Inspiration From a Stranger (Music by Yanni)
Until the Last Moment
Words can transform us
More than two decades ago, a friend passed me a page from a magazine and said simply, "I know you'll appreciate this." Thanking her, I placed it in my pocket as I hurried back to my office.
It wasn't until after five hours of verbal sparring, and some researching, that I kicked off my shoes and reached for my cold coffee. Another day, another headache.....let me see, what was that Denise handed me?........I began to read the crinkled page........
After awhile you learn, the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead, with the grace of a woman, not the pout of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today, because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.....And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After awhile, you learn that even sunshine burns if you bask too long. So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn.....that you really can endure, that you really are strong, and you really do have worth.
And you learn......and you learn......with every good-bye......you learn.........
I was thoroughly entranced by the words I had just read, I wanted more. But all that was left was one bottom line, in parenthesis......(Norah......an anonymous woman in a Massachusetts prison)
Twenty plus years later, I vividly recall the thoughts that entered my mind. I recall unexpected emotion at that moment. I read it again.....and again.
I wanted to know this stranger named Norah, and so, I envisioned her. Imagining her, I could speak to her. The Norah of my imagination looked like so many young women I knew, even me. Her words, echoed words I'd heard before, softly uttered within my head. I felt her despair and confinement of a prison, yet the awareness and audacity to empower herself with hope and wisdom.
I found myself needing to confess that I was consumed by a self-imposed prison for many years. I began to accept that I myself may hold the key to be freed from this nightmare. But like a woman who had been confined, whose heart had been wrapped and placed aside, I feared liberation into a world of living with freedom.
And so, I saw that Norah was you and she was me. I could boldly ask her how a woman of such eloquent words and profound dreams, would be sharing her knowledge through steel bars from a cold, damp prison. I would ask her if she found a sense of self-worth and consciousness of purpose by pitting her soul against her memories of the depths of hell. Is it only while in darkness, we search for light? I could hear Norah's voice as she spoke to me.
"I sense your curiosity and feel your need to understand my circumstance. I see confusion in your eyes, yet compassion for my tortured soul. I believe my words have awakened the dormant desires of the woman within you. It frightens you to see how real she truly is.
You must not cry for me. I am building a stairway from Hell toward freedom once more. I prepare now to live again, protected by all the truths of life I have learned. I am finally strong enough to embrace the realness and wholeness of my being.
You have been where I am, where I have been and where I am going. You have fallen and broken and felt pain. You ran beyond your imagination and have seen through the veil of denial. All this and far more we can know if our hearts are softened and our eyes wide open.
Yes, Norah......we learn to plant our own garden and decorate our own soul.....and we learn that we are strong and really can endure. We have worth and we learn....and we learn.....
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Never Feel Lonely
© 2011 Paula
Comments
AUTHORWesman.....Is there any human experience you haven't had in your young life?? You are one that could never run out of true tales and honestly, I'd love to hear them all!
Your activity here on our site has been quite impressive since your return. It must be good for the wallet! I wish you continued success. Thanks so much for stopping by. Peace, Paula
Was locked up for six months once. I think it was last 3 of 2002, and first 3 of 2003. Wasn't so bad, but then again 6 months isn't so long. I bet I spent at least 12 hrs/day reading. Sharpening the old sword, you know.
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To Halieanna's Grandmother......Just so that you are aware....I read every word. In fact, more than once so as to be certain I missed nothing. It should come as no surprise to you that I would not allow something so extremely "personal" to be inappropriately publicized. That's simply not beneficial to anyone who has no involvement whatsoever. I fully understand your motives and have no problem with your efforts. I can only say that I chose to make a decision to override & feel you can and will accept my decision as sensible.
Please rest-assured that I have a screen shot for my own review, should I feel I want a reminder.
I'm afraid I do not have information on physical address nor phone #, so I'm unable at this time to respond. Suffice it to say it may be all for the best.
Take care of yourself and loved ones. The rate of speed of passing time, defies description or explanation. It is for certain, something that can only be experienced and realized when we have reached the point. It may be one of the saddest facts of life we face......Peace. P
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Yves....LOL...How sweet you are. No, not my birthday....not for another month and a half. You probably saw a comment wishing me a Happy Birthday, a year or 2 ago.
So glad you came by. I've missed you! Peace, Paula
Thankfully, Norah has found the inner strength she will need to endure prison. Her words are truly an allegory for life.
On another note: Is it your birthday? If so, I wish you a joyful new year of life!
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Shan.....I feel Norah shares a seriously profound and complex message, left to interpretation by each individual who reads it and may be touched by her thoughts. Being as curious and analytical a person as I am, I've come up with a few scenarios for Norah. It continues to bring me back and pull me in, to try and see into Norah's soul......but I'm sure we are never meant to know the very deepest of any person & that is as it should be,.
Sorry...I get no emails from you. Paula
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Sha.......How lucky you have seen Yanni, Live, in concert 4 times!! I keep an eye on his touring schedule.
I have convinced myself that Norah was(is) probably a woman, perhaps convicted of a crime of passion, for being a victim of abuse/violence. Her message tells us so much to contemplate.
Hope all is going well for you, girlfriend! Love ya, Paula
This is in my news feed again....I emailed you. I agree that it's a beautiful message.
What a beautiful message, Paula. Norah is very wise, despite her place in life. I guess she had plenty of time to reflect and redirect.
Love that you chose Yanni. I've seen him in concert four times. He's amazing!
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Maria.....I hope you realize my comment below is for you. I should have added your name. Sorry.
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Yes, I love Yanni....not as much as I love you. Knew I could count on you. Glad you enjoyed this little message. Hugs, Paula
Paula, my friend,
Flattering as it sounds--no, I don't think I'll write such a book. Namely, awakening is not for everybody. Those who are willing and ready will find their "awakening call" in a hub or two--and for those who are not, a whole library is not enough.
People love their comfort zone even when it's hurting them. Addictions come in many expressions. And then their truth sounds like a very loud alarm clock--something to be silenced in a hurry.
In my case, it would translate to a book covered with a lot o dust.
But I do appreciate the praise. Well, who wouldn't recognize a big and generous heart behind it. -- Hugs, Val
Dear Paula,
I am agog that I've not read this before - so happy you shared again with us.
We never know when or where a piece of life's wisdom will fall into our life. Norah's life perspective is certainly applicable to us all.
And you know you can't go wrong with Yanni for inspiration.
Love you and have a peaceful day, Maria
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Val....I've missed you, my buddy. Thanks for coming by with your vast wisdom and sharing some very real beliefs that seem to smooth out some of the wrinkles in our lives. Been meaning to suggest to you that you put a book together of all that you have come to know about the human experience.
I know it would be well-received and there you have a well-deserving legacy.
Be well....and keep in touch! Love, Paula
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Mike.....I could have predicted that you & bill would be 2 of my first responders.....just like Super Man! Always there in a heart beat to rescue the weary, worn and worried. Thanks, my friend. This is one of the very first hubs I put together, shortly after joining HP.
Looking back......why is it always so bittersweet, Mike?
See you in the mainstream. BTW.....I've learned to jump over the manure and simply appreciate the exquisite beauty of the horses. You have too, I'm sure.
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Bill....Exactly!! The very same thoughts went through my head when I scrolled down these comments. So many of our dear old friends that we miss terribly! I don't like it! But.....such is life.
Thanks for stopping by. I can always count on you, bro. Love, Sis
Hello Paula,
In her quest for inner freedom, your Stranger wanted to say that there are "bars of interpretation" separating us, and we can't be free by removing those bars--but within our prison cell giving to ourselves what we expect from those on the other side of the bars.
Thus, by "begging for attention" we are knocking on the wrong doors. Others interpret us using their own, personalized tools of understanding, and to them we are merely distorted mirrors of themselves.
And what appears as our "prison cell" is our own neglected inner world. It looks empty--because we have allowed our consciousness to be a Stranger in it. And it appears full of pain because we have allowed our vulnerable ego - our tormentor - to run our inner show.
Your Stranger's story is filled with metaphor-- and it's a liberating one.Be well, my friend. Always your friend Val.
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Hello Paula - I see that I missed the first publication date. What a strong message. Your podium should reach many more. In a slanted system, where the playing field is skewed, the earlier this message is realized, the better. With a bit of work, this could be a college course. Yes indeed, plant your own garden, there is plenty of manure around.
Look at the names in the comment section, Sis. It's like a Whos Who of HubPages. God I miss some of those people. The Golden Age of HP right here.
And yes, this is a beautiful message. How come I didn't comment before? Did we not know each other six years ago? How would I not know my sister? It doesn't make sense.
Welcome to my world!
Hugs, Sis, and love always
bill
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Thanks so much Angie......I was sure you would recognize yourself as one of the women I honored! Glad you liked it. I keep hoping that "Norah" will one day stumble upon this article and write to me!! Stranger things can happen.
This is beautiful Paula from start to finish, top to bottom and the dedication, is the cherry on top!
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I have always wanted to dedicate this hub to every incredibly strong woman of amazing character that I know, have ever known & those I've yet to meet. It just seems fair and correct. Hope you love this.
You know who you are.....just as those who have been blessed by your inner beauty, know you,
I, Paula, hereby joyfully dedicate this work of mine to each of you...to all of us. I'm proud and honored to have this Sisterhood with such an amazing group of powerful women. With Love & Admiration.......Peace always..
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Oh my goodness........"Gobsmacked??!!" That sounds painful. What does it mean? Thanks for reading Nell. Hope you heal quickly!!! LOL
Hiya Paula, my friend said to me many years ago 'We make our own prisons' and I was totally gobsmacked! she was right! and I have never forgotten that saying, the same way that you remember the above, amazing isn't it? always good to see you!
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perspy... So good to see you. I'm glad you like Yanni. His music is magical. I thought it was perfect for Norah's poem.
I agree, Yanni is a craftsman. Sad his mush with the Mash Miss didn't hold together, but I will bet she and his mother had a love and respect for each other which survived. The music filled my composition space on this snowy, winter day.
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AF....Your comments are always a genuine joy to receive. There is absolute truth in what you say about the profound affect of words.
Couldn't agree with you more about Yanni....and he's sure isn't a struggle to LOOK AT either, girlfriend!! LOL...Peace, Paula
Great wisdom, and Norah was able to share it and make a difference in the world even from her prison cell. I wonder if everyone who writes online realizes the power they have and how easily their words can be read around the world within minutes. With the Internet the ripples go much further and there's no telling what affect one's words may have on people we will never know, how their thinking or their lives may be affected, and who they will share our ideas and thoughts and words with. The keyboard, like the pen before it, can be a mighty and powerful thing . . .
Pinned to Awesome HubPages, Posted on FB. Sharing with followers. I love Yanni. He's a musical genius. Hope you are having a great day!
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Phew!!! I'm glad yesterday is over. I can't go through that again until next year! It get tougher to celebrate!
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Was it a cuckoo bird?? LOL
A little bird told me it is your birthday! Who am I kidding...I don't need a bird to tell me...Happy Birthday my Effer!!
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True words I can only agree with, au fait. It shouldn't be any other way. For how else do we become the women we are meant to be and reach the heights we strive to reach?
We walk, then run and stumble and fall. Only the strong survive and when we embrace that strength, we learn and we thrive.
Thank you always for your thoughtful input.
Isn't it funny how we all have to learn these truths for ourselves? Maybe the reason it takes some of us so long is that with time we are also building strength. If we knew all these things at the beginning of our journey we might be overwhelmed or afraid, but as we gain strength through experience we also gain knowledge and wisdom, one day at a time.
A wonderful first article. Voted up, BUI, also shared.
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weestro
timetraveler
I most definitely agree.......profound advice can come from anyone at anytime.....we never know. It's so true that a few words spoken, at a crucial time, can be magical and change our life. Sometimes, a simple sentence can begin an earnest search for truth and goodness. Thank you for your visit and your comments........Peace.
THIS was a magnificent piece of writing! I once met a stranger who said something to me that changed my entire life. I never got her name, but I will never forget her.
Inpiration can come from anywhere...enjoyed this. Thanks!
I'm actually watching the Golden Globes. It's very entertaining even though Keith Urban lost to Adele for motion picture song. It's ok, he's way better looking;)
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LOL....I never know where I'll see you poking your pretty head in!.....What are you doing this evening?....roaming the streets, looking for random people, places and hubs?....I do that sometimes. Be careful! Stay away from dark alley ways.....you could run into some of the cuckoo birds in our midst!.........Oh yes, they live here too.
Your first hub! You've come a long way Effer and you keep on getting better and better!! Woohooo to YOU!!
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Eddy....I thank you from the bottom of my heart...You are too sweet!
Only one word needed here:Brilliant!!!!
Eddy.
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Thanks so much Michael. I think we both recognize "Human Nature," when we see it!
This was a fascinating read. We go through life seeing glimpses of what could be and what can be.
You comment
'Is it only while in darkness, we search for light?'
Seems to be the truth of it, in my experience.
When life is burbling along we can miss so much. Only when something diverts this flow, do we see alternate states of being. That we could take.
Voted up and 4/5 buttons.
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Phyllis.....wonderful and wise thoughts. Thank you for visiting and wish for peace......I wish you the same........
Great hub, Paula. I really enjoyed it. It often takes a half a life-time or more for some of us to find the woman within -- and when we do the energy and love we feel for her is powerful. Femininity is not the weaker, it is the epitome of womanhood and the power of the soul that brings into our balance with others. May you always walk in peace and harmony.
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Nyamche.....Yes, a very true and profound thought.....we cannot know what tomorrow may bring. Peace, my friend.
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Docmo....Hi there Pig Sty....I miss ya, my man in the can.
I love this poem by "Norah," the anonymous woman.......my favorite line is...."We learn to plant our own garden, instead of waiting for someone to bring us flowers."..................Peace, my friend
This hub reminds me that each day is a fresh day and yesterday should be forgotten. I agree with the sentiment that, "you learn to build all your roads on today, because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.....And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight."
This is a truly inspirational message and i love the story of how you came upon it. there is so much wisdom in those words and eve though we don't know exactly how this came to be, the message lives on, thanks to your beautifully written hub, Paula. Glad I read this.
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Thank you so much for stopping by.....I appreciate your comment. There are many messages in this poem written by a mystery woman....we might all take away a different meaning......Peace.
I believe the note could be the greatest gift that we can share it with the ones we love.. .and yes, with strangers too.
God bless,
I loved this. I used to find it hard to get my head round why certain people have a profound effect on you despite only talking to you once. Yet others, you see day in day out but make no impression on you in any way. It's a funny old world! There are so many people out there that frankly disappoint me in terms of their behaviour and attitudes, it restores your faith in human nature when you meet a kindred spirit. Fabulous first hub!
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Vinaya... Why, Thank you very much, kind man. I am so flattered by your words....and I believe as you do that words can be most powerful and influential!
According to the Hindu World View, word is God, what ever is expressed through words, always influence people. Your words are sublime, sometimes ethereal, and very sonorous to ears.
There is profound depth in your writing.
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Victoria....Know how OLD this is? It was about my 3rd or 4th hub....when I was just a tiny newborn Hubette!
Yes...she really was incarcerated...that's what impressed me from the start.
I've had all sorts of fantasies about why such an intelligent woman would wind up in a Prison.....I finally decided, she probably killed her husband or boy friend after years of horrendous abuse.....her poem kind of sends me in that direction.....Thanks for commenting!
Wow. Powerful words. Those words were actually written by someone in prison? Amazing. Talk about accepting one's circumstances and coming to grips with it. Glad I came across this one! Many votes. Beautiful!
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Bobbi...This is an old hub, yes.....Sunshine shared it for some reason. I'm glad she did, because it didn't do too well with traffic, the first time around. Glad you appreciated it.
I was very impressed wth this message for "norah," when I read it so many years ago......Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
fpherj48,
This is a double mind-blowing night—first the story is remarkable from a woman in prison reaching out in an effort to help others---maybe because no one helped her---a repented Angel---climbing the steps of freedom.
And then this your first hub—after I have seen that pretty smiling face all over HubPages, I am astounded, and happy I am commenting on your first hub.
Your Hub Friend,
Bobbi
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I'm glad Norah cold make you feel warm and fuzzy. She'd probably be proud. I haven't given up hope that one day, she comes across this hub and know her words, so many years ago, left a lasting impression on many.
Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your comment.
Stories like this always make me feel warm and fuzzy. The Universe seems to be very good at orchestrating a set of circumstances perfectly in order for us to be inspired in just the right way. Thank you for sharing Norah's words and your vision of her. Well done. Voted up and beautiful.
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I've always wanted to know exactly who Norah was/is...Could have searched in some way as adopted children do when looking for their birth parents...but...you know how that goes. I'd ask her a thousand questions.
That would be so cool to have Norah stumble upon this awesome hub!
Stranger things have happened...
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Jaykatt...to be accurate, it was my 1st. "Title" but 4th hub. To be fair, I've been writing for a local magazine for 5 years, as well as writing short stories, news articles, political speeches and training manuals....for what seems like forever. Sadly, we'll never know what "Norah" was aware of all those years ago....Unless, miraculousy she stumbles upon hubpages! Wouldn't that blow me away!!?
Wow, this was your first hub? I'm very impressed by your creativity, and you've done Norah a service by spreading her beautiful words even further. Do you think she knew, all those years ago, that her words and thoughts would continue to be spread and to help people decades later?
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Jaye....This is exciting for me! In all the years I have been sharing "Norah's" poetic message, YOU are the very first to tell me that you saw it years ago as well!
I found those very profound words in print a couple of decades ago and was, like you, inspired by them. Over the years, I've shared them more times than I can recall with other women who seemed to be going through rough times in their lives or needed more self-esteem.
Very good hub. Welcome to Hubpages....Jaye
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Cogerson, your kudos means so much to me....truly...better than kisses and promises! Thank you
Very nicely done....Norah wrote some powerful words...my favorite would be Kisses are not contracts and presents are not promises.....like others have commented you can learn lots from a stranger....great hub and even more impressive great first hub.
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Pretty darned awesome, just like you ladies!
^ how awesome is that!
Hello friend!
I used to live on Huckleberry Finn Drive which was off of Mark Twain Blvd. I gained alot of wisdom living there for 11 years :)
(I'm serious, it's a residential community in Orlando)
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Peggy W....sweet of you to welcome me. Thank you, it feels good to be a part of the Hub community.
That's a great saying :)
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You really are a ray of sunshine. Hmmm...was it Mark Twain who said that strangers are just friends we haven't met yet? Good bye Stranger....Hello, Friend!
What wonderful lines of wisdom shared on that piece of paper. We should all learn to incorporate those words and feelings into our daily lives. Welcome to HubPages!
Congratulations on publishing your first hub. Outstanding! I've learned so much from strangers and they'll never know it. A good friend of mine reminds me almost daily, to "pay it forward" and that's my mission to continue to give back as my thanks to all the strangers that have inspired me. Thank you for your wisdom :)
Haha, maybe it's our small town girl roots, that make us friendly and less cautious. I know my town was pretty safe, so I sometimes forget all of the violence in bigger cities.
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From one smalltowngirl to another....You've said a mouthful. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your wisdom. It's a matter of keeping our minds open and our fears in check, being mindful of dangers that can hover. Come back and talk to me again!!
I think strangers offer THE BEST inspiration. I've always said the best advice comes from the person you'd least expect to say it. & Strangers just offer this viewpoint that's different, from the people you normally see and hangout with. It's a wonderful thing, and it's a shame that we have to be so cautious about strangers and violence these days, otherwise who knows, the world could be a different, more friendly place.
Thanks for sharing :D
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