All I have is Thank You

You touch
my soul
in ways
that defy
mere description
you give
my heart
permission to
expand itself
opening gently
making room
for love.
You kiss
my spirit
blessing me
with wings
lifting me
higher than
i could
imagine possible
you hold
my weakest
part gracefully
cherishing its
vulnerability coupled
with strength
tucking them
inside your
own heart
where your
pulse bears
my name
and all
i can
offer you
is this:
thank you.

© 2006 ~ Jackie Young

Outside of the fact that I need to say a really deep & heartfelt “THANK YOU” to some friends who went the extra mile without being asked, without knowing that it was what I really needed at the moment, and without hesitation or reservation, there is no correlation between my “THANK YOU” and this poem. It just happens to be the only one currently at my disposal that has “thank you” built into it. (Besides, I like it.)

Friend #1: Friday morning I found myself wracked with pain…steady, hobbling, major tear-inducing pain. From less than 5 minutes of an ordinary household chore. I don’t think you realized how much pain I was in and though I mentioned needing a hug and a smile, we didn’t talk specifics. Nothing either of us could have done but ride it out. Talking to you moved my mind away from the pain for a while or maybe your words just felt like a much-needed hug. Thank you.

Friend #2: How could I forget you my friend? Just the right amount of silliness, intellectual conversation and concern spread over the course of the weekend. I can’t believe you spent all that time researching and then sending me what you found. As if I didn’t already know that stuff. Hello? Remember me? The person who’s dealing with the issue? LOL I know you’re very busy and the fact that you shut down some things over the course of the last three days to check on me constantly speaks volumes about your character and our friendship. And you KNOW that means so much to me.

Friend #3: I don’t think you realize just how much power you have, how much presence you have. Those were some spirit-reviving words you spoke so don’t get it twisted – not all those tears were because of the pain. If ever I had the chance to morph into another person for even a day, I would pick you. Just to see the world from your point of view for a day…and as you say, “to see the “YOU” you see when you look at me”. I thank you for being my friend for the past 20+ years. I don’t know which is bigger or warmer – your heart, your smile, your hug, or your spirit. Thank you for sharing each of them with me.

I’m better. I promise. Yes, I’ve resolved to do what I need to do to STAY “better”. I am blessed to count each of you as a friend. I hope that I have returned to you even a fraction of the blessings that you’ve been in my life. Though it seems woefully inadequate, it is all I have and so to you I say sincerely and with love….thank you.

(PS…to YOU…not sure if YOU are reading this but Happy Birthday. Yes, you. Yes, I remembered. Enjoy your day.)