G'day, and welcome to my blog site. My name is Ivor Steven, I live in Geelong, Australia. I'm an ex-industrial chemist, and a retired plumber, and a former Carer of my wife(Carole), for 30 years, who suffered from severe MS. I Write poetry about those personal thoughts, throughout and beyond my life as a Carer.
I've been blogging for over 2 years, and writing poems for 19 years. Of course a lot of my poems are about my favourite subject Carole, but since I've been blogging my writings have become quite varied, humourous, mystical, observational, and even a few monster/horror poems.
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113 thoughts on “My Guiding Light”
When you lose someone you love, it can take a long time to be able to write about them. It took me 17 years to complete “Promises to Drew.” I don’t think the pain ever completely leaves you, but gradually, the good memories take up most of the mind space.
Oh, you know this has me crying, Ivor! Tears of joy and tears of sadness. Sad he is gone. Happy he lives on in spirit, and in you! π
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad! What you’ve shared with us about him over the years has made me feel like I knew him…and loved him. π
I’m sure he is so happy AND so proud to see what a wonderful man you are…you are definitely a lot like him! π
(((HUGS))) β€ and keep remembering the sweet memories! π
a loving tribute to a gentleman who nurtured and inspired you … you certainly are a physical replica and sounds like you echo his kind heart … this tune is so moving … take care kind gent!
He was a beautiful influence on my life and a wonderful role model for me to follow…. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fill his footprints, but I’m giving it my best shot. πππ
Ivor, I think your father shines through brilliantly in you. I know I have never met either of you but I feel there is a strong resemblance in the words you write (not to mention the pictures!!!).
Yes… my sister says, “I look more dad with every passing year”…. and I do reflect in my writings, a lot of Dad’s attitudes and values…. and I’m so proud and honoured to have shared in his love for life, and his love for people that were around him…..xx
Beautiful photos especially the symbolic one of you stood in the Light of those gone by. You were a very lucky man to have so much love around you in your life. You do look like your Father. Brilliant tribute to your Father. Bless you on this memory.
Very movingly evoked. The pain never leaves, one simply becomes accustomed to it and occasionally slightly less afraid of it, from my point of view. β€β€β€
What a great poem and tribute to your dad! I thought I was seeing twins. You look so much like him. Great photos! Dad’s will always live and walk along side us!
Thank you Pragalbha … It’s an old poem that I have posred a number of times over the past 5 years … it really is a lovely tribute to my Dad, and I do not think I’ll be able to do much better in the years to come … ππππ
Aw, there is your sweet Dad! His birthday…a day to remember and honor him with joy and a day to rest in the precious memories of him! π That music is perfect! π I’m so glad your Dad’s light and spirit still guide you, Ivor! (((HUGS))) π
PS…When I saw the photos of your Dad, I grabbed a few tissues. At the ready. Because I knew the joy-tears would flow when I listened to the music and read your poem again. Sad, as I know you miss him greatly…joyful, because I know he lives on in you and you make him proud! π
Thank you Carolyn .. and yes he would be graciously proud of me .. Iβll never be as wonderful as him, but I think Iβve surpassed my own expectations πππΆπ΅οΈ
We were blessed, you & I, to have fathers who were such good, honest, loving role models. Your tribute is heartfelt and beautiful. I wrote a poem about my dad after he left this earth – not as poignant as yours, but certainly it painted a picture of the man, just as yours does, Ivor. https://janbeek.blog/2018/06/16/memories-of-daddy/
Oh, and then in 2020 I posted another poem in memory of my dad. I like this one even more: https://janbeek.blog/2020/06/21/he-left-us-2/ … You’tr not finished writing about your father, Ivor. He will live on in your heart and occasionally he will come spilling out in your marvelous poetry!!
This was wonderful to revisit. π When you share about your Dad it always makes me smile! π
Thanks for the smiles today!
I miss my Dad.
(((HUGS))) β€οΈβ¨
Our loved ones we will never forget. I think of my mother and grandmother every day and theyβve been gone for quite a while. Beautiful verses, meaningful and strong.
When you lose someone you love, it can take a long time to be able to write about them. It took me 17 years to complete “Promises to Drew.” I don’t think the pain ever completely leaves you, but gradually, the good memories take up most of the mind space.
Thank you for the beautiful poem, Ivor.
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Thank you, and yes the healing process is ongoing, and full of beautiful memories. πππ
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Love your memories.
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Thank you Claudia
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What a lovely tribute to your dad.
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Thank you Sadje, he was a loving gentleman, and I’m happy to have to inherited his lovely qualities πππ
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How wonderful for you.
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β€οΈ
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Oh, you know this has me crying, Ivor! Tears of joy and tears of sadness. Sad he is gone. Happy he lives on in spirit, and in you! π
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad! What you’ve shared with us about him over the years has made me feel like I knew him…and loved him. π
I’m sure he is so happy AND so proud to see what a wonderful man you are…you are definitely a lot like him! π
(((HUGS))) β€ and keep remembering the sweet memories! π
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Thank you Carolyn, I’ve always said, that I if grow up to be half as good as my Dad, then I’d be a happy man… πππππ
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Lovely memory of a much loved Dad π
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Thank you Sue, I’m a lucky boy, to have had such a lovely Dad…πππ
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a loving tribute to a gentleman who nurtured and inspired you … you certainly are a physical replica and sounds like you echo his kind heart … this tune is so moving … take care kind gent!
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A time to celebrate the life a great dad, us siblings are getting together for a luncheon on Sunday…π
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lovely, just what you all need, enjoy!
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I really enjoy when you write about your father Ivor. I can sympathize knowing the loss is always felt. Thank you for sharing him with us.
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He was a beautiful influence on my life and a wonderful role model for me to follow…. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fill his footprints, but I’m giving it my best shot. πππ
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Ivor, I think your father shines through brilliantly in you. I know I have never met either of you but I feel there is a strong resemblance in the words you write (not to mention the pictures!!!).
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Yes… my sister says, “I look more dad with every passing year”…. and I do reflect in my writings, a lot of Dad’s attitudes and values…. and I’m so proud and honoured to have shared in his love for life, and his love for people that were around him…..xx
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β€οΈ
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Lovely poem Ivor. I love the pictures, you look a lot like your dad. π
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Beautiful photos especially the symbolic one of you stood in the Light of those gone by. You were a very lucky man to have so much love around you in your life. You do look like your Father. Brilliant tribute to your Father. Bless you on this memory.
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Thank you Nanette, yes a truly wonderful father, who travelled my journey with Carole, hand in hand ππ§‘π
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Carole blessed you both and also lucky to have so much love around her on her journey.
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Yes.. I believe it was ordained that that way, for the benefit of us all π
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A fine tribute, Ivor
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Thank you Derrick, and indeed my Dad was a fine man….
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Very movingly evoked. The pain never leaves, one simply becomes accustomed to it and occasionally slightly less afraid of it, from my point of view. β€β€β€
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Yes, as time goes by, we cope better ππ
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Indeed…in ups and downs.
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πππ
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What a great poem and tribute to your dad! I thought I was seeing twins. You look so much like him. Great photos! Dad’s will always live and walk along side us!
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Whatever I write, couldn’t explain the true qualities of my Dad… Thank you for your kind words Dwight. ππ
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I am sure that is true!
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I love this!!
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Thank You Walt … π€π
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You’re very welcome my friend… π
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Such a lovely tribute to your father, Ivor.
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Thank you Shweta … he was a loving and gentle man .. β£π
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You’re very welcome.. I’m glad that you had such a lovely father.
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A moving tribute to your dad Ivor. You must miss him a lot!
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β€οΈ
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Woww..! Such a lovely and heart touching memory Ivor..!π
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Thank you Filarance β¦ my dad was a gentle and loving manππ
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Yes, he is..! Most welcome.!π
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Oh how lovely, ivor. What a beautiful tribute
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Thanks Harley … he was gentle and loving dad ..
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The best kind
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A beautiful tribute!
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yes .. a beautiful dad, who was gentle and loving ..
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π
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Thank you for sharing this Ivor. Such a loving poem. I listened to the music through my headphones.It was fantastic!
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It pleases me greatly that you liked my poem, and the accompanying music selection .. πππ΅π
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I shiver from yesteryearβs leftover rains
And there will always be a deep river in my veins
So deeply beautiful!!
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Thank you Pragalbha … It’s an old poem that I have posred a number of times over the past 5 years … it really is a lovely tribute to my Dad, and I do not think I’ll be able to do much better in the years to come … ππππ
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Your words are so lyrical! And this is so heartfelt.
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Thank you Parikhit for your gracious comments ..
ππ€π
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Aw, there is your sweet Dad! His birthday…a day to remember and honor him with joy and a day to rest in the precious memories of him! π That music is perfect! π I’m so glad your Dad’s light and spirit still guide you, Ivor! (((HUGS))) π
PS…When I saw the photos of your Dad, I grabbed a few tissues. At the ready. Because I knew the joy-tears would flow when I listened to the music and read your poem again. Sad, as I know you miss him greatly…joyful, because I know he lives on in you and you make him proud! π
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Thank you Carolyn .. and yes he would be graciously proud of me .. Iβll never be as wonderful as him, but I think Iβve surpassed my own expectations πππΆπ΅οΈ
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β€
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We are so fortunate to have such wonderful memories of our loved ones. Lovely to see this again. Does this mean he would now have been 100?
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A touching tribute, Ivor! Happy Birthday to your dear departed Dad π
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Thank you Ingrid … Oh whatever I write is only a thimble af ink, compared to the oceans kindness and compassion that lived within my father’s heart
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How beautiful! ππ
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ππ΅οΈππ€
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This was a lovely post Ivor. Your father seems kind!
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Thank you Mimu ..
He was a kind and generous man π¨π
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A very nice tribute to your dad, Ivor. Sorry for your loss.
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Thank you Dwight .. πππ΅οΈ
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You are welcome!
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Such a loving tribute, Ivor! Dads are so special. β€οΈ
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Thank you Punam β¦yes indeed, my was very special π΅οΈπππ
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You are welcome, Ivor. π€
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We were blessed, you & I, to have fathers who were such good, honest, loving role models. Your tribute is heartfelt and beautiful. I wrote a poem about my dad after he left this earth – not as poignant as yours, but certainly it painted a picture of the man, just as yours does, Ivor. https://janbeek.blog/2018/06/16/memories-of-daddy/
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Thank you Jan and I have left a comment on the link you posted for me πππ
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Thank you, Ivor. I appreciate your visit and especially your poetic inspiration. Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity with the world!
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Youβre welcome Jan .. having my words being read by the WP world is a wonderful thrill for this 70 year old poet from Geelong
π€πππ
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I know the feeling of that thrill… The WP world is a diverse and inspirational place! β€
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Yes indeed Jan .. and I always amazed at how my humble little poetry site has grown over these pass 5 years
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Youβre in the right niche!! And your talent sparkles, Ivor. Have a blessed week.
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So kind of you to say so π€ππ
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Oh, and then in 2020 I posted another poem in memory of my dad. I like this one even more: https://janbeek.blog/2020/06/21/he-left-us-2/ … You’tr not finished writing about your father, Ivor. He will live on in your heart and occasionally he will come spilling out in your marvelous poetry!!
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Thank you Jan .. my dad was a very kind and gentle ππ΅οΈππ
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Lovely tribute to your dad, Ivor π«
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Thank you again Navin .. and I was privileged to have such a loving dad
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It’s my pleasure…how lovely…
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Wow!
Happy birthday to your dad in Heaven Ivor!β€οΈ
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Thank you Cindy π΅οΈπππ‘
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Indeed Ivor!!!β€οΈ
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Your love for him shines in your words.β€οΈ
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Thank you Ali ..πππ
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It is always good to reflect on the those who helped make us who we are and your dad definitely did that for you! Good to see this again.
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So sweet Ivor.
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Thank you Sadje π€ππππ
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Youβre welcome
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This was wonderful to revisit. π When you share about your Dad it always makes me smile! π
Thanks for the smiles today!
I miss my Dad.
(((HUGS))) β€οΈβ¨
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Yes .. we miss our dadβs .. I was fortunate to have such a wonderful man for a dad .. not every child is so lucky ππ€π
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Our loved ones we will never forget. I think of my mother and grandmother every day and theyβve been gone for quite a while. Beautiful verses, meaningful and strong.
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Thank you for your kindness
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Youβre very welcome
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Another year? Well worth savouring again
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Thank you Derrick
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What a lovely and loving relationship you had/have with your father.
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Yes indeed Cassa .. I was very fortunate.. not every child in this world is so lucky to have/had such kind and gentle dad like had ππ€π
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Reblogged this on About the Jez of It and commented:
‘cos, just ‘cos
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Thank you for your generosity and kindness Jez π€ππ
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My daddy was my example and leading man – you got me in the feels
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Yeah .. for our wonderful Daddyβs π€π
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So beautiful a tribute Ivor π
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Thank you kindly Willow ππ€π
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ππππππ
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Sometimee, even memories are so painful to recall. How are you Ivor?
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Thank you Arlene .. I’m Ok, and I have many fond memories .. πππ€
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