I don’t usually post two poems so close together but the day after my last poem “Dog Fears”, Jack and I went out together for a walk, just the two of us, for the first time in three years. It has taken that period of time since diagnosis to accept I need a mobility scooter and then a further period towards having the courage to use it on my own. I feel the two poems are very much connected. After all, “Dog Fears” was about not only Jack’s fears, but my own too.
We Did It Jack!
Just me and you,
we bit the bullet and barged straight through
that cloud of fear that leaves us fraught
sometimes for good reason, others for naught.
I could hardly believe it, my spirits were high,
emotions soaring became part of the sky,
bumped into birds all busy in flight
but they trilled and shrilled in utter delight
at this precious success, or was it just me
wrapped tight in a flight of fantasy.
You stood so well my lovely boy,
kept looking up at me, saw my joy
which then became yours as you walked with pride
heads high, the two of us side by side.
I knew we could do it Jack, just you and me,
together out walking how it used to be.
I just needed a little courage that’s all
and when I saw you there standing so tall
I’ve never let go of fear so fast;
we did it Jack, we did it at last!
journeyintopoetry 
Jul 05, 2014 @ 09:48:58
Such joy! 🙂 xx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 13:38:54
Thank you Deborah! How lovely of you to comment; I will never forget the moment Jack and I stepped out together 😊
Jul 05, 2014 @ 09:52:32
Nice to have a walk with the dog 🙂 L&H xx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 13:39:43
It was wonderful Ina, I felt rree 😊 L&H xx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 11:44:52
Yay! Joy fills my heart when I read this! You and Jack are awesome! 🙂 xx
Oh and before I forget to mention it – I’m not on Facebook anymore. That creepy mood study was the straw that broke the camel’s back and I had to go. I’m also not on Twitter anymore.
Jul 05, 2014 @ 13:43:41
Thank you so much Jackie! It was a special moment 😊
Thanks for letting me know about facebook; I will miss you on there but will no doubt catch up with you on your blog. Ive never understood Twitter so never been there! I thought you were partly running a business via Facebook, thats a shame for you. Xx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 14:13:16
Not a shame at all! No doubt Facebook would love for me to think I must use them to do business but the fact remains that I get better response from the small ad I have on my blog and the business cards I pass out off the internet. 😉 xx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 14:40:52
Oh well that’s good that youre doing so well with the ad on your blog. You can put Facebook well and teuly in its place. 😊 xx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 14:12:48
Almost in tears, happy ones, reading this, Christine. What a triumph! I am reminded of the famous poem by Ben Johnson (17th century) which has in it not only your own, but the spirit of Jack…..especially in the first stanza:
THE TRIUMPH
See the chariot at hand here of Love,
Wherein my lady rideth!
Each that draws is a swan or a dove,
And well the car Love guideth.
As she goes all hearts do duty
Unto her beauty!
And enamour’d do wish, so they might
But enjoy such a sight
That they still were to run by her side,
Through swords, through seas, wither she would ride………..
Jul 05, 2014 @ 16:35:13
Thank you Cynthia, this is the poem that arose from our short trip out. Id never heard of the poem you quoted; it’s great and Ive looked the rsst of it up too. A poem I need to study a bit more though, when I have a quiet momeent or two. We have “hundreds” of grandchildren here for a few days!! But I did notice in the second stanza her face looks smoother; I hope that happens to me too! 😊. Im pleased I gave you happy tears. I had them too while I was out!
Jul 06, 2014 @ 13:10:31
May you and Jack continue to ride,
You in your chariot, he by your side….
Jul 06, 2014 @ 13:52:20
Thinking of it as a chariot (together with your rhyme Cynthia) will now give me an immediate smile when I go out! 😊😃
Jul 05, 2014 @ 14:28:30
What a team Christine! Jack must have enjoyed himself at your side. Well done!
Jul 05, 2014 @ 16:36:26
Thank you very much Lea! Jack certainly did enjoy it, and of dourse he got a couple of biscuits too! xxx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 18:08:33
For a job well done no doubt! 🙂 xxx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 19:28:11
Oh absolutely! 😊 xxx
Jul 06, 2014 @ 07:22:24
🙂 xxx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 16:04:54
This is silly, but I almost got teary-eyed, Chris! Your poem is wonderful and I can feel your joy through each line! I suppose because I’m a dog lover and know how much they love their “humans” and then to hear about him walking with you, it’s just so heartwarming. I’m happy for you, my friend, for taking this huge step and so glad it went smoothly. Big hugs! ♥
Jul 05, 2014 @ 16:39:24
Thanks so much Lauren! I knew you would totally understand the emotion in this. I felt very emotional as we were walking, it was such a feeling of freedom and independence that I felt I had lost. Onwards ans upwards I think! 😊❤️ Xx
Jul 05, 2014 @ 16:10:51
Yay you and Jack! Made me cry–but it’s the good kind of cry. Christine, Jack is so handsome and your scooter is tres chic.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
Jul 05, 2014 @ 16:45:25
Thank you very much Wendy! I shed a few joyful tears myself on the walk. Jack is a really lovely natured dog and Im sure he senses he needs to be careful; animaals certainly pick up on our feelings and needs I think. And the scooter is such an easy one to operate and the perfect size for me. It even came with a blue trim as well in case I fancy a change of colour!
Love and blessings x
Jul 05, 2014 @ 21:06:58
Good on you Christine, this poem made me smile and I was so happy for you, a small win for some. But I know this would have taken great courage and hopefully there will be no stopping you now. I love that your gorgeous dog can help you see what you need. Blessings and have a wonderful day.
Jul 06, 2014 @ 13:44:40
Thank you very much Kath! It was a very special outing indeed and yes Ive finally opened a door I was so frightened to go through. “Freedom” simply doesnt describe it! As the saying goes “I felt a million dollars”!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 20:27:43
So happy for you Christine. My freedom comes when my anxious little boy makes a huge step and we go somewhere he would not normally go, so I understand in a slightly different way. xxx
Jul 06, 2014 @ 06:31:59
What a wonderful poem, Christine. I also had a few happy tears for you and Jack and could see you both proudly out and about. I’m glad you have found the confidence to goo out and asset your independence!
Jul 06, 2014 @ 13:46:49
Thqnk you very much for commenting samatwitch; its lovely to see you! I definitely feel Ive just made a great move forward. No stopping me now! 😊
Jul 06, 2014 @ 13:40:10
I love the progression of this poem. First the introduction of the friendship and bond and the triumph of a completed task, then the task revealed and topped with a picture. Thanks for taking us along on your outing!
Jul 06, 2014 @ 13:48:51
Thank you very much for your lovely comment. It was a special and very memorable outing, long overdue, with a special friend 😊
Jul 06, 2014 @ 20:56:51
This is a great poem, Christine – even without your introduction there is no doubt about the excitement Jack felt, too, and so deeply shared between you both.
‘You stood so well my lovely boy,
kept looking up at me, saw my joy
which then became yours as you walked with pride
heads high, the two of us side by side.’
And now the joy is for everyone who reads it. And that is why I MUST share! XO ❤
Jul 07, 2014 @ 08:47:38
Thank you so much Diane and for sharing it too; youve brought tears to my eyes! Im such a softy (and so is Jack!) lots of love ❤️ Xxx
Jul 07, 2014 @ 01:56:31
Awww this is so beautiful Christine. Such a joy to read. Good on you both for being so brave. Jack is beautiful too! Stay strong xxx
Jul 07, 2014 @ 09:04:32
Thank you very much Norma. Along our way someone had parked a car half way across the pavement and there was hardly room for the scooter, never mind jack, but he just went ahead of me slowly (and I know he doesnt like going in front, he
would rather follow) and I followed him; he is such a star xx
Jul 07, 2014 @ 03:18:02
Lovely poem, Christine, good to see rhyming couplets. Good news that you did it! And a wonderful photo of Jack 🙂
Jul 12, 2014 @ 15:44:13
Thank you very much Polly. This one just seemed to fall out rhyming; I wasn’t really trying, it sort of started so I just went along with it! I daren’t take him far yet because Im not sure how I would cope if I needed to stop and pick up something he may deposit!! 😄
Jul 08, 2014 @ 00:38:57
That must have been such a lovely day for you both – well done, definitely time to celebrate!!! 🌟 I can’t imagine what that must be like to go out on your own, unable to travel without that scooter. I’d be terrified I’m sure, all those curbs that won’t let you have access to the pavement where you need to, and I’d worry about the battery power too. Or maybe your area is a bit more organised than mine. You’d think because I live in a city (near the centre) it would be more friendly for wheelchairs, scooters and pushchairs, but I’ve seen many struggle over a few issues over where the pavement lowers and where it doesn’t – not good enough really. It’s OK in the main shopping areas, but councils always neglect the outlying areas as if people with wheelchairs would use that area. But often that is where they live!
I hope you read Jack that celebratory poem, he’s a real star to walk so well behaved beside you! 😀 It’s lovely to see or even hear of a dog that walks calmly next to it’s owner, so many people have a real problem with their dogs being calm walkers. Our family dog, lovely as she was, always seemed to be in such a hurry when she went out. We went through all that puppy walk training and she still persisted in talking us for a walk, and she wasn’t even a very big dog! I’m sure if we had allowed her to walk along side anything with wheels she would have imagined herself a Husky dog and given us a hair raising ride! 😀
Jul 12, 2014 @ 15:54:28
Thank you Suzy! The paths round here aren’t too bad and I went out with a friend a couple of weeks ago so we could work out where all the dips were so I could cross. But when you’re on a scooter its somehow harder than on foot, its like you’re driving again and need to be aware of the time it takes to set off etc when looking for a clear road. Quite scary really to be honest, its not like I can get off and run!
I wouldn’t have been able to trust Jack if he was a lot younger as he was quite excitable when he saw other dogs but now he is kind of middle-aged he is much calmer and I just know he senses he needs to be careful and good for me. It was a great feeling being on my own; its awful having to go everywhere with someone, its like being a child all over again. I just have to make the best of it and if walks with Jack and short ones at that, are the only way of the two of us can be on our own together then that has to be better than not at all. Xx
Jul 19, 2014 @ 10:17:50
This is beautiful, Christine! It was as if you stepped off a cliff and discovered you could fly. :-). I bet Jack felt he was born to be by your side. Much love to you. xxx
Jul 19, 2014 @ 11:38:04
Oh Angela, what a beautiful comment this is!! And you are so right that’s exactly how it felt!! Thank you for making me realse this! Much love back to you ❤️ Xx
Jul 20, 2014 @ 12:51:50
‘You stood so well my lovely boy,
kept looking up at me, saw my joy
which then became yours as you walked with pride
heads high, the two of us side by side.’
Love it 🙂
Warmly, marinela
Jul 21, 2014 @ 17:08:25
Thank you so much Marinela, both for visiting and for this lovely comment 😊
Jul 20, 2014 @ 17:59:29
This is an amazing read Christine! I can feel the joy in every line. One of your most inspirational poems to date – love the photo at the end, so heart-warming 😀 xx
Jul 21, 2014 @ 14:52:59
Thanks very much Becky! It was a very special few moments 😊 xx
Jul 21, 2014 @ 11:23:30
Lovely poem about a beautiful moment, and the comfort and love a dog can give you. Well done on the courage and expressing the joy so well. It is so nice, apart anything else, that you two had this great trip together. I hope you have many more 🙂
Jul 21, 2014 @ 14:55:05
Thank you very much Peter. We have had a few more outings together, both learning and getting used to the difficult bits etc but Jack is just so good, hes amazing actually! 😄
Jul 22, 2014 @ 11:07:14
What a team and I applaud your courage… much ❤ to you with your cape flying.. ❤ xXx
Jul 22, 2014 @ 15:55:28
I think my reply has flown away! I just said thank you for your lovely comment and I could picture myself on the scooter with cape flying! What a great image! It would cause quite a stir I think. How cool (as they say) that would be 😊❤️ Xx
Jul 23, 2014 @ 13:49:23
Well done you. Sorry I haven’t looked in for a while- I seem to have been very busy!
Jul 23, 2014 @ 17:18:37
Thank you very much Libby. Being busy is good!! Thank you for taking the time to comment 😊
Jul 25, 2014 @ 00:53:15
Three cheers, two times! You both braved it, and you’ve both conquered. I couldn’t be more thrilled for you!!! That looks like a pretty smart scooter, and a *very* smart Jack. So glad you did this, and that you chronicled it in such a sweet poem.
xoxo!
Kathryn
Jul 25, 2014 @ 09:34:03
Thanks very much Kathryn! I have actually owned the scooter for over a year but just couldn’t bring myself to go public, a mixture of pride and denial all rolled into one tangled up tight ball of fear. The thing that finally pushed me i to gear was the fact that I read on my support group of a lady who couldn’t afford a nice looking one like mine and had to make do with one the hospital organised for her, a cumbersome thing that anyone would feel uncomfortable on. So my heart opened up the gratitude channel that I had blocked off and I went or it. So glad I did and so is Jack! xxx
Jul 29, 2014 @ 19:23:16
A poem of triumph!! Inspiring – thank you, Christine. So glad you made that walk with Jack. Here’s to many more! Hugs to you. 🙂
Jul 30, 2014 @ 13:32:00
Thank you so much Betty! It was a very special outing that day, and we have done a few more since. It still scares me in case something grabs his attention so much he cant resist pulling away, but he is 10 now and very calm. But he is also big! And if he did pull I have no idea how I would cope, but I must try for the sake of my own independence. Love and hugs x
Aug 02, 2014 @ 16:47:25
This brought a bit of a lump in my throat, Christine. I could feel so clearly the joy that you and Jack felt at being able to get out together again. So very sweet and a momentous occasion. I’m very happy for you…hugs.
Gayle ~
Aug 02, 2014 @ 17:17:24
Thank you so much Gayle, it’s lovely to see you. It was rather a special day. I had practiced with someone a few times but knew I was desperate to go it alone so one day I decided today’s the day. Jack was a star, so so patient, almost as though he knew he had to be careful for me. We have done it several times since 😊. Love and hugs x
Aug 02, 2014 @ 21:13:23
Thank you, Christine…nice to be here visiting with you. Jack is beautiful and sounds like a sensitive soul. You are a good team…nice. Love and hugs…
Aug 03, 2014 @ 09:29:49
😊❤️