As many of you know, Karen Vanderlaan is a person of many talents and accomplishments. A teacher, musician, equestrian, you name it. But it is the courage, humor, and deep appreciation for the natural world -- especially horses -- that helped her survive the escalating abuse that she describes in excruciating detail in this memoir. To say more could spoil the book for those who are planning to read it. Only add one thing: The first stanza is a direct quote. PJDG
Gate's Open, Come on In
,
A Song for Karen Vanderlaan
Author of Show and Tell
It took quite a while
for me to throw off the weight
of all that pain
I pasted on a smile.
I stabbed at work and pretended to play.
I was a zombie, what can I say.
Ever look at the sky and wonder why
all you see is a giant cloud?
Ever hide and do nothing but cry?
Even click on a button says "shroud?"
One day a voice inside snapped, Get up and help!
Lend a hand before it's too late.
Think you're the only one's done time in hell?
Brush yourself off and come open the gate.
With a bit of help, I dragged myself out of bed.
shuffled over and let Love in.
In time, those evil twins, Fear and Dread.
stomped off in a huff, good for them.
Now I am happy being Mom and Teach.
Got my peeps, my horses, and a smokin' guitar.
So good being able to reach
children who are sick at heart.
It will take a while
but all of us will throw off the weight
of all that pain.
(c) Phyllis Jean Green, 01-27-09
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Reviews of "Gate's Open, Come on In {for Karen Vanderlaan}"
This is an awesome review Phyllis Jean, and I love Karen's attitude.This is an awesome stanza:
"One day a voice inside snapped, Get up and help!
Lend a hand before it's too late.
Think you're the only one's done time in hell?
Brush yourself off and come open the gate."
Oh.... that just made my heart sing. I needed this this morning of all mornings lately. Get tired of the wolves nipping at my feet.
Blessings, and warm hug, J'nia
This. Is. GORGEOUS. Strength. Resolve. Courage. Call it what you may, I call it Grace: being able to go on despite it all. A stunning tribute to a grand lady - by a grand lady. Well done.
This is truly a lovely tribute to Karen who I too had the pleasure of reading her book recently and doing a review on it for AD, she is an awesome lady who's heart abounds with love for those around her.
The experience of a young adult trying to figure out what they want to do for employment or education can be overwhelming. My book will give them insight to what it means to be a carpenter. And the progress unions have made in discrimination.
Get
The story of Ron Hull, paralyzed in a surgical accident back in the dreaded polio epidemic days, was able to overcome most of the stigma and stereotypes and "pass for normal" for 30 years. As Ron's paralysis increased gradually through the next 20
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Best,
Rebecca~
"One day a voice inside snapped, Get up and help!
Lend a hand before it's too late.
Think you're the only one's done time in hell?
Brush yourself off and come open the gate."
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
Blessings, and warm hug, J'nia
This. Is. GORGEOUS. Strength. Resolve. Courage. Call it what you may, I call it Grace: being able to go on despite it all. A stunning tribute to a grand lady - by a grand lady. Well done.
(((((HUGS))))) and love, Karla.
hugs
fee
"Gate's Open, Come on In {for Karen Vanderlaan}" sings for the one that shows the world what love gives to humanity.
"Gate's Open, Come on In {for Karen Vanderlaan}" is a beautiful and bountiful flower of grace diffusing scent of gratitude.
I salute You, Poet.
In gratitude and admiration,
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU