Connections

Last night I stumbled upon an worn out and faded book and I wondered if it was my dad's. When I looked inside the cover it was indeed, addressed to my dad, from his grandmother. My great-grandmother published a book of poems call "Journey Into Awareness" in 1976. As I opened the cover and ventured into her work, I realized that Rose G. Arkin and I are very similar. Although I am not nearly as revolutionary as she was, our writing style and perspectives are identical. Mrs. Arkin was honored by the Anti-Defamation League for "outstanding service to the community" and her book challenged readers to open their minds to the world around them. The book is organized into three parts: Confrontation, Realization and Awareness. In order to reach deep epiphanies she explored many philosophies, religions and experienced an life-changing awakening herself. As I sheltered girl living in New York City, she never was exposed to the life of poor. One day she saw a man begging on the street. This one man changed her perspective forever. From that day on, she dedicated herself to charity work and self-exploration.

Although I have not had an awakening moment in my life, I have been engaging in self-exploration through writing. I compared my writing to her writing and the subject matter is nearly identical. The only difference is that she choose to deliver her truths in poetry, while I choose to deliver mine in a memoir fashion. Back in the 1970's her writing was revolutionary. Not many people chose to write down their personal enlightenment. I feel proud knowing this woman is my great-grandmother. I wish I could resurrect her, but knowing I can't, this blog post is dedicated to her, in fact, all my writing is dedicated to her. I believe she gave me the open-mindedness to engage in self-exploration and the talent of writing to express my personal enlightenment. Although she is no longer physically present, she lives in me. She lives in the words I record and my spirit for personal progress and daily learning. Rose G. Arkin, rest in peace <3 You inspire to accomplish great things and to find the beauty in myself and in my world. You give me the courage to uncover who I really am and reassure me that I can overcome any challenge presented to me. You were and still are one incredible woman. I feel fortunate to share the same genetics with you.

A sample of her work

The Search
So quick to disbelieve
So eager to retrieve
That faith without which all seems
naught,
Yet we must suffer through
And lead our thoughts anew,
To find the way which we have sought.

O groping soul, be brave,
For e'en the wish to save
Yourself is half the fight to win.
And if we seek that peace,
Which brings us true release,
Remember, it must start within.