PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Copyright 7/3/98



Thirty years ago on this very day

My wife and I wed, and the chances of making it

They said, “No way.”



We went to California because Uncle Sam sent us there

We struggled in our one room love nest below Big Bear.

The times were hard but we weren’t forelorn

As it gave us our son…our first born.



With son on board our place was too small

So with a pay raise we moved to the two room coop

On the other side of the wall.



And then as in a dream come true

Our favorite Uncle sent us to Oahu.

Living in an apartment made for three

I almost lost you because our son wouldn’t sleep.



Then on to Ewa Beach for our next abode

And then came our next son…what a load.

A nicer baby could not be found

We learned much later this one was tightly wound.



My surfing days were numbered to your delight

We moved on base and things were alright.

It seems number two son was just being weaned

When our daugher made the scene.



Three bundles of joy you see

Figuring what was causing it,

I opted for more TV.



Princess clung to life and fought like a champ

We held her and caressed her under those lamps.

I would beep her nose so she would know it was me

For they had placed blinders on her so she couldn’t see.



We prayed each night and day

She would be home, so with her

We could play.



So now our family was complete

We had hard times, but real needs we did meet.

Our dogs gave us a leg up

And let the kids see the birth of a pup.



With my tour near over I extended again,

But our dads took ill and we knew then

It was time to come back to the lower 48

We would be closer in that Alabama state.



You made some mistakes and I did too

But love all powerful saw us through.

Our children were our lives as they have always been

Watching them play they all had desire to win.



The years flew by as they normally do

The kids grow up and were a pain for me and you.

But through it all our love never wavered

Even though for each child it had a different flavor.



At no time was there ever a favorite child

We loved them all, even when they were wild

They grew up strong with choices to make

Each made what was best for them and chances they did take.



We moved to Florida with much apprehension

We weren't sure we could handle the tension.

But time went by and infatuation revived

We both lost our fathers, and we still survived.



Two boys went for college and our daugher was wed

And then began the suffering of the empty nest.

But, it was not to worry for number two son at FSU

Decides it is time to move.



We loaded the truck with furniture full as could be

And hit the road to Tallahassee.

The truck looked funny and had the feel

Of granny's truck, the Clampett mobile.



Many times we made that trek

After 5 years number two graduated,

One more and I would have broke his neck.



Number one had graduated and he wed

And they gave us a beautiful grand daughter

About who not enough could be said.



We helped number one move to a new house quick

And made the long trip to bring them food when they were sick.

We did it out of love and that special need

That parents have to care for their children when they bleed.



Daughter's decision we supported when to the air force she did go

And comforted her in her divorce when she felt so low

It is true that our grandson and us have a special bond

But as with all our children of him we are fond.



No child or grandchild is loved more than the other

We have no favorites, sister or brother.

We cherish each other and are the wellspring from which flows

Never-ending love to the rest of those.



There has been questions about who has precedence in our lives

And a simple answer before you lies

The only priority in my life

Is you, my lover, my friend, and my wife.



Everyone else is arranged below

In order of distance from the family fold.

Like the prodical son when the daughter comes home

We will be here cause it completes the family and makes us one.



The rest of my children I can see every day,

But when the lost comes home for a short stay

We want to spend as much time with them as can be

For it may be a long time before her we again see.



Most of this poem has been to explain

Our love for our children and our actions that may seem vain.

At our age we should not have to explain ourselves at all

Respect for our decisions shouldn't make siblings bawl.



We have given all of ourselves to each of you

And received complaints and criticisms about what we don't and what we do.

So let this serve as notice that we are turning a new leaf

And will be doing for each other and weaning your needs.



To you my wife say I

I will never leave you until I die.

You are my sun in the morning and my moon at night,

You are the stars in the sky, and my breath of life.



To you I pledge my heart

And each day pray we never part.

Thiry years ago I told you I loved you and this has changed somewhat

Not only do I love you more...I love you a lot.



This poem I hope did not offend,

For my wife and family my love has no end

And if it did...that's alright

Cause the only one that matters for me is my wife.