Dengue and the Wait






i wait to hear
that the critical time has passed
that this disease which ravages you
will not kill you
that you will survive
and organs will not bleed out
will not fail you

and i take comfort in small things
the mist of steam punctuated
with the sweetness of a scent of spiced tea
from your childhood
it’s warmth as i hold a cup in my hands
your humor as we trade emoticons across an ocean

i count on the fact that you are young and strong
and that this fever cannot decimate you
and i watch  the clock as it ticks by
one more day before the critical phase passes

i would bring you home if i could
i would wrap you in my arms
and tell you stories of sunshine and laughter
of how your dog still misses you in the night
i would dream with you


copyright/all rights reserved Audrey Howitt 2012




My daughter is in Thailand with Dengue Fever right now. Right now, she is in the critical phase of the disease. Dengue is on the rise worldwide and is called the "bone crushing" disease. There is no immunization and no specific treatment for the disease other than liquids.

Comments

  1. Praying for your daughter Audrey and can't even begin to imagine what you are feeling right now. So sorry and just hope that she will be ok. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  2. Oh, Audrey, this is a heartbreaker. You must feel so awful having her so far away from you, in another country, and so sick. Your poem conveys the mother love / mother worry so well. I do hope you will hear good news soon, that the critical phase will have passed.

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  3. Heartfelt support and encouragement sent your way. Loving, healing thoughts to your daughter. Your writing is an amazing vehicle for processing this challenging time.

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  4. Audrey, it is so hard when anything is wrong with our children - even harder when she is at such a distance. The lines about how her dog still misses her is so sad. I pray the fever breaks and she comes through just fine. Do let us know how she is doing.

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  5. Oh Audrey, I said a prayer for your daughter right away and will continue to do so. I cannot imagine your fear and worry. Please keep us updated as and when you are able.

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  6. we have had a pretty bad run with dengue for the last few years.your concern is natural.best wishes for your daughter's speedy recovery.

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  7. oh dang...my heart goes out to you and to her....i will def say a prayer...when anything happens to our kids it can be so hard....my boys both have the flu right now....minor in comparison but def wears on me as well...

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  8. I hope your daughter comes through the fever, and this poem expresses how you feel so vividly. Thank you for sharing.

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  9. The last verse is so strong. I hope she recovers soon.

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  10. So upsetting: being struck down so far away from home. Keeping my fingers crossed you will receive good news soon and that 'stories of sunshine and laughter' will somehow reach her and help her get better.

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  11. This is so sad my dear ~ I pray she will recover soon ~

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  12. Trading emoticons - that surely is a good sign?

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  13. Your last verse is poignant and shows the depth of your feelings. I hold your daughter in my prayers tonight.

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  14. Adding another voice to the prayers. Thanks for pausing long enough to pen this poem.

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  15. Oh wow Audrey, this brought tears to my eyes. We would bring them home and hold them if we could...so well said here. Praying...

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  16. I pray with you that all will be well...A heartfelt piece of writing.

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  17. i will pray for your child's speedy recovery.

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  18. Prayers for your daughter my friend; I hope for a fast recovery. Sending you strength as well.

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  19. this poem is so full of emotions, very moving and will be certainly very comforting for your daughter. prayers and wishes'

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  20. Audrey,
    Such a heart felt poem just what a mom would do.

    I continue to pray for your daughter and I am confident she will be healthy and strong in a few weeks time.

    Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. I hope that by the time you get this comment, that she's on the mend. It's cathartic writing about it for sure. I also hope she gets to see your kind words and know how much she's loved.

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  21. I just said my first prayer in over twenty years. Peace and healing to you both.

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  22. thoughts with you and your daughter - and thank you for the poem.

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  23. i can't imagine how difficult it is for you to be separated from your daughter while she is ill! sending positive thoughts and energies to you both.

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