G'day, and welcome to my blog site. My name is Ivor Steven, I live in Geelong, Australia. I'm an ex-industrial chemist, and a retired plumber, and a former Carer of my wife(Carole), for 30 years, who suffered from severe MS. I Write poetry about those personal thoughts, throughout and beyond my life as a Carer.
I've been blogging for over 2 years, and writing poems for 19 years. Of course a lot of my poems are about my favourite subject Carole, but since I've been blogging my writings have become quite varied, humourous, mystical, observational, and even a few monster/horror poems.
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71 thoughts on “Grandma’s Hands”
This is true Ivor..we survived then…we will survive now
I believe we have a chance to rewire our modern world of distraction, complacency and indifference. Tragedy inspires the greatest from humans, let us be among them.
Derrick, I thought I knew everything about my mother, but then she died and I realised I wanted to ask so much more. You know lots about your family, probably more than I did about mine, but please keep asking. There’s still much more . Mum was born 1921.
Yes Carolyn It’s a lovely old photo, my grandma’s holding a little Pomeranian, and Ironically , for Carole and me, our first little dog was a little Pomeranian…. …and my dad is they cuddling mum… π§‘π§‘π§‘
Somehow the people during that time were a different kind. They were the people who built the modern Australia the values of help and support continued. As I grew up in Australia these values were strong. A different breed or people type are with us now of uncaring, greedy, selfish who only think of themselves. Something has got to give or change.
I have thought of my grandparents quite often these last couple of days. They survived the depression and world war II. They often talked about those times and their habits of saving and taking care of things were a product of what they had gone through. My daughter, their great granddaughter, mentioned them yesterday as we were talking about empty grocery shelves. She said she now understood them so much better. I believe we will get through this and be stronger and more compassionate because of the difficulty.
I’m truly hoping that people start remembering about their grandparents, trials and tribulations…. and draw on the spirit of their glorious souls, for the inner strength that we all need……
Thank you Elizabeth for gorgeous story about your daughter and granddaughter…. I’m typing here with tears of joy streaming down my cheeks…. ()h heck… another wet keyboard).
ππ
You are welcome Ivor. π And thank you for bringing our grandparents to life with your words. My parents died young, so my grandparents are especially dear to me. I love knowing that there are others that feel the same about this wonderful generation of people. π
Reblogged this on say no to clowns and commented:
I love this. What so many of us have been thinking, no doubt, in these baffling times. The older people in my life, truly inspire me on a daily basis. So much good can come out of this! Plus, the song is just awesome. Thanks Ivor.
I like this, a lot.
People today are a different breed from those who put up with so much during and after WW2. The U.K. endured 14 years of rationing, 1 egg per family per week! This lot are going to need to dig very deep to find the long lost spirit of sharing and caring! π
Not really, but I’m not going out much… my poetry groups have closed… the library is shut down… maybe a walk to my Moorabool Valley cafe… or a drive down to the Box Office Cafe
Ok Sue, I’m just out of bed, and I had do an article for ‘Go Dog Go Cafe’ this morning… anyhow that’s done now…. I’ll post it on my site later… I do adore your ‘Owl and Mouse’ tales xxx
Just fine! Missouri’s starting to get more strict. We’re some of the last people to get it, if you believe the reported numbers, which… yeah. Anyway, working from home.
Considering the state of things, I’m really much happier than I’m supposed to be. You?
Lots of restrictions here in Australia, but I’m reasonably comfortable…..at the moment Geelong has only 3 reported cases….. stay safe… stay welll…..xxx
Yes… I’ve already had people offer to do some shopping for me, and ring-up to check on me, knowing that I live on my own, and that I don’t like driving much these days….. it’s very heart warming…
I hope more people will step up and do good works during this time instead of wallowing in self-pity and being selfish. Many here in the USA are not heeding the mandates for social distancing. I am hoping these struggles can lead more people towards being more compassionate like you’ve described in your poem. Your mum and grandma seem like they were such lovely, kind women!
My grandma brought up 10 kids during those tough times….. they all knew about compassion….
with love from the heart….. not fake love from the purse-strings……. πππ
I fear that is what has happened to the most recent generations. Love is not money or things…one of the more unfortunate byproducts of the consumer culture we have now. I’m sure they would never have hoarded toilet paper!
This is true Ivor..we survived then…we will survive now
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Yes we will, but I’m disillusioned by some of the people’s lack of compassion for their fellow man…
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Those, were, the better times, when people may not have had a lot of money, but, they make up with heart…
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They learnt life through their hearts, not via digital media……. π§‘π
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Yes, they were strong survivors, who helped each other and we will be too
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I believe we have a chance to rewire our modern world of distraction, complacency and indifference. Tragedy inspires the greatest from humans, let us be among them.
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Thank you for your kind and insightful comments. I’m hoping that your words may be the correct scenario. ππ
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Me too.
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They were really great people.
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My Mum was born in 1922. She is still with us.
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She’s an amazing lady Derrick, and her life’s experiences, is huge volume of many tales
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Derrick, I thought I knew everything about my mother, but then she died and I realised I wanted to ask so much more. You know lots about your family, probably more than I did about mine, but please keep asking. There’s still much more . Mum was born 1921.
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Yes Sue, we can learn so much from the history of our parents
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Thanks a lot, Sue
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Every time you post a photo of your Mum it brings me joy!
I miss my mum.
(((HUGS)))
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Thanks a lot, Carolyn.
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Yes Carolyn It’s a lovely old photo, my grandma’s holding a little Pomeranian, and Ironically , for Carole and me, our first little dog was a little Pomeranian…. …and my dad is they cuddling mum… π§‘π§‘π§‘
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Poms are so sweet! π
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Our little girl (Ming) was loving and loyal…… when Carole first became sick…. she wouldn’t leave her in bed, and stayed with her all night…. xxx
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Aw. That brings joy-tears to my eyes! Coop is the same…always with me.
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They know and feel our heartaches…. xx
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Somehow the people during that time were a different kind. They were the people who built the modern Australia the values of help and support continued. As I grew up in Australia these values were strong. A different breed or people type are with us now of uncaring, greedy, selfish who only think of themselves. Something has got to give or change.
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Yes Nanette I agree, hopefully my mum and grandma are happy with me….ππ
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I have thought of my grandparents quite often these last couple of days. They survived the depression and world war II. They often talked about those times and their habits of saving and taking care of things were a product of what they had gone through. My daughter, their great granddaughter, mentioned them yesterday as we were talking about empty grocery shelves. She said she now understood them so much better. I believe we will get through this and be stronger and more compassionate because of the difficulty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m truly hoping that people start remembering about their grandparents, trials and tribulations…. and draw on the spirit of their glorious souls, for the inner strength that we all need……
Thank you Elizabeth for gorgeous story about your daughter and granddaughter…. I’m typing here with tears of joy streaming down my cheeks…. ()h heck… another wet keyboard).
ππ
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You are welcome Ivor. π And thank you for bringing our grandparents to life with your words. My parents died young, so my grandparents are especially dear to me. I love knowing that there are others that feel the same about this wonderful generation of people. π
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Thank you Elizabeth, your comments are heart warming ππ
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It feels a bit like war – there will be losses, there will be anger, and there will be fallout not measurable from this viewpoint.
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And like the great Wars, there will be no quick resolution……xx
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I think you are right.
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Yes!
I hope more people will think of the past and be inspired by it!
Thank you for posting this, Ivor π
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We need to be inspired by what we know and remember, and not worry about the fear of what we don’t know……..
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And the song is awesome! π
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Meg Mac is a great young Australian singer/songwriter….xx
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What a voice!
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Yes !!…..here’s her song called ‘Hope” …so very poignant at the moment…
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Thank you for sharing her music. I needed it today too! β€
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Reblogged this on say no to clowns and commented:
I love this. What so many of us have been thinking, no doubt, in these baffling times. The older people in my life, truly inspire me on a daily basis. So much good can come out of this! Plus, the song is just awesome. Thanks Ivor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can always learn from those who have gone before us. I only hope the future will be able to say that about today’s generations.
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I like this, a lot.
People today are a different breed from those who put up with so much during and after WW2. The U.K. endured 14 years of rationing, 1 egg per family per week! This lot are going to need to dig very deep to find the long lost spirit of sharing and caring! π
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Nicely said Sue, and hopefully they might respond….xxx
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PS. Just so you know, Ivor I was referring to those who are emptying supermarket shelves.
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Yes Sue I understood….. we do have lots of wonderful people within our communities
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Phew, I’m glad you understood. So many lovely kind people fill our world, hopefully those who lapsed will regret their actions.
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I’ve already had people to help me with my shopping… and ringing up to make sure I’m ok
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Oh, that is so kind. π
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They know I live by myself, and that I don’t like driving these days… ππ
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Are you self-isolating yet?
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Not really, but I’m not going out much… my poetry groups have closed… the library is shut down… maybe a walk to my Moorabool Valley cafe… or a drive down to the Box Office Cafe
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Check my blog. Although Owl and Mouse it ends with the UKβs latest move.
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Ok Sue, I’m just out of bed, and I had do an article for ‘Go Dog Go Cafe’ this morning… anyhow that’s done now…. I’ll post it on my site later… I do adore your ‘Owl and Mouse’ tales xxx
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Beautiful and relevant
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Thank you Sarah, how are you keeping….
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Just fine! Missouri’s starting to get more strict. We’re some of the last people to get it, if you believe the reported numbers, which… yeah. Anyway, working from home.
Considering the state of things, I’m really much happier than I’m supposed to be. You?
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Lots of restrictions here in Australia, but I’m reasonably comfortable…..at the moment Geelong has only 3 reported cases….. stay safe… stay welll…..xxx
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You too, kind Ivor. Keep us posted!
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Wonderful, timely poem, Ivor!
They were wonderful women I am sure!
And it’s good to see the people today helping each other and caring!
(((HUGS)))
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Yes… I’ve already had people offer to do some shopping for me, and ring-up to check on me, knowing that I live on my own, and that I don’t like driving much these days….. it’s very heart warming…
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OH, I am so so so glad to hear this!
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Reblogged this on Fresh Hell and commented:
Another good one from Ivor.
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Thank you dear Sarah, I’m thrilled to have my poem reblogged on your fabulous site πππ
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Thanks for classing up the place! π
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I can see the universe in a blade of grass
But I’m far less than nurse’s class
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β€οΈβ€οΈ
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I hope more people will step up and do good works during this time instead of wallowing in self-pity and being selfish. Many here in the USA are not heeding the mandates for social distancing. I am hoping these struggles can lead more people towards being more compassionate like you’ve described in your poem. Your mum and grandma seem like they were such lovely, kind women!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My grandma brought up 10 kids during those tough times….. they all knew about compassion….
with love from the heart….. not fake love from the purse-strings……. πππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I fear that is what has happened to the most recent generations. Love is not money or things…one of the more unfortunate byproducts of the consumer culture we have now. I’m sure they would never have hoarded toilet paper!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They would not have had money to hoard things…
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True…there something to thatβs saying how money is the root of all evil….
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