As I look back upon my years                                   In my dark days I never dreamed
I surely must reflect.                                                   that life could be this way.
Like many others I struggled                                    I was so afraid and ashamed
with abuse and neglect.                                            that I dreaded each day.

I did not know the true impact                                   I wore a mask to hide feelings
those many rough years had.                                   I did not want to feel.
I simply struggled to survive.                                     I stuffed them down with all my might
To me that wasn’t bad.                                               just hoping to conceal.

As time went by my health declined.                        You showed me I’m free to be me.
The search for help began.                                       The power is inside.
The most important day for me was                        You showed me how to stand up strong
the day I shook your hand.                                         and not to run and hide.

I felt the kindness in your heart                                 You set many good examples.
and trust I had not known.                                          You teach the way you live.
Within a matter of seconds                                        Warmth, love, kindness, patience and trust –
I did not feel alone.                                                      a glimpse of what you give.

You gently reached inside my soul                          I’ve often said I can’t repay
and pulled with utmost care.                                     the things you’ve done for me.
We went where I didn’t want to go --                        There’s not a thank you in this world
tough memories to share.                                         I feel would make you see.

The times that followed weren’t easy.                      As I look into the future
There was hard work to do.                                        and walk across this land,
It was worth each moment because                         no day will mean more to me than
I learned so much from you.                                       the day I shook your hand.

You taught me how to change my ways.
That gave me great relief.
You taught me how to change my life –
a life beyond belief.  


                                                            Copyright Lisa G. King
                                                                     July 4, 2005
This poem was
written as a thank
you to P.Y.  When
we met, I was
scared to death.  I
couldn't distinguish
between one
feeling and another.
I was monotone
and, somewhat,
comatose in
responses.  

My healing journey
continues.  I would
like to express my
appreciation to
everyone at Living
Pathways for
making me feel at
home with their
kindness.  It
certainly makes the
journey seem a little
easier.  I couldn't
have put my care
into a better bunch
of hands.

Healing mind, body
and spirit.
Your Hand
Photos by
Lisa G. King