Welcome to Awakenings

Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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.


Soldiers Gather for Twilight Vigil at Fort Hood

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.


12 comments:

  1. This is beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes, especially after reading the poem again. So many people have helped others to have the freedom they do and now sit in lonely walls waiting to die. Thank you so much for this wonderful post.

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    1. It was my pleasure, Terry. I became very emotional when I read the poem for the first time and remained so with each reading thereafter.

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  2. Thank you for this post, Sharla and Terry. Although not an American but a Latin American, I can relate to the sentiments and share the emotions oozing from the poem.

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    Replies
    1. Such kind words, Marta. War has touched so many lives worldwide!

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  3. Beautiful post :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for letting me know you stopped by for a visit. I knew you visited catnip but it is wonderful to 'see' you here too :-)

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  4. Wonderful Sharla, great post for my friend Terry!

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  5. A lovely post about a lovely blogger.

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  6. Sharla this was a wonderful post and I thank you for bringing our friend Terry and her beautiful heart to the forefront. Terry has inspired me and been a friend of mine for a short time but her words in poetry and story always touch me. This one is just a small example of how her heart emcompasses all.
    God Bless and protect those that have served and are serving not just on the National holiday but each and everyday.

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  7. Thank you, Sharla, for having Terry share her thoughts and inspiration with us. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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  8. Sharla, this is an outstanding interview of an outstanding writer and person, hosted by the same. This is one of your best yet. Thank you for sharing it.

    Terry , thank you for sharing your life, heart, dreams and talents with us. You are an exceptional woman.

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