Photograph In My Mind

terry1954

Awakenings welcomes Terry Shepherd into the spotlight. My communication with Terry is through her blog featuring, in her own words, "inspirational stories that touch your heart and soul." I totally agree with her having visited her blogsite many, many times.

Upon reading a very special poem of Terry's, I asked her to tell us a little about herself and share the poignant poem that is so reflective of the nature of Awakenings.

Terry, as with most writers, there is usually some form of inspiration. Tell us what inspires you to write?

What inspires me to write is knowing people's hearts. I don't think it is a talent. I just think I am compassionate. I actually started writing because it is God's will. I have one book that is about to be published. I am writing two more. Next Sunday if all goes well I have been invited to be a guest on a radio talk show through Skype to talk about Parkinson's Disease. Since I have been a caregiver for 23 years I have seen a lot of pain, a traumatic sense of loss and too much death. On the other hand, I have seen families come closer together due to illness and/or severe pain.

Are you working on a book outside of the blogosphere? If so, tell us a little about it and perhaps other projects you have on the writing board.

Dahlia is finished! What a terrific feeling! It is about a young girl with disabilities. She is blind. It is about how life can still be achieved, dreams can still be realized if we only want it bad enough. Two more books are on the writing board. One is the story and life history of my brother from birth to date, My Brother's Parkinson's Journey. It reflects many sad things, such as abuse and kidnapping. It speaks of truths behind closed doors. The other, My View Backwards, depicts my life story surrounding my birth and my life as a young child.

Do you have any special feelings you would like to share on America?

I always feel like we, as Americans, are eager to send our men and women to protect us, but we don't offer them protection when they return home. I have worked in a VA hospital and spent many hours with Veterans. They are lonely and love to talk about their past lives, lost loves, children and of course, comrades in arms. The fear in their eyes is very keen when they speak of war. There were many times I witnessed tears as they returned to civilian life to only feel lost within the system.

Do you have a special dedication for the poetry you want to share today?

A lot of what I write about is real people living real lives. Life is not a fairy tale and all too often there isn't a happily ever after. So, I dedicate this poem to the wonderful old Vets sitting in the VA hospitals, looking forward to very little and waiting, not always patiently, to die.

Photograph In My Mind

by Terry Shepherd

  

Please don’t cry

When I turn a way

For I must go

And this you know

I have to do

What is right for me

I must serve

In the  military

Please dry your eyes

And smile for me

Let me savor

It in memory.


05/03/2013 
Terry Shepherd

With Memorial Day to be celebrated this weekend, the timing for this introduction to Terry Shepherd has been perfect. As you move closer to the weekend and become involved in celebration planning, remain mindful of what this holiday truly represents. It is not just picnics and soda pops, cake and ice cream, beach ball and surf boards! It is a day of remembrance: the last Monday in May on which those who died in active military service are remembered. 

Thank you, Terry, for sharing your poignant poem and insight into your upcoming books. I encourage all to pay Terry a visit at her blog terry1954 and be sure to leave a comment to let her know you stopped by for a visit.