as mother and doctor

 setting things right, for me

means setting up as much as i can

to be nurturing for my family

friends and patients

i cannot protect them from all harm

i cannot heal them from disease

i can only give them what i am able

for their inner strength and insight

and for their environment to be

in their favor for health and growth

and for the caring ones around them

to know them – warts and all – as

persons to cherish, support and love

trials

i disagree with the plea to

“save us from the times of trial”

because it is through trial

that we grow and earn depth

trials will happen

the sooner we accept that as a fact of life

the less we lose of time and effort

to “why me?”

i pray instead that our lord

please stay with us

to strengthen us through them

empty nest echoes

atop of utility pole is the empty osprey

nest of rugged, twisted branches

my offspring, too, have flown on to their own lives

but i have kept my home so filled

with the echoes of their laughter, questions and insights

a place of growth and deepening understanding

love and acceptance

                                    mjNordgren  9/28/2022  N