A Letter From Heaven

Hello Ann

I found this while tidying up last week, a photocopy of a poem written by a man called Fred Nolan for his family for when he died. I can't remember how I came across it originally, but thought immediately of you.

To my dearest family
Some things I'd like to say
But first of all to let you know that I arrived okay
I'm writing this from heaven: Here I dwell with God above
Here there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love
Please don't be unhappy just because I'm out of sight
Remember that I am with your every morning, noon and night.
That day when I had to leave you: when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and He said: 'I welcome you
It's good to have you back again. You were missed while you were gone
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on' 
God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do
And foremost on that list was to watch and care for you
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night
When you think of my life on earth and those loving years
Because you are only human they are bound to bring your tears
But do not be afraid to cry. It does relieve the pain
Remember: there would be no flowers unless there was some rain
I with that I could tell you all that God has planned
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand
But one thing is for certain though my life on earth is o'er
I'm closer to you now than I ever was before
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like for you to do to:
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you
If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain
Then you can say to God at night: 'my day was not in vain'.
And now I am contended that my life was worthwhile
And as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low
Just lend a hand and pick them up as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind
And when it's time for you to go; from that body to be free
Remember you're not going; you're coming home to me

The Owl of Inspiration ...... help wanted

I need some help readers to fill this with inspiration, love and determination.

It's an Owl card holder, which sits over my little sister's mantlepiece. She's got one card in it at the moment. It reads

'New Beginnings Are Often Disguised As Painful Endings'

All through my cancer journey, my inspiration has always been my sister, Joy. She was just 19 years old when first diagnosed with cervical cancer. It took nearly ten long years of trying this treatment and then something else and so on, before the cancer was finally eradicated with two cycles of chemo. Traditional laser treatments didn't work. But she did beat it.

And through it all, she was a rock. She had poise, purpose and a wicked sense of humour. She was rarely downbeat, even through the throwing up and baldiness and just got on with things. I wanted to be like her, my little sister who had the strength to get through it and win. And win she did. She was clear for over ten years, where she carried on living life and having two beautiful children.

But now it's back, and in my eyes, not playing fair. She has already had a five week course of radiotherapy, however it's gotten worse, and is now stage 3b. Sounds so innocent doesn't it. For many of us stage 3b won't mean very much. But for Joy it's an intensive and gruelling treatment regime of chemo every two weeks and radiotherapy three times a week for at least four months. And then see what happens.

And this is where you guys come in. I know Joy gets a lots of pleasure and inner strength from quotes like the one already sitting in her owl. I'm on the look out for more. Whenever I pass a card or nicknack shop, I'm in there, having a rummage. But you can help.

Have you got a picture which inspires and takes you to a calm place? A postcard with a quote which resonates and gets you through a difficult time? Or an ironic comic strip to make you laugh? If you have and can part with it, please help me give it a new home and fill Joy's

Wasn't sure how to do this, and I don't want to give her lots to do, but thought if you contacted me, I can give you my postal address and I will get them sent on to her. I've put some contact details below. And please feel free to pass this on to others. The more the merrier! 

She's a strong and independent woman, who will get through this, and an owl full of inspiration, an instant visual reminder has gotta help.......

Contact Details

Email: OwlofInspiration@Gmail.com

Twitter: @FayC

Facebook: Fay