This week we learnt that our friend and Hamada’s fellow warrior, travelling the same MM road has passed away. He was a lovely gentleman whom we had come to know during the trips to Lincoln County and more so during the recent rounds of Velcade Chemotherapy (both having the same regimes). This gentleman was the subject of my poem “The Man With The White Knitted Hat” which is shown below in a recent post. It has saddened as both very much and we send our heartfelt condolences to his dear wife. "God Speed Keith, your journey with MM was all too short"
Poems and Thoughts - written by me with love.
~ 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.
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.
A Power Within - Poems Of Love
"Our Story in Diary Form"
More At:
BBC Radio Interview.
For those of you that have contacted me to ask about hearing the BBC Interview. This can still be heard, with the reading at the end, of the Poem "I Write For You"
On http://www.susiehemingway.com/ under the: Categorie- Site News.
Just 'click on' Interview MP3 and an edited version is still available to hear.
On http://www.susiehemingway.com/ under the: Categorie- Site News.
Just 'click on' Interview MP3 and an edited version is still available to hear.
Hamada
An Evening at the Bluebell - Jan 2009
Messages for "A Power Within"
Sir Richard Branson: comments on 'You Elude Me'
Visitors: 26,050 @ Feb 2010
"Excellent work love all your poems keep up the good work nicely laid out websiteA big thanks to Richard for reading 'A Power Within' and leaving some encouragement - you can read ' You Elude Me' here
too. All the best. Richard and his team."
Visitors: 26,050 @ Feb 2010
Hospital Visits
Visiting at Lincoln County
"We Dance Again" - Alex 1986
Poem witten February 2008
Hamada @ "Hemingway"
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
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
Hamada and Susie
"Wearing his Crown"
Hamada and Susie
"A Love Affair"
Calm Are The Seas.
From Kenth Olsson
This poem"Calm Are The Seas" somehow speaks to me, but I can't explain how. This beautiful painting follows the text so well. It also speaks to me, calming my hurt and despair. I feel so much more hope now. Thank you so much Susie for your poems and to Hamada for your loving inspiration.
This poem"Calm Are The Seas" somehow speaks to me, but I can't explain how. This beautiful painting follows the text so well. It also speaks to me, calming my hurt and despair. I feel so much more hope now. Thank you so much Susie for your poems and to Hamada for your loving inspiration.
About Me
- Susie Hemingway
- Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
- I am so lucky to live in a beautiful village, nestling in the Lincolnshire Wolds with it's beautiful countryside and Only 210 inhabitants, one church and one Pub. From The Poem By Tennyson - native of this area: "Calm and deep peace on this high wold, and on the dews that drench the furze and all the silvery gossamers, that twinkle into green and gold". I also blog on: http://www.susiehemingway.com
Hamada and Susie
After Stem Cell Transplant -2007
Hamada - So who needs hair!
Hamada's Support Team
Support team for the Boss
Hamada
Hamada -Still Smiling
"Chemo takes it's toll- but still a smile"
Hamada and Son Jo
Jo visits.
Susie Hemingway-Moursi
+small.jpg)
Macmillan
Great site @ http://www.macmillan.org.uk
Our lovely daughter-in-law Sandrine and Manu
Sandrine and Manu
Hamada and Susie
1979
Lijit Search
Hamada - May 2008
Still Laughing
Hamada and Susie
Extract from the poem - Dreams of Montazah - by Susie Hemingway
He dreams of Montazah,
the palace within his mind,
as he is quietly resting,
I know he goes back in time.
The splendid 'Salam-lek' palace
built high on hills above
this turquoise studded jewel,
secluded bay, entwined with doves.
Amid the palms, stands clearly
this monument of love,
built from finest 'redbricks',
a blessing from above.
Smooth and graceful, standing proud,
with white 'najood's' and sea around
his feet would walk in verdant grounds,
in peaceful harmony, no sound...
the palace within his mind,
as he is quietly resting,
I know he goes back in time.
The splendid 'Salam-lek' palace
built high on hills above
this turquoise studded jewel,
secluded bay, entwined with doves.
Amid the palms, stands clearly
this monument of love,
built from finest 'redbricks',
a blessing from above.
Smooth and graceful, standing proud,
with white 'najood's' and sea around
his feet would walk in verdant grounds,
in peaceful harmony, no sound...
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.
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.
Lilies
Extract from 'Lilies' - 2007 - by Susie Hemngway
Do you remember long ago,
you found that magic place,
where lilies filled most every room
and beds were dressed in lace,
the men in polished uniforms
took bags and opened doors
and the crystal of the chandeliers
twinkled straight on marble floors...
you found that magic place,
where lilies filled most every room
and beds were dressed in lace,
the men in polished uniforms
took bags and opened doors
and the crystal of the chandeliers
twinkled straight on marble floors...
Niece Ellie,Grandson Manu, and Stuart
"At Hemingway" June 2009
Hamada and Susie 2006
Fun Times
Hamada Enjoying The Sun
LIVING WITH MYELOMA.
Son Jo.
Jo sings "Lean Towards Me" by Susie Hemingway see http://www.myspace.com/jomoursimusic
Oman
Extract from Oasis Town - by Susie Hemingway
It's splendid vista way up high,
the 'Jebel Hafeet' in clear blue sky,
my lover took me to this place
where snaking roads make hearts race,
this flowered bordered oasis town
set as the 'Rub Al Khali' surrounds.
The silver platters of fruity dates
were passed with hands of love not hate,
the dark fringed lashes on dark brown eyes
could melt a heart in candlelight,
the over-whelming scent of musk
made 'giddy feelings' turn to lust... Cont.
the 'Jebel Hafeet' in clear blue sky,
my lover took me to this place
where snaking roads make hearts race,
this flowered bordered oasis town
set as the 'Rub Al Khali' surrounds.
The silver platters of fruity dates
were passed with hands of love not hate,
the dark fringed lashes on dark brown eyes
could melt a heart in candlelight,
the over-whelming scent of musk
made 'giddy feelings' turn to lust... Cont.
WE MAY NOT KNOW
We may not know we have it
till we're well into the race,
Or feel we're nearly overwhelmed
by challenges we face-
But then we look much deeper
for the power to succeed.
And find we have an inner strength
that meets our greatest need..
till we're well into the race,
Or feel we're nearly overwhelmed
by challenges we face-
But then we look much deeper
for the power to succeed.
And find we have an inner strength
that meets our greatest need..
Hamada - Collecting 'Stem Cells'
Son Matt.
Extract from - Anything Can Happen - by Susie Hemingway
Take back all that's binding him
and let him free again
you would not miss him there,
but we will wither and fade
without him by our sides.,
his laughter, and his twinkling eyes
let him stay in this star studded world...
and let him free again
you would not miss him there,
but we will wither and fade
without him by our sides.,
his laughter, and his twinkling eyes
let him stay in this star studded world...
Sunset
Hamada and His Grandson Manu
A Special Bond
Extract From 'If I Could Dream You Well Again' by Susie Hemingway
In dreams I make you well again
in the quiet velvet of the night
you run with me in endless flight,
far away in thoughts of long ago
we run on beaches sailing to
deserted islands, strong were the arms
that pulled the boat ashore.,
In dreams I see you there once more...
in the quiet velvet of the night
you run with me in endless flight,
far away in thoughts of long ago
we run on beaches sailing to
deserted islands, strong were the arms
that pulled the boat ashore.,
In dreams I see you there once more...
Paris
Extract from Do You Remember Paris - By Susie Hemingway
Do you remember Paris
so many days ago,
we ran in the rain
me in the highest heels, and
you never letting go,
dodging busy bustling streets,
pass the Galerie of fine arts
wishing we could buy the shop,
do you remember Paris... Cont.
so many days ago,
we ran in the rain
me in the highest heels, and
you never letting go,
dodging busy bustling streets,
pass the Galerie of fine arts
wishing we could buy the shop,
do you remember Paris... Cont.
Hamada
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.
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.
www.myeloma.org (International Myeloma Foundation, IMF)
www.myeloma.org This is the American version of IMF UK containing up-to-date information about myeloma and its treatment, including information about the latest research.
Extract From - If You Should Leave Me - by Susie Hemingway
If you should leave me,
where would you go.
To that arab courtyard,
where once you held my hand.
The fountains flowed
the coolness of the shade
if you should leave me,
where would you go.
If you should leave me,
where would you go.
To empty beaches
where once we sat
on fine white sand,
under palms so tall.
If you should leave me
where would you go... Cont.
where would you go.
To that arab courtyard,
where once you held my hand.
The fountains flowed
the coolness of the shade
if you should leave me,
where would you go.
If you should leave me,
where would you go.
To empty beaches
where once we sat
on fine white sand,
under palms so tall.
If you should leave me
where would you go... Cont.
The Spiders Web
Extract From - The Spiders Web by Susie Hemingway
As the Spider's web draws you in
your eyes flicker, becoming dim.
I reach in terror to ease your pain,
but however I work, there is no gain,
the mist around your tired face
draws you gently to that place.
Don't enter the web that pulls you close,
stop spinning spider, leave your prey... Cont.
your eyes flicker, becoming dim.
I reach in terror to ease your pain,
but however I work, there is no gain,
the mist around your tired face
draws you gently to that place.
Don't enter the web that pulls you close,
stop spinning spider, leave your prey... Cont.
Najoods
Hamada at Nottingham
Extract From - Stay and Sleep - By Susie Hemingway
I can hear him sleeping
I can hear the storm
it's fierce ebony clouds
scudding, it's yellow flashes
spent itself against
my window pain.
Trees crashed, branches fell,
and my heart no longer knew it's way.
Still he slept, his
gentle breathing at odds with the
violence, that shook my soul.
Can you hear the storm?
is it inside your realm
is it beyond your pain
is it beyond mine... Cont.
I can hear the storm
it's fierce ebony clouds
scudding, it's yellow flashes
spent itself against
my window pain.
Trees crashed, branches fell,
and my heart no longer knew it's way.
Still he slept, his
gentle breathing at odds with the
violence, that shook my soul.
Can you hear the storm?
is it inside your realm
is it beyond your pain
is it beyond mine... Cont.
From My Window at "Hemingway"
Spring
The House Of Hope
April 2007
The House Of Hope
This beautiful Dove Cote was built for us by Ian, when we were both very down and sadden by all that was happening to Hamada. I gain my strength from seeing it everyday, through my window, in the changing seasons. Thanks Eee
Dove-Cote
House Of Hope In The Snow
April 2008
Dove-Cote
Spring @ Hemingway
Hamada 1979
A MOST USEFUL WEB-SITE.
A most useful Web-Site for Multiple Myloma Sufferers their families and friends - www.myloma.org.uk
4 comments:
Karen Westhaver We always feel a bit diminished when someone sharing our journey seems to have left the path. I pray this this gentleman in the "white knitted cap" is ""home", in that place where there is "no darkness and no turning" no pain and where God wipes away all tears. Courage, dear friends. What a lovely tribute, Susie. Your words are always elegant and heartfelt and paint such vivid pictures. Love to you and H. xxoo
It is indeed one of those things in this journey that is so hard. We meet the most wonderful people along a distressing journey that brighten our days only to lose them. As sad as it always makes me, I feel richer for having known them. Love, Lori
Thank you Karen for your good insight into how we both felt. I had to 'gather up' H a good deal over this loss, he still refuses to believe Keith has gone and he remains. Love to you x
Yes Lori, how right you are, all those lovely wonderful people, many met at the beginning of this journey that so enriched our lives far more than we ever realised at the time. Love to you x
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