Rainbow wishes do come true...

Have you ever made a wish upon a rainbow? I have. My wish came true. Since that warm summer day in 1996 I have appreciated each and every rainbow I crossed paths with.

In 1996 my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She was given 6 months to live. As a family, we were devastated. Our hearts were heavy with sadness.

After surgery and treatment my mother was required to have an MRI. She had a fear of MRI's due to claustrophobia. She was adamant that she would not have one performed. She would not be subjected to the tomb of darkness. With all our strength we pleaded with her to have the diagnostic test done. She stubbornly relented.

This particular day we went to the oncologist office to hear the results of the MRI. We were given outstanding news. She could expect to live for more than 6 months. Possibly up to two years. Her treatments were successful. We were all elated. We proceeded with happy hearts out of the medical center.

RIP Mom 2.20.02

As we walked across the parking lot, my daughter said "look mom," as she pointed toward the sky.

We all stopped in our tracks and stared in awe.

Above us was a brilliant rainbow of stunning colors.

We were a bit baffled as it hadn't stormed that day. Yet together we cheered. We hugged. We smiled. We thanked the rainbow for gracing us with it's appearance.

We felt our prayers had been answered. In unison we agreed that the rainbow was our gift of life. Silently we all made a wish.

My mother beat the odds. She was determined not to be another statistic. Mom was a champion. She passed away six years after diagnosis. Not six months. Not two years. My mother always had the last word.

Rainbow Wishes - Haiku

Breath taken away

crimson red shining above

may your wish come true

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dusk turns into dawn

blue as the forever sky

make a memory

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bright rays of sunlight

filling our days with sunshine

yellow is mellow

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Citrus scented air

glowing embers of orange

cascade up above

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Green as the meadow

overcast throughout the sky

pot of gold awaits

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Purple haze of warmth

arch of multi-color maze

good fortune is near

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Wizard of Oz

Rainbow Cookies

Rainbow Cookies Recipe

This Rainbow Cookie recipe is from allrecipes.com.

I have tried this colorful recipe a few times and have never been disappointed.

The cookies are not only delicious, but easy to make.

Have children or your grandchildren assist in creating this yummy snack.

Make some family memories with this recipe. Rainbow Cookies.

Rainbow Wishes

Comments

Robin Carretti from Hightstown on February 27, 2018:

Your words blend so decadent like a rainbow and by far and close up to my heart and star Judy Garland is simply about the best singer My Mom saw her concert she loved her Moms are the best

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on November 06, 2015:

This is beautiful and very touching!

Now onwards I may look at the Rainbow from a different perspective. Thanks for sharing your story!

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on April 28, 2015:

Maybe one day there will be that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! :)

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on April 28, 2015:

My pleasure Linda.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on April 28, 2015:

Thank you, Kristen! :)

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on April 27, 2015:

Truly a magnificent and beautiful article. I believe in Rainbows - yes I do! Your haiku is marvelous. Thanks and will share.

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on April 26, 2015:

Linda, this was beautiful, pure and simple. Nice work with the haikus. You've done them justice. Voted up for beautiful!

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on February 20, 2015:

Not a day goes by that I don't miss my mom 2.20.12

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on January 09, 2014:

Thank you the story and the poem. I can always use a dose of this hope you serve up so beautifully. Voted up!

suzettenaples on September 08, 2013:

I'm wishing for a rainbow so I can make a wish . LOL. It has been a while since I've seen a rainbow. Wonderful article. So inspiring about your wish for your mom. And, I love the haiku-beautiful!

jenbeach21 from Orlando, FL on September 08, 2013:

This was very touching and inspiring. I appreciate you sharing it with us all!

Audrey Howitt from California on September 08, 2013:

Beautiful and touching!!!

Christina M. Castro from Baltimore,MD USA on July 20, 2013:

A lovely rainbow you have painted and this one definitely leans toward your Mom who is a strong woman. The genes in your family are definite, and even the smallest shall inherit her strength. I know that when the rainbow appears in the sky your Mom is smiling. What a great hub, Sunshine!

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on June 30, 2013:

This is a very sweet little hub. I like the way you embellished the story about your mom with the rainbow cookies and the song.

Audrey Howitt from California on June 24, 2013:

Just beautiful Linda!!

livingsta from United Kingdom on June 20, 2013:

Beautiful one Linda. Thank you for sharing this with us. Belated Happy Birthday to you.

CrisSp from Sky Is The Limit Adventure on May 21, 2013:

Very touching story. Thanks for sharing. I've wished upon a star when I was a kid but I don't remember what I've wished for now. :) I should probably try with rainbows. Pleasure reading this hub.

Love from the sky~

Stephanie Henkel from USA on May 21, 2013:

Beautiful story! May all your rainbow wishes come true, Linda! :)

Audrey Howitt from California on April 10, 2013:

Beautiful Linda! Had to come back!

Michelle Liew from Singapore on April 02, 2013:

Beautiful......and may our wishes upon a rainbow come true! Thanks for sharing!

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 25, 2013:

Thank you MM.

Movie Master from United Kingdom on March 20, 2013:

So, so beautiful Linda....

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 18, 2013:

Thank you for your comments Martie and Audrey! :)

Audrey Howitt from California on March 18, 2013:

Ah--beautiful Linda!

Martie Coetser from South Africa on March 17, 2013:

Another success story!

What a lovely picture of you and your mother!

From now on I will make a wish when I see a rainbow.

Beautiful, Linda! All of it :)

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 12, 2013:

Thank you ... Dianna, Pamela, Ish, Jamie, Glimmer, Barbara, Nell ... for your comments and sharing your thoughts! :)

Nell Rose from England on March 12, 2013:

Hi Linda, how did I miss this one? so beautiful, and your mum sounds like she was an awesome lady, I am glad you had more time with her. my mum was the same, she had a stroke, they thought she wouldn't pull through but she woke up, swearing I might add! lol! and stayed with us for another 4 years, loved the haiku, and those cakes! Ummm! lol!

b. Malin on March 12, 2013:

What a Truly Wonderful and Inspiring read Sunshine...I've always Loved Rainbows and also confess to making a wish or two upon seeing one.

I Loved your Beautiful Haiku Rainbow Poem, and Judy singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", always makes me cry...And Rainbow Cookies/cakes are the Best!

I bet your Mom, is proudly Smiling down.

My Votes across the Board to you dear Friend.

Claudia Mitchell on March 07, 2013:

"Citrus Scented Air" - just beautiful and what a lovely tribute. I remember seeing a rainbow when I first got pregnant with my daughter (did not know it at the time) and making a wish. Beautiful.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani from Chennai, India on March 07, 2013:

A heartwarming hub with nice memories of your beloved mother and a wonderful haiku! I saw a rainbow as a child and now if I see one anyday, I make a wish. Well-done!

Thanks for SHARING. Beautiful & Awesome. Voted up & shared on Facebook

Jamie Brock from Texas on March 06, 2013:

What a beautiful thing to see as you all were walking across the parking lot that day... it was a sign :) Ya know, I have seen some pretty rainbows but I always forget to make a wish... I'm going to remember next time. Thank you for sharing this :)

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on March 06, 2013:

This is an awesome hub. I have always loved rainbows, and now I think they are more magical. I am so glad you got good news about your mother. I love Dorths's song also. I have seen that movies dozens of times. You amaze me with your positive attitude, despite tough problems. You inspired me always.

Dianna Mendez on March 05, 2013:

I love rainbows and always look for them where ever I go. I have seen some really amazing ones with beautiful colors. Dorothy's song is a favorite of mine and I sing it often for the reminder of how much a rainbow symbolizes promises. Lovely sharing from your personal life, Linda. Very inspirational for me. Blessings, dear lady.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 05, 2013:

Dana, I'm glad you enjoyed my "colorful" hub. Thank you for the inspiration!!

acaetnna ... I also love the Wizard of Oz. It's a movie I could never get tired of watching.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 05, 2013:

Leslie, I wish your cousin Maureen the best of luck with her journey. Keeping the faith and positive thinking work wonders.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 05, 2013:

Amen Ruchira...strong women run in my family. Thank you for stopping by.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 05, 2013:

Thank you Laurinzo and LoveDoc! Keep on wishing! :)

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 05, 2013:

drbj, Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your kind words.

acaetnna from Guildford on March 05, 2013:

Oh wow this is terrific and so beautiful. Rainbows are indeed very magical. Don't you just love 'The Wizard of Oz'? I so loved this hub.

Dana Strang from Ohio on March 05, 2013:

You have shared such a beautiful and touching story. I have several family members that have been touched by cancer - with varying results. Cancer - such a terryfying word... Thank you for sharing your story. And these haiku! Wonderful! Colorful! Beautiful! :)

The recipe looks yummy too! This hub is such a treat for heart, eyes, ears, and tummy!

Karen Silverman on March 05, 2013:

Linda, oh Linda - did this touch a nerve - and my heart! My cousin maureen was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer which had metastasized to her liver - almost a year ago now! After chemo and an 8 hour surgery - and more chemo - she went for her 'final' pet scan a few weeks back! ALL CLEAR! she has beat the odds as well - already! She'll be going every 3 months from here on - and i pray she has 6 cancer free years ahead of her!

Thank you for this! voting and sharing..

Ruchira from United States on March 04, 2013:

Linda, this was beautiful. You got the strong genes from your mom, lady.

I had no idea that we gotta wish on seeing a rainbow. Will do so now :)

lovedoctor926 on March 04, 2013:

A very touching story of faith and hope. I have never made a wish upon a rainbow. Lovely haiku. voted up!

LJ Scott from Phoenix, Az. on March 04, 2013:

This is a very beautiful collection of haiku, and it also reminds me of God's promise to us...in Gen. 9: 13

Voted up definitely

drbj and sherry from south Florida on March 04, 2013:

I've always believed, Linda, that rainbows are almost magical. Thanks for sharing the lovely recollection of your mother, the beautiful photos, the meaningful Haiku, the delicious rainbow cookies recipe, and Judy Garland - all on one Hub.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 04, 2013:

Shauna, Keep on wishing!:)

Mary, Thank you very much for your comment. Wishing you good luck and fortune also. Each and every day.

Breakfastpop, We were also. Thank you!

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 04, 2013:

Thank you DDE and Travmaj!

ps, I appreciate you sharing your daughters journey with us. Wishing you many rainbows to warm your heart.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 04, 2013:

I appreciate you sharing the link Martin. We are never to old to learn something new :)

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 04, 2013:

Thank you Bill. Keep on believing!

breakfastpop on March 04, 2013:

This was a wonderful hub. I am happy that your Mom beat the odds. I will never look at a rainbow in the same way again. I always knew they were beautiful, but now I know that they are much more.

Mary Craig from New York on March 04, 2013:

"This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life."

Beautifully done Linda and right in line with all that we know...may the rainbow always bring you luck and good fortune.

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on March 04, 2013:

You've made a believer out of me, Linda. I will begin wishing on rainbows. I've always considered them magical, now I know why!

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on March 04, 2013:

Rainbows are a m a z i n g every time they light up the sky. It is like some kind of wonderfully, magical experience even though I understand the science behind them.

It is so wonderful that you had your precious Mother much longer (but never long enough) than originally forecast. Nine years ago, ten in May, my daughter was told she should party like a rock star because her cancer had not been arrested. So, I can understand your joy

The imagery you created paints a lovely reflection of the rainbow.

Sending you Angels this morning :) ps

travmaj from australia on March 04, 2013:

all so lovely - and I agree - the sight of a rainbow makes me melt - very special - lovely meaningful words... thanks you

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on March 04, 2013:

Phenomenal sight of the rainbow, and my condolences to you, mothers are often right.

Martin Kloess from San Francisco on March 03, 2013:

I hope you don't mind, I read Shella's comment. If you refer to: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiku you will learn these are indeed haiku, Now that you are armed and dangerous,I expect to see more of your wonderful work.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on March 03, 2013:

That was beautiful, Linda! I would believe in rainbows too if that happened to me.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 03, 2013:

MM, "My mother always had the last word" she did right by me! xo

Sheila, I appreciate the pointers. I consider my haikus as "Sunshine Style" I normally do things my way, not always the right way, but I'm happy either way. Thanks!

Daisy...Thank you!!

Daisy Mariposa from Orange County (Southern California) on March 03, 2013:

Linda,

Rainbows are special, as is this Hub. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Sheila Wilson from Pennsylvania on March 03, 2013:

Very nice story. If you're interested in learning about haiku, I have some hubs on the subject. Your short poems technically aren't haiku. "May your wish come true,""good fortune awaits" and "pot of gold awaits" would never be in true haiku. Haiku only describe what can be seen. Haiku also have to contain two contrasting images set apart by punctuation or a cutting word. They also need to contain a seasonal reference. I noticed that your poems are all 5-7-5 syllable format. Contrary to popular belief, haiku do not have to have that syllable count. It's better to have about 12 syllables in English to be closer to the Japanese 5-7-5 "on" sounds that is the basis for haiku.

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on March 03, 2013:

Ahhh, your Momma taught you right. Beautiful, just like you, Linda.

Rainbow wishes are the best! Love, MM

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 03, 2013:

Hi Mary, A dual rainbow is a double treat! I'm so glad your move to Florida worked out well for you. Now if we could just get our heat and humidity back and the cold will go away. Wishing you more double rainbows!

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 03, 2013:

I agree Michelle, a rainbow is a gift. I hope your wishes come true.

Mary Hyatt from Florida on March 03, 2013:

Your beautiful poem reminded me of the day my family arrived in Florida to begin our new life here. As we crossed the GA/FL state line, there above us was beautiful double rainbow. I took that as a good sign.

Loved your Hub here. Voted UP, and shared, Pinned and Tweeted.

Michelle Liew from Singapore on March 03, 2013:

Hi Linda, this was an outstanding dedication to a rainbow. A truly colorful haiku!! A rainbow is one of God's gifts.....will start wishing on one today.

Linda Bilyeu (author) from Orlando, FL on March 03, 2013:

Thank you for your thoughtful comment Janine. I believe we should always have hope and make rainbow wishes :)

Janine Huldie from New York, New York on March 03, 2013:

This was absolutely beautiful Linda and I definitely do believe in signs just like this. Your mom definitely beat the odds and her rainbow wishes, as well as her family's wishes were definitely answered. Thank you for sharing this, because really gives such hope to all and have of course voted up and shared all over, as always!!