Daily Dosage 0023

23rd November 2023

Quote of the day

‘In order to write about life first you must live it’ – Ernest Hemmingway

Today it’s day 23 of the 100 squat a day challenge for November. I’ve done 75 just another 25 to go!! I went to my PT this morning and despite having a sore back my PT still managed to do a workout for me which was great. I think like most things in life everything is scalable and adaptable we just need to look beyond the ‘normal’ rules of sport/work/learning and life in general. It’s like the walking netball I go to. I am really enjoying it, I used to play netball pre kids but now I think I would struggle so this is a great way of picking up something I used to do but slightly different. It also means I socialise with a group of people I probably wouldn’t have normally.

The other night after my Battle Cancer class my friend was giving me ideas of what to write for my blogs as I am finding it difficult especially on my tired days. The days when I have done some exercise, I often need a sleep during the day just to recharge those energy levels again for the kids, for meal times, for the evening, for writing. I think you get the idea. Anyway, she mentioned something about 10 years from now and looking in the mirror. So, I’ve written this poem.

10 years from now…..

Really look into the mirror who do you see

An older version of the woman you used to be

A few more wrinkles, the odd laughter line too

Ones that show all you have been through

Your eyes still the same with a slightly different glow

The pain they have seen only you know

You’re older, wiser and stronger they say

You fought your corner and paved your way

But ten years from now is a long time away

Make the most of being present in each and every day

Life’s ocean at times can feel rough

But the storms you ride are what make you tough

And once the storms have passed

There will be calm at last

And in 10 years from now

You will be ever so proud

Of the person that’s stood in the mirror

The one with an aura that glimmers

By Rachel Cummings 23/11/23 (how weird is todays date!)

Thanks for the inspo Gill x

Daily Dosage 0011

11th November 2023

We shall remember

For the Fallen

With proud thanksgiving , a mother for her children.

England mourns for her dead across the sea

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit

Fallen in the cause of the free

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal

Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres

There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears

They went with songs to the battle, they were young

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again

They sit no more at familiar tables of home

They have no lot in our labour of the day-time

They sleep beyond England’s foam

But where our desires are and our hopes profound

Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight

To the innermost heart of their own land they are know

As stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust

Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;

As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,

To the end, to the end, they remain.

by Laurence Binyon, 1869-1943

One day we will meet again…..

To the woman who doesn’t recognise her own face and body in the mirror. I will keep on looking for you.

To the man who doesn’t know where he can find the strength to carry on. I will pull you along with every bit of me.

To the mother who no longer sees herself as a carer. I will take care of you.

To the dad who feels like he can no longer keep his head above the sand. I will dig you out.

To the girl who has so much to say but can’t find the words. I will speak and write them for you.

To the boy who has lost his way in the forest. I will guide you through.

To the friend who no longer feels like laughing. I will put a smile on your face and we can laugh together.

To the person you once were. I will find you again but we will be better.

How do I know? Because I am YOU

Rachel Cummings 22nd July 23

Cancer – Days ending in why?

 You think you're doing great then it creeps up behind
Worries and thoughts you've kept deep in your mind 

Thoughts you can't share to those that care
For those are the ones whom you should protect, not scare

Such a voice of worry and upset in your head
But to everyone else it's done and dead

You were the one that fought this and won
Carry on with your life now as that chapters done
 
But do they know there's not a day goes by 
Where you don't question a thought to what if and why?
 
Every niggle and pain plants a doubt in your brain
For every success story you hear there's always one in vain
 
Happy times and sad times you just never know
When the tsunami of emotions is going to show
 
It's not being negative or wallowing in self pity
It's the aftermath of this disease and yes it's shitty 
 
But you can't let it win or take control of your mind
You need to accept it's there and try to be kind
 
Acknowledge where you are now and what you've become
The love that it's brought, challenges overcome
 
For every negative it's brought there's a positive close by
It's what we need to hold onto for those days which end in what if and why?
 
R Cummings 16th November 2019
 

The battle – a lesson in life

 

 

The battle – a lesson in life

 

You chose to appear in my life, why I’ll never know

Blissfully unaware you continued to grow

A disease so cruel there once was no cure

How you got there, I’ll never be sure

You turned my world upside down, brought a whirlwind of pain

Yet of all the heartache and tears so much I have gained

You taught me unconditional love of family and friends

Who’d stand by my side until the bitter end

You taught me to fight for what was already mine

The ultimate battle, the prize more time

I shed my last tear brought on by your fear

We continued to fight for over a year

I wear you scars with pride, no reason to hide

Yet these just scratch the surface, of the ones deep inside

Sometimes I got lost and searched deep to find

A strength inside me to keep a positive mind

My choices were my power with medicine too

A deadly combination my strength grew and grew

I persisted and prayed

Your poison I slayed

And through sheer grit and strength

You crumbled at my defence

In just over a year

You’re no longer here

 

Those words I’d long to hear,

“I’ve been given the all clear”

It’s a true miracle for sure

To be given a cure

 

One I’ll hold dear

For those no longer here

See that ultimate prize

Has opened my eyes

To the beauty in life

Even in modern day strife

I can feel the air in my lungs and the breeze on my face

Cherish those moments of laughter and every embrace

For my prize is invaluable no money can buy

And we can all gain a little if only we try

I’ll continue my message and to be grateful for each day

As you just never know when it could be taken away

         

R Cummings

  24th September 2018

A cancer survivor

Get through today

Sometimes we just have to teach ourselves to look at things differently

It’s the morning you say

A brand new day

Stretch your arms open wide 

And breathe deep inside

For a minute your free 

And your eyes they can see

A mind that is clear 

Of worries and fears

Of if only it would stay

Forever in each day

How free I would be 

And be the happier me

To see the true beauty of what I’m surround

to rediscover true loves once had I found

But todays not the day

It’s not here to stay

But there’s always tomorrow 

That’s a day without sorrow

So get through today and be the best that I can

For tomorrow might just bring a whole new plan

R Cummings 24th Feb 2017

The cats out the bag

The cats out the bag

The tongues may wag

But the ones who care

Are already there

No longer ashamed or reason to hide

Head held high to beat this with pride

Of what I’ve read and heard

At times yes I’m scared

But thoughts and fears

Lead to worries and tears

Oh but it’s alright to cry every once in a while

And when you’ve let it all out wipe those tears with a smile

See a smile is infectious to all that you see

And a smile received back makes a happier me

Positivity and well-being shine through my soul

Nothing stands in the way of achieving my goal

And with the help and support from people I greet

This cancer I will conquer and once for all defeat

R Cummings 5th January 2017