Promises Bequeathed
His Confessional Memoir26 total reviews
Comment from lyenochka
This is so beautifully written, John!! I loved imagining you gifting your poetry to your mom and that connection you had when you were so young. I also loved the profound recollection of her words and translating that into a peaceful way of resting in God's grace in the corner of one's mind instead of the almost threatening sense of what we do today will be our forever.
My favorite lines were:
"and answers unbidden remain on the table,
face-up in fanned symmetry."
and
" I know these words scored
are placed with the grace of God's hand, blanketing mine."
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
This is so beautifully written, John!! I loved imagining you gifting your poetry to your mom and that connection you had when you were so young. I also loved the profound recollection of her words and translating that into a peaceful way of resting in God's grace in the corner of one's mind instead of the almost threatening sense of what we do today will be our forever.
My favorite lines were:
"and answers unbidden remain on the table,
face-up in fanned symmetry."
and
" I know these words scored
are placed with the grace of God's hand, blanketing mine."
Comment Written 27-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
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Helen, thank you for the wonderful review. It means much to me that you've read and enjoyed it. You are appreciated and your kind words cherished.
Comment from royowen
Such a lovely thing John, a very precious poem, not of only reconciliation, but that secret place that manifests itself in the soul of the writer, that truth and grace becomes the irresistible message of the heart. This is a great post John, well done, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
Such a lovely thing John, a very precious poem, not of only reconciliation, but that secret place that manifests itself in the soul of the writer, that truth and grace becomes the irresistible message of the heart. This is a great post John, well done, blessings Roy
Comment Written 27-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Roy for the great review and beautiful words. I'm touched and honored.
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Most welcome
Comment from Theodore McDowell
A truly touching post. Authentic and poignant. Every word drips with emotion--love and gratitude for your mother. This is my favorite post you have penned. Well done.
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
A truly touching post. Authentic and poignant. Every word drips with emotion--love and gratitude for your mother. This is my favorite post you have penned. Well done.
Comment Written 27-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Tim. I'm honored to hear you say that. I also want to thank you for the six stars.
Comment from karenina
I am so pleased to have this six left to offer you, John. How appropriate that your mother tucked this in her Bible, for the words were and remain blessings!
Not embarrassed to say there are tears in my eyes.
"I revisit the unspoken promises bequeathed to a mother by her son..."
I know, as a mom, that I would have cherished this.
Karenina
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
I am so pleased to have this six left to offer you, John. How appropriate that your mother tucked this in her Bible, for the words were and remain blessings!
Not embarrassed to say there are tears in my eyes.
"I revisit the unspoken promises bequeathed to a mother by her son..."
I know, as a mom, that I would have cherished this.
Karenina
Comment Written 26-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Karenina, for the wonderful review and for the six stars. I'm not sure what my mom's reaction was, but your words as a mom have validated my hopes as we never spoke of this letter again. Thank you for that, my friend. I'm honored.
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A wonderful gift to your mom, whether she told you so or not... I'm sure!
Comment from Jay Squires
You've written a beautiful and courageous testimony, John. I wish I could reward it in the way it deserves. But it is too late in the week for me. But please accept all the love and respect that is squeezing out from under this five.
Jay
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
You've written a beautiful and courageous testimony, John. I wish I could reward it in the way it deserves. But it is too late in the week for me. But please accept all the love and respect that is squeezing out from under this five.
Jay
Comment Written 26-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Jay, for a great review and touching words. Thank you also for the honorable mention of the six stars, my good friend. Your reviews are cherished.
Comment from Wendy G
Your words must have been very meaningful to your mother for her to keep them in her most special book. Your love for her is evident throughout as you continue to converse through your poem. The forgiveness and healing you experienced within your family is indeed what heals the pain of broken relationships - so good that you were all reconciled. Thoughtful and meaningful words, very thought-provoking, and this was combined with some beautiful imagery (these "words placed with the grace of God's hand, blanketing mine", among many others)
Wendy
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
Your words must have been very meaningful to your mother for her to keep them in her most special book. Your love for her is evident throughout as you continue to converse through your poem. The forgiveness and healing you experienced within your family is indeed what heals the pain of broken relationships - so good that you were all reconciled. Thoughtful and meaningful words, very thought-provoking, and this was combined with some beautiful imagery (these "words placed with the grace of God's hand, blanketing mine", among many others)
Wendy
Comment Written 26-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Wendy, for the great review and all the kind words you've written here. It means much.
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Oh yes, John, if we could turn back time to those happier
times. You did a great job with your letter to your mom. I
believe she heard/read it. I liked how you started with the
mother/son relationship. Then, it got lost along the way as
you aged. Thanks for the informative notes. I'm thrilled your
sisters reconciled before your mom passed. I loved the part
about your mom keeping that in her Bible--of course it meant
so much to her. Your reply shows wisdom gained as you grew up
which was great. To be able to look back on events etc. and see
them in a different light. I liked the use of a corner of your mind.
Thanks for sharing, Jan
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2022
Oh yes, John, if we could turn back time to those happier
times. You did a great job with your letter to your mom. I
believe she heard/read it. I liked how you started with the
mother/son relationship. Then, it got lost along the way as
you aged. Thanks for the informative notes. I'm thrilled your
sisters reconciled before your mom passed. I loved the part
about your mom keeping that in her Bible--of course it meant
so much to her. Your reply shows wisdom gained as you grew up
which was great. To be able to look back on events etc. and see
them in a different light. I liked the use of a corner of your mind.
Thanks for sharing, Jan
Comment Written 26-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Jan, for the great review and comments. it's nice to read. I'm happy you enjoyed it.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
This is a beautiful poem John. I had goose bumps reading your emotional words. I could say about the well used alliteration, the way you've used your words, it comes down to letting your heart flow with your pen. I am sorry I haven't a six left. Thanks for sharing this one.
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2022
This is a beautiful poem John. I had goose bumps reading your emotional words. I could say about the well used alliteration, the way you've used your words, it comes down to letting your heart flow with your pen. I am sorry I haven't a six left. Thanks for sharing this one.
Comment Written 26-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Pearl, for a great review and the honorable mention of the six stars.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
John, family dynamics can be difficult; sometimes, it takes time to heal old wounds. Your letter to mom is truly heart-wrenching. Your mom is a wise woman in giving you life advice.
Beautifully written.
Best wishes,
Mary
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2022
John, family dynamics can be difficult; sometimes, it takes time to heal old wounds. Your letter to mom is truly heart-wrenching. Your mom is a wise woman in giving you life advice.
Beautifully written.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment Written 26-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Mary for the great review and the kind words.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for this heart wrenching poem. Yes, not everything is perfect with families, but usually time heals. I know your mom knew how you felt. I enjoyed reading.
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2022
Thank you for this heart wrenching poem. Yes, not everything is perfect with families, but usually time heals. I know your mom knew how you felt. I enjoyed reading.
Comment Written 26-Oct-2022
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Barbara, for the great review. I'm happy you enjoyed it!