Getting Past Don and That Chapter of My Life

Howie writes Carole 04 Feb 2003 07:40:55 -0500

 

Last night after shutting down my computer I continued to see an image of you sitting with the certificate in your hand drifting.  I wondered if maybe you were seeking Don to say goodbye.  But mostly, I was sorry not to be there just to hold you while you drifted.  I continue to be amazed at the way you have overcome so many challenges in your life.  I hope today is a very good day for you. - Howie

 

Carole wrote Howie:  You inspire me:

 

           The Next Chapter 

 

 

A piece of paper says it all

In one hand now I hold the past

And when I file the chapter closed

My spirit will be free at last

 

Now the time has finally come

To know the lessons that were learned

Were worth the price I had to pay

Instead of lost through bridges burned

 

Life keeps unfolding, page by page

With twists and turns throughout its plot

A never-ending story line

Of memories and things forgot

 

No sense re-reading chapters closed

Or pondering on what seemed strange

When reading it a million times

Cannot the final outcome change

 

The future's pages still are blank

And yet await the author's hand

So on the saga will ensue

Until the earth time here is spanned

 

I have the chance to change its course

And write it as I'd have it be

My dear, sweet friend, I'd like to ask

If you would write this book with me?

 

Carole Ann Stairs 2/4/03

 

Dear Howie,  I woke up crying and can't seem to stop.  I think it is a good thing.  A letting go.  Your words touched me deeply and I feel you holding me now as I toss about on this sea of emotion.  Even at a distance I feel that you are here for me.  Your analogy to a book was perfect.

 

Your friends sound like people I would like to know better.  My mother sent the following this morning and I thought you might enjoy some of these although most have been around a long time.

 

21 Wise Sayings

 

1. The best way to get even is to forget...

2. Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.

3. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts...

4. Some folks wear their halos much too tight...

5. Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth...

6. Unless you can create the WHOLE universe in 5 days, then perhaps giving "advice" to God, isn't such a good idea.

7. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up...

8. Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. The traffic from both ways will knock you down.

9. Words are windows to the heart.

10. A skeptic is a person who when he sees the handwriting on the wall, claims it's a forgery.

11. It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill, just add a little dirt.

12. A successful marriage isn't finding the right person-it's being the right person.

13. The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground.

14. Too many people offer God prayers with claw marks all over them.

15. The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it.

16. To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you.

17. You have to wonder about humans, they think God is dead and Elvis is alive.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck... 

20. If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.

21. And last but not least -- God gave the angels Wings, and He gave humans CHOCOLATE!!!!!

 

I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views.  If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story.  The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any interest in who I really am please start at the beginning of this playlist: http://savethecats.org/

 

I know there will be people who take things out of c