From Then Until Now

By Terry Stewart Homewood

This book is an accumulation of poetry from the age of 15 to 51.
It is my ups and downs, my highs and lows, my happiness and sadness.
There were many years nothing was written. It is hard for me to write when there is nothing to say and still write it well.
At 23, I was in a horrifying car accident, in which I almost lost my daughter and myself. I had to grow up again and learn again. It was a painstaking process.
Thirteen years later, I came down with bacterial spinal meningitis. The terrifying pain in my brain made me want to die, and although I asked God to take me, I finally realized that He had a different road for me to take.
Now I want to be and do the best I can, no matter the road Im on.
I write because I love to write. I write because there is a story to tell that maybe someone may learn from, that maybe a situation can be changed for the better, that all is not lost, at least not forever, and the days will get brighter, for with motivation and perspiration, we can move mountains.
That God is always with us, that He carries us in his arms, watches us grow, and wants us to mature into loving people, for with love there is everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463423988

Terry Stewart Homewood

Terry was born in Wakeeney, Kansas to Richard and Vera (Homewood ) Stewart. She has one younger brother, Brian Clay Stewart. Her father was killed in a car accident when she was seven. Her mother counted pennies for years before she remarried. Terry attended Fort Hays State University and Barton County Community College. She has a degree in Art Therapy and Psychology, and is teacher certified. She substitute taught for 18 years in her home town, sometimes traveling to small schools in the area to meet more students and make new friends. Terry is currently the director of Russell Community Learning Center which she has called her ‘home away from home’ for 5 years. She has five children: Misty Dawn, Dustin Lee, Sunny Clay, Westin Stewart, and Desiree Danae, and six grandchildren: Macey, Micah, Maxson, Oliver, Myla, and Mavery. When she is not working at school, she is working at home. She is usually outside, planting new flower beds or playing with her two dogs. Tess is a shepherd-boxer mix that she got at a shelter, and Ellie May is a dachshund, which she saved from Death Row Dogs. Just like when she was a little girl, Terry loves to write and paint. As of now there is an activity that she has been doing for 31 years, and that is taking care of her children, which she loves doing the most.

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With Special Thanks

To my most beautiful, wonderful mother. I wouldn’t have been here without her. She edited my words, but wanted me to start writing happy thoughts. I will mama.

For my caring husband who has traveled with me through pot holes and falling snow, carried me through crisis, and cried with me through pain, has been a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold for twenty-four years and forevermore. I love you. Please forgive me for my trying days.

For my wonderful children, Misty, Dustin, Sunny, Westin, and Desiree, for without them these words would not have been written, and a voice never heard. They are my life, my hopes, and dreams. They are my world. God surround them with love and peace, knowledge, and strength. I just want to squeeze all of you and never let you go. I love you so much.

For my grandchildren, Macey, Micah, Maxson, Oliver, Mavery, and Myla. May the days of sunshine, goodness, and gladness pour out to you, and keep you safe in God’s sight. The world is yours for the taking. Always be good, be nice, and behave. I love you all.

For Marcie, Mrs. Wagner, and Mr. Bauer who helped me when my technology fundamentals were lacking.

Thank you to Larry Bernard, the Russell High School Principal, who gave me a job, an empty room, and said, Fill it. I gave him 100 students and he let me paint my walls purple.

Thank you to Linda Hohman who teaches Honors English, Drama, Debate, Speech, and Forensics. She read my poetry and then taught my children how to write good English!

Last of all, I need to thank my high school English teacher, Patricia Strecker, who believed in me.

For those I knew then to those I know now, thank you for letting me be a part in your life.

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Head Trip

I walked the walk and talked the talk

until a transformation took place.

Whether it was dwelling inside my soul

I do not know.

Time and time again I saw the old regression,

the old me, stumbling about in

Payne’s gray darkness,

clutching to my inner turmoil,

lunging for me,

hungry for that which I could not give.

In the damp darkness,

I found an iron stair rail,

Cold and sticky,

From the moisture squeezed

Out of my brain.

I tried to push the stuff back in,

But it refused to go.

I started up the steps.

My head was starting to feel as damp and sticky

As the stair rail.

I tried to hurry towards the top.

I thought I saw a light.

I was wearing down.

My batteries were getting weak.

I reached for the knob at the top of the stairs.

The light went blink.

My shoulders felt as if something was falling,

A slow plunging as my head tripped down the stairs

To rest at the bottom in the darkness

where I started from.

Things never do change, do they?

Headache

Oh, the blow to my mind,

I felt it just cracked and I can