all have stories to tell.

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Really beautiful Ilona. Thank you for posting this. And congratulations on the newly-born grandson!

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Hi Kirie, I have been so behind in reading your posts. Please forgive me. Thanks for your kind words 🤍

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I believe you've been quite busy, Ilona! I'd love to read/hear more about the contents of the poem someday. And thank you for the wonderful post card! It's on our refrigerator here in the Pacific Northwest as eagles, whales, and boats sail by now that we finally have summer.

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So glad you received it!

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Yay! He’s arrived finally! Congrats to you and your daughter. And the poem— 🥹 just beautiful!!! 💜

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Yes, he finally did! Thank you and I appreciate your kind words.

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Wow...that is beautiful and heartbreaking and I "SO" relate! Thanks for sharing this, Ilona!

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Yes, I'm sad and glad thaat you relate. I don't really want the company but having someone understand is comforting. Thank you, friend.

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I know what you mean. :(

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