Strength for the Journey

There is a road meant for you to travel.

Narrow and steep is the shepherd’s way,

and as you say, "Yes", letting me guide you,

I will be strength for the journey.

There is a cross meant for you to carry.

There is a cross meant for you alone,

and as you bow down in humble surrender,

I will be strength for the journey.

© 1988, Michael John Poirier

A Good Hair Day

Dear PVT Ryan,

Today I had an appointment with Krystle (aka Hair Genius Extraordinaire), which is always a happy day for me; I LOVE bleach, double processing, foils, and laughing with the quick-witted Krystle. Today was a MOST happy day ... for tucked in my purse, within the small "brag book" I purchased at Michael's for $1.00 were your Army pictures. Not only did I show your pictures to Krystle (who thought you were way cute), I traipsed across the studio, foils and bleach in my hair, and showed your pictures to EVERYONE in the studio. They were all ever so polite and made lovely comments about you. I want to thank you for this. Thank you for making me PROUD. Thank you for giving me this gift. It was well worth the wait.

A Greatful Heart

Dear PVT Ryan,

I love this picture of you. You were 19 months old. I wish I remembered what had you so surprised, but it was a busy time with having you and a newborn...

My heart is ever so grateful today. Last night was a bad night for neighbors dealing with their drug-addicted child. I am so proud of you for winning your battle. You beat great odds and have grown into a wonderful young man. It occurred to me that your recovery was much like childbirth for me. It seemed to last forever and so often I just wanted to give up...begging and pleading with God, let's make a deal...and suddenly, it was over...just that simply. Not a winding down. An END.

In spite of the six year battle, We Were Family. There was always so much love. And here we are, all still together, still family. We are fiercely LOYAL.

I have decided to rewrite Our Story...for I have learned all I needed to learn from the pain. I am grateful to God for giving me such a child who sanded off layers and layers of preconceived notions of what life was all about...a child who taught me to be essential...a child who reduced me to LOVE. I am on a journey now to document All The Love that you have brought into my life. I no longer need to remember the pain. I remember you. I remember the weight of your body on my chest, my new born baby boy. I remember your first words, steps, every single school year, every concert, every ball game, Christmas, Easter and Halloween.

I remember you and I remember love.