THOUGHTS
For the Unfiltered Challenge
Was it Summer or Indian Summer?
Doesn't really matter.
The weather was steamy and hot.
As a small child,
the woman's demographics were unknown to me.
Thinking, my present age could have been her age back then.
Or, she could have been ten years older
Recalling the room was crowded with
nursing home residents, staff, and visitors.
Her relatives never came to see her.
Sadly, others at the manor were
ignored or forgotten by their families too.
That day, others heard her pleading for water.
Several times, she reitereated her request.
Until,
by myself, at age six or seven, fetched a glass of water.
Presenting her with a glass of water,
she reacted as if she had received a million dollars.
Her joyful enthusiasm and sparkling eyes were my rewards.
Of course,
it was only a small act of kindness.
Now, the thoughts live on
in my heart and mind.
About the Creator
Babs Iverson
Barbara J Iversen, also known as Babs Iverson, lives in Texas and loves her grandkids to the moon and back. After writing one story, she found that writing has many benefits especially during a pandemic and a Texas-size Arctic Blast.
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SACRED NEUTRALITY
To ensure continued impartiality in my professional duties as an Empowerment Coach, Advanced Spiritual Intuitive Empath, Human, Animal, and Environmental Rights Advocate, Author, Speaker, and Teacher, I am formally declaring that I have no intention of seeking or accepting any political candidacy in Oakville Ontario Canada or other Provinces within my wonderful Country of Canada. I appreciate the encouragement, but my work and commitment depends on remaining strictly neutral and non-partisan, so I will not be running for office. As a peaceful human, animal, and environmental rights advocate, specializing in empowerment and spiritual ascension services, my divine mission, path, dedication, and vision is dedicated to global peace. I believe in the role of good governance, transparency, accountability, fairness, reconciliation, and unconditional love, while seeking peaceful diplomatic resolutions, solutions, and reconciliatory measures. My core values and approach are based in my commitment to community service, rooted in the principles of ethical and moral justice, integrity, respect, non-violence and constructive peaceful dialogue. I believe progress is only sustainable when it is achieved without intimidation, silencing, bias, prejudice, or hate. As a non-partisan advocate, I prioritize safety and respect for all viewpoints. I do not support or engage with any movement that uses violence or hateful rhetoric to achieve its goals. In my work, I maintain a strict policy of civil discourse. I am dedicated to finding solutions through peaceful cooperation and reject any form of political influence or hostility. I am guided by a moral compass based in moral and ethical justice, fairness, and transparency. My commitment to non-violence is absolute. I stand with survivors of sexual violence and those that have endured forms of neglect, powerlessness, and deprivation due to the nature of abandonment, because every individual has an inherent right to bodily autonomy, and a life free from fear and intimidation. All sentient life holds worth, essence, and value, and should not be defined as “not deserving of existence,” “nothing,” “insignificant,” or “unessential.” All life deserves to exist in peace and respect. This is not a matter of politics; it is a matter of fundamental human respect. I express respect for government institutions and all political parties while maintaining a strict non-partisan status, which is focused on my sole commitment to democratic values, impartiality, and the public interest. I have a deep respect for our democratic institutions and the essential role that all political parties play in our society. I believe in the strength of our government and respect the democratic process, which is why I choose to work from an independent, non-aligned perspective. I believe that healthy debate between all parties is vital for our community on a local, national, and international level. To best facilitate that, I maintain a non-partisan stance to ensure I can work effectively with everyone. With love, I hold deep respect for the democratic process, as I believe in unity within the local, national, and international levels, which fosters unconditional love, acceptance, forgiveness, and global peace for all.
By ELISABETH BABARCI about 8 hours ago in Poets
Comments (26)
This is an incredible poem.
This is really sweet!
That's a good point made by DK- that this is both Small Kindness and also Unfiltered! It's amazing how all these years later, certain moments or actions stick with us:)
Life is so filled with those moments, just one kindness which makes a great impact on a life. Congrats.
Congratulations for your Honorable Mention 🎉🎉🥳
Thank you for sharing with us, one of many times you were kind to someone. It’s hard to hear that their family had forgotten them, but you were there to fill in where they should’ve been.
A simple act of kindness, truly goes a long way. Congratulations on your placement
So beautifully sad & heartwarming… one small action 💖
Lovely entry Babs, well done!
Children are so pure. Beautiful moment captured in your memory. It is a shame how we treat our elders in this country. Lovely piece, Babs 💕
I worked at a nursing home when I was still in my teens. I saw the guests that had no visitors after the estate was settled. I was at a place that had residents that were wealthier than many places. Then there were those family members who were there daily advocating for their family member. One thing most residents had in common was their love for children. Most would brighten at the sound of a child.Thank you for being that child!😊💕💗
Love how this bridges the Small Acts of kindness and the unfiltered challenges! Great work, Babs!
Such a beautiful memory. Also, so sad that such a simple task had to be left to a child. Well done, my friend.
Well-wrought, venerable Babsha! An insight into a beautiful soul.
reminds me of when I volunteered at a nursing home. Just talking to them was so much for them
So simple and so pure of heart. Beautiful
I'm so glad you got her some water. It broke my heart when everyone ignored her. Loved your poem!
Sometimes memories can be good teachers. Good story!
I'm kind of disgusted. I know it's supposed to be a positive thing you did but I'm kind of disgusted at her I visibility to everyone else.
What a beautiful, kind child--The only one in the room with a heart of gold. 💕
So beautifully written, majestic & angelic! God Bless you Babs!!
It’s sad when no visit anyone at the nursing home. That’s my I worked at one of my jobs at this company daycare. Every week before Covid , we take the toddlers to visit the grandmas and grandpas at the nursing homes. They would read books to the little ones and play with them. 🥰
This describes the nursing home environment better than most people may realize. If there's any place where small acts of kindness are needed and appreciated, it's there. A great read, and a great entry, Babs!
Aww, this made me tear up. What a difficult scene yet you made it bittersweet with a bit of hope by the end. Lovely :)
Like Gerard said. Beautiful. Beautiful important words, Babs! Well done!