“Don’t Give Up!”

In recent weeks I have heard from several of my friends who are having an extremely tough time currently. For many of us the uncertainty of our health will never be gone. We will always enjoy the times when things are uncomplicated, but aware that we may not be far from difficulties.

There have been times during my own experiences when I never thought I would see the next day, but my wife and I managed to take a few days in the country to try and take our minds off things. Whilst walking one day we came across a deserted church where there were cards with some great pieces of writing, and for a small donation you could take one. My eyes focussed on one in particular, and I was totally captivated by it. It accompanied me into my isolation unit and through my transplant. Even today it motivates me during the really tough times and it seems to have become my mantra! It feels appropriate for many of the challenges we face today, not just health.

I would like to hope that this piece might inspire you as much as it has me, and please feel free to share it with others who may also benefit, thanks, Chris

“When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you are trudging seems all uphill.

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with it’s twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And Many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the cloud of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are.

It may be near when it seems so far:

So stick to the fight when your hardest hit,

It’s when things seem worse that you must not quit!”

10 Comments

    • Thx Pat! I think I was meant to find it in the church that day and it has been with me since. when things get tough I read it, and it helps push me on.
      Best to you as always, Chris

    • Thx so much Abi! I have found it an incredible resource over time, and thought there may be many in the community who may also find it helpful. Thinking of you, Chris xx

    • Hi Eileen, it’s funny I was thinking that very thing as I was writing that piece! That has been the story for me throughout my life, and it has continued through my cancer experience. Is that Karma,I’m not sure but I do believe in it.
      I am a great admirer of your work, and thank you for all you do.

  1. Thanks Chris as always those words could not have come at a better time I knew it was a painful op but jst now and then with the cramps its so painful!! Hope to be more myself before long love to everyone and families Georgine x xx

  2. Oh Chris that is a fantastic piece. I shall copy and cherish, plaster my walls with it! It Brought tears to my eyes at a time when I am feeling huge frustration over my ongoing disabilities which never improve despite me constantly trying to lose them in the dust behind me!! Thank you so much for sharing it! X

  3. Hi Dawn, so pleased you like the piece and so sorry to hear how you’re feeling right now. I can certainly understand that, I have often felt that I am travelling up an escalator, getting in sight of the top, then sliding back to the bottom.
    That is when I refer to that poem, it has kept me going through some really dark times, and I hope it can help you too! Love to you both, Chris xxx

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