“To be seventy years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be forty years old.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
Old by Rabindranath Tagore from his collection titled “Fireflies.”
Life blooms as we travel on
Up the hills, into fresh, lovely dawn,
We are children who do but begin
The sweetness of life to win.
Because heaven is in us, to bud and unfold,
We are younger for growing old!
We have a God who lives in Eternity and knows no age-limit.
Photo credit: Pixabay
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
Our sister blogger, Louise Gibson began sharing her poetry with us in 2013. She appropriately titled her writings From the Heart. Her offerings were the most popular on the blog and always drew in new subscribers. On August 20, 2022 Louise and her love-filled heart met face to face with the One who loves best. Her Jesus.
I’ve known her since my high school days, the mother of my best friend. Even at age 70 I still call her Mrs. Gibson. In the self-absorbed way of teenagers, she was simply Lynn’s mom. Of course as time went on I realized she was an amazing woman and later learned of her love for poetry. After reading her life story that her daughter shared with me, I realized her life was so much more than I knew. I decided to share her beautiful life story with our readers.
Louise Eleanor Gibson, age 93, of Orlando, Florida, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2022 of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Retired Lt. Col Doyle Gene Gibson, her infant son Gary Gibson, her parents Edgar Brown and Clara Swaising Brown, and her brother Edward Brown.
She was born on February 13,1929 in Akron OH, her life shaped by growing up during the Great Depression. Riding her bike was a favorite pastime in her youth, she was always a voracious reader, and she had a lifelong love of writing poetry. As a young teenager, she worked as a hospital volunteer known as a candy striper and she often talked of making coffee for the doctors at Akron City Hospital. Always outgoing, she made friends easily and often reminisced of fun times at Portage Lakes. There were also great stories of dancing the night away with the weekly music of Big Bands at both Meyers Lake and the YMCA. In her high school years, she was fondly nicknamed “Jinx” and “Legs” and the green-eyed, raven-haired beauty was on the May Queen Court. Once graduating business school, she became an executive secretary at Goodyear and was chosen as a model for many of the company’s business ads.
Louise and her husband raised their children while living as an Air Force family. They enjoyed living in Ohio, Florida, Oregon, Alabama, Alaska, Nebraska, and California before finally resettling in Florida. She enjoyed sewing her own elegant clothing, decorating beautiful cakes, making elegant crafts, and loved her cats. Wherever she moved, she immediately made her house a home. Once becoming a grandmother, she enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren each summer. Her great grandchildren were also adored.
Writing poetry became a renewed passion in her later years. Her uplifting, clever, spiritual, and inspirational poems were posted on the Old Things R New blog along with other very talented writers and artists. She touched many people with her awesome words of encouragement.
In all stages of her life, Louise built a legacy of love. She will always be remembered for her kindness and dedication to loving the people God placed in her path. She had a heart of gratitude and encouraged others.
I’m not certain if I will continue to re-post her poems. Her family is planning to create a book for them. Prayers for her family appreciated.
Left to right-Judy Wills, DiVoran Lites, Onisha Ellis, Lynn Shepherd (Louise daughter) Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles, Back row Bill Lites
“One should never count the years–one should count one’s interests. I have kept young trying never to lose my childhood sense of wonderment. I am glad I still have a vivid curiosity about the world I live in.”
Helen Keller, 1880-1968 Blind and Deaf American Writer and Scholar
The writer of that beautiful philosophy
expressed my sentiments so eloquently-
But I humbly acknowledge my advantage-
I can hear! And I can see!
But did she hear more clearly than I?
And did she see through the Master's eye?
Oh, how blessed to have the Master's touch-
to live to serve-to give so much.
May I never take for granted
the blessings of each day-
A kind word, a noble deed,
encouragement along the way.
Compassion and love are what matters Reach out to a needy soul. There is such a hunger for recognition Make communication your goal.
People need people. Listen with your heart to this plea. “I don’t want to walk alone.” There is such comfort in company.
Every day is a blessing that comes from our Lord above. Walk with a grateful spirit. Do all things in the spirit of love.
I recognize that bad things happen, Most of which we cannot comprehend. But then, we are not made to understand it. Try to be an optimist to the end.
When you accept the things you cannot change You will dwell on things worthwhile. Put on a happy face – You are never fully dressed until you smile.
Food for Thought: “When God pushes you to the edge, trust Him fully, because only two things can happen. Either He will catch you when you fall or He will teach you how to fly.” Unknown
Beady eyes, feathers, and wings. It seemed to expand
Like a womb with a growing child. Parent’s cries rang,
“In-coming, in-coming,” as they delivered bugs
And the nest began to peep. I went to look,
Soon even the expanding nest was too small.
I saw a tiny perfect wing. I heard the father calling
“Flying is the thing.” I thought soon we would
See nestlings fledging. But oh, it was not to be.
The next morning, everyone was gone,
No beady eyes peeking out at us.
No cleaning the nest of tiny balls
No more serenades
All gone.
Empty Nest.
Pictures by Pixabay
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
The pillars are a strong foundation in any relationship. On their strength we do depend. The caterpillars crawl in and out, failing to connect. They dream to be a butterfly in the end.
God created all of us, and He did it all with vision. I don’t have your attributes- That was God’s decision.
I will strive to be the best I can with what God has allotted me. To be more like our Maker, That is our destiny.
Our much loved poetess, Louise hasn’t been able to compose of late. Her poems spoke words of comfort, encouragement love and humor. Just the sort of words our current world needs. So, I am planning to reblog them. Enjoy
May you always remember God is in control. He has a plan for your life.
Listen with your heart As he leads you. You will ward off the strife.
The events in our life Are meant to be. There is a peace that Can be found.
The challenges are many Diligence is profound.
We may not have chosen The path we are on, But trust it was meant to be. God works in mysterious ways As he plans our destiny.
There is a peace that can be found, Know God has a plan for our life. Keep your faith strong in him. You will ward away the strife.
She goes to the church, and her loving heart lifts.
On the first of December, she turns on the songs
And listens to Christmas because it belongs.
Pictures by Pixabay
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
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