The Sands of Time

I had the world at my feet, life spreading before me like an unfurled rug

Broken teeth and a smashed up face resulted from a car crash, aged just 17

My pretty, innocent and blemish-free face now littered with scars; marred

With pain, my brother died; in a flash he was gone forever, unendurable pain

Tragedy kills you inside for a brief moment in time, then you learn

To be strong and make the most of every day; to keep strong, keep smiling

Learn to love yourself and be there for your family wholeheartedly

Calming, helping, healing and assisting as best I could, while working

Full-time in my first ever job, finding my feet on the career ladder

I got engaged and plans were made to marry; we scrimped and saved like mad

Until eventually a deposit was put down on our very first home and we wed

In a tiny village church with family, neighbours and friends helping us

To celebrate our union. The smiles on our young, impressionable faces filled

With hope, love and the innocence of how our lives would unfold together

Then tragedy struck again as my darling Dad passed away after a short illness

Hand in hand my new husband and I dreamed, built a home together

Brought a beautiful daughter into the world then travelled to the Middle East

We lived our lives to the full, enjoying every moment, exotic holidays, fun

Until tragedy struck again and my dear Mum died, again after a short illness

Now, in my own family unit, we experienced the delights of expatriate life

Pool parties, swimming over the coral reef in the crystal clear Red sea

Then repatriation and divorce followed, more sadness and pain; I kept strong

Kept smiling. Now, happily re-married, I sometimes reflect on how quickly

My life has flown by, in a flash. So, stop. Look, listen and reflect, enjoy

Every single moment, before it is too late and, like me, you realise

You have less time ahead of you and more behind you. It is a sobering thought

That makes me reflect and enjoy every moment, every day before the lights

Go out on my life, forever.

* * *

This story was first published on Medium, where you can find more of my work. Why not get a weekly update from my village in England by signing up to Rosy's Ramblings?

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