in the event of an actual emergency

the first time my skin turned inside out
i was six
and you were dead.

he must have talked to you
he must have said:
she is my daughter,
I will take care.
I will sell our house,
we will move here.

he must have said:
I give you my word,
I will make it okay.
permission for you
to fall away.

the next time my skin turned inside out
it was three weeks later
and he was dead.

routine visit, nothing serious,
discharged tomorrow.
one dose, two dose, cardiac arrest.
"a terrible mistake" / "these things happen."

my skin never fit right after.
no feeling when he took me
turned promises into warnings:
'don't tell.'
didn't he know
I had no words for this?

missing language for something missing.
I will spend my life finding words.

pieces cut away
innocence removed like a tumor.
hope festers
eyes drink pain
skin on fire.

aware, we are not broken.
alive, we mend eachother,
darn souls like socks
writing seams together
before they disappear
for good.

---

thanks for your prayers and good vibes

I am back from the hospital, one gallbladder, one ovary and some endo lighter, with six more holes in me, all the better to hear you with, red riding hood.

Thanks to my blog friends for your prayers and good wishes. I didn't feel like blasting the news of my upcoming surgery across these parts--because these parts aren't like they used to be. News Flash, I believe you saw the film at 11. Nonetheless, I cannot express how much gratitude I have for those of you who keep us Sessums in your hearts. You are in ours too.

Off to do laps around the downstairs. More soon. Have a sunny weekend.

...

Simply Wonderful

Kudos and congrats to Ronni--I had not seen the Elder Storytelling Place until tonight. I just love it.

I read Holly Stevens' story this evening and was moved in a way that you too will be moved by her courage and caring. I thank Holly for sharing her wisdom, and Ronni for bringing these stories to us.

...