For Nancy by Susie Hemingway

~ Poems of Love ~

The following poems have been written by me, for my husband Hamada, who suffered from Multiple Myeloma [IgG Kappa] a cancer of the plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. After many months of chemotherapy, contracting pneumonia twice, once given only twelve hours to live and having three bad fractures to his spine and also showing in his Pelvis, he made it to four years seven months. The Multiple Myeloma attacked his Kidneys first showing at diagnosis in May 2006 leaving Hamada only a small percentage of kidney function. He never complained, using his most amazing smile even when I knew he had severe pain. Hamada underwent a Stem Cell Transplant using his own 'harvested stem cells' . During October 2007 he spent seventeen days in the "Centre For Clinical Haematology" at Nottingham City Hospital UK. where he achieved this transplant. We had a scare at six months after transplant, when told 'the beast was back' but subsequent tests showed a partial remission. Again in early 2009 it was confirmed that Hamada was out of remission He fought again during 2010 with newer chemo type drugs. First with Velcade and then with Revlimid but to no avail. His Kidneys were failing further and Hamada chose not to have dialysis. This blog contains poems and updates, written for Hamada, telling of our life together.
Now a beautiful book has been published, see http://www.susiehemingway.com/books/
showing Hamada's personal fight against Multiple Myeloma in the first fifty 'poems of love' written by me his wife. I hope you like these poems of love and also 'our story' dedicated to Hamada, who passed away peacefully at home on 23 November 2010 after a most courageous fight against Multiple Myeloma.

06 May, 2010

For Nancy by Susie Hemingway

Just recently our dear blogger friend Nancy of www.lacootina.blogspot.com lost her short fight against Multiple Myeloma. There is no way to say just what an amazingly brave lady she was. So many of our MM blogging world will miss her writing terribly, I know I will.

For Nancy

Our hearts are sad for Nancy
a loss in which our hands would love to reach
across the miles of space to say goodbye,
we wish our eyes could see your words as daily missed
the spirit of brave trials in life lived with such pain,
in beauty of that lively energetic soul engraved within our minds
our hearts are sad for Nancy.

You found such laughter in a testing world
displayed in warmth that radiated upon your page,
filling our private worlds for us to read.
We loved the way your smiles and rants lit up our rooms
wishing for tomorrow’s sun, that could not be.
Your bravery as God enfolded you within his arms
for sure you are his special angel,
but our hearts are sad for Nancy,
our hearts are sad for Nancy...

7 comments:

Beth said...: This is very touching. Healing, too. Thanks.; 6 May 2010 at 13:46
Elizabeth @ The Garden Window said...: Hugs to you both, and my condolences on the loss of a friend.
May her memory be eternal.; 6 May 2010 at 13:58
Margaret said...: I thought I was going to be OK today, but your words brought back the tears.
Such a lovely poem, Susie...really lovely.
I hope Nancy's family sees it...in fact, I will send the link to the "Hoodies"...
Ciao from another sad heart in Florence, Italy...; 6 May 2010 at 16:20
Steven L. Ritter said...: She didn't get on my Blog list... I consider that my loss. She sounded like a wonderful woman! Susie.. I'm so sorry for your loss of this amazing blog friend.; 6 May 2010 at 16:56
Rosemary Liewald said...: "Susie as always beautiful lines (For Nancy ) these will mean so much to those who knew her; 6 May 2010 at 18:31
Bro #1 (Marty) said...: Bro #1 (Marty) here - I found your message in Nancy's e-mail as any comments that are posted are also sent to her e-mail address. Your poem is stunning and heart-wrending. You could not have written anything more poignant. You have a gift and you have shared it in the most meaningful way imaginable. Sending our thanks is not nearly adequate, but it is all we can do..... many, many thanks; 7 May 2010 at 00:13
Michael Morse said...: I think Marty gave you the greatest gift a writer can receive, gratitude for words you have written.

I can't get "Nancy" out of my mind, two days now. I read some of her words, and am grateful for her strength, because she has made me stronger. I wish I could have told her.; 7 May 2010 at 21:42

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BLOG REVIEWS

Lora Conrad : Susie -"Calm Are These Days" painted a breathtaking aura of colour and serenity that floated me above the clouds so I could envision it in slow motion - breathing in every word - it was magical! Especially for those of us who share Multiple Myeloma with Hamada, poetry gives us an escape from "over thinking" our situation. With a beautiful name like Susie Hemingway Moursi, it is no doubt poetry flows as freely as a river from your pen. Some things are just meant to be. Thank you for making our world a better place and creating a blog we can escape to in our own days of needs! You are a treasure. Much Love and & Respect Lora.

Excellent : Powerful sentiments and emotions expressed with skill, heart, and care.
Colin Brown.

Excellent: Beautiful Poetry.
Teresa K: http://www.purpleride.blogspot.com/

Selected as one of Lt. Michael Morse's five most favourite blogs see http://www.rescuing-providence.blogspot.com/

Karen Brook Westhaver: You blog is poignant, exquisite and simply amazing, your web-site is utterly delightful! I have no words to describe the beauty of your poetry as to try to do so would seem to take away from it's incredibly creative and beautifully woven words reflecting the inestimable power of love and fully living life connected with all your senses and feelings. This takes much courage.
http://www.joyfortheday.blogspot.com/

Comments on latest poem: "How Still"
Your words are subtle, yet sublime, and lift the psyche to a peaceful place where my faith in the good of humanity is restored...You ought to publish and let the world enjoy too.
Ken

Extract from the poem - Dreams of Montazah - by Susie Hemingway

An Extract from - CAIRO - by Susie Hemingway

Oh, Cairo of the sepia light
empurple in the late of night,
the sparkling rays on marble stones
the quickest steps and gleaming domes.
The narrow streets and alleyways,
the different smells, the different ways.
The hookah pipes, the mint tea trays,
Oh! Cairo and your faded ways

The dark robed men
with beads and dice
delicious honey with special spice,
the bright and silky lengths of cloths
tahina, lentils in a pot.
Can you recall this magic place?
for I can see your handsome face.
Oh! Cairo of the sepia light... Cont.

Extract from - A Teardrop From Your Eye - by Susie Hemingway

I saw the teardrop from your eye
you turned your head, a little sign,
you feel your pain, but seldom say
" yes, it's been a difficult day"
the courage of this daily battle,
you're brave and steadfast, it's your way
never letting in the sadness that
begins at dawn and ends at sleep.
I saw that teardrop from your eye
it made me angry, it made me cry.

The changes you accept so well
must be for you, a living hell,
to not be steady on your legs
to feel so sick, you need your bed
you sit and drink the world right in
in quiet ways, you always sing,
you smile as if a secret brings
a gift of happiness within.
I saw the teardrop from your eye
it made me angry, it made me cry... Cont.

Susie Hemingway - A Power Within.

~ Poems of Love ~

06 May, 2010