Once again, I coped with the blows of life, the inability to make my dreams happen.
It was 1984, not the novel but the year, but just as gloomy as the book. The gray sea expressed how I felt inwardly. As I watched the sun set over Santa Monica Bay, a storm’s fury filled me with a terror and petrified me with its roar.
I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. When I opened them and looked out over the sea, I knew I had to face my own rage at the subtle discrimination, at the words that patronized and tricked me. I had to rise, conquer, and stand tall through this misery.
I had to face adversity not only in the world around me, but in my heart and soul. I reached deep within myself and remained proud of who I was and what I had accomplished. Cruel condescension would not get the best of me. Holding up my shield of bravery, I became a warrior within myself once again. I refused to react negatively to the so-called experts’ callus indifference. From its sheath, I pulled my voice like a sword. Wrapped in my dignity and pride, I held my head up against their spiteful messages.
At that moment, the sea stilled, and its vicious roar became a meek breath.
Today, this warrior spirit continues to reinforce my strength and open my eyes to new wisdom for how to deal with my life and this world.
My body continues to grow stronger, and I eat foods I was once allergic to and that help my body heal.
Let me mention a book that has helped me, Smart Blood Sugar, by Dr. Marlene Merritt. Just because you have diabetes in your family does not mean you have to get it too!
If I can do it, you can do it, too!
Want some smart advice about how to beat diabetes, even if it runs rampant in your family? Check out the book that brought my diabetes under control!
And on to our poem:
Original text ©2024 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved. Image by
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