This poem is dedicated to my wife, Gale, who turns 72 this year.

Happy Birthday is a time for cheer
As you celebrate another year
Friends and family all gather around
Where love and friendship are always found.

When you started your journey years ago
How many years you didn’t know
Whatever God has set in stone
These are the years we have on loan.

Life is full of many tasks
And each has the time it lasts
We celebrate getting older and wiser
We walk, ride a bike and then a driver.

Sometimes we’re happy sometimes sad
But life is good not all bad
God wants us not lost but found
But through life heaven bound.

So, enjoy this day and all it brings
Thanking the Lord the King of Kings
Look to the years yet to come
May they always be filled with joy and fun.

Many memories throughout the years
Some brought smiles some tears
But if I could do it all over again
I’d still want you my wife and friend.

Today’s the day you age yet again
You sometimes wonder; will it ever end?
But I have some news for you my friend
God will forever allow your age to extend

When sitting with friends and family
Your soul is filled to the brim with glee
Not because of how many people you see
But because of their love that makes you feel free

I know that all our lives are short
And enjoying oneself is a challenge of sorts
But the things we do will make you sore
Since I can kick your butt in mini golf, and then some more

What God has for you, we all are uncertain
For only He knows, and it’s for a good purpose
So there is no need to look up and be nervous
For when your time comes, you’ll be a star behind the curtain

So happy birthday to you with much love and concern
For your health and well-being and this life you deserve
We want more of you and we always will yearn
To see you again, when we all return.

Happy birthday Grandpa!

Love, Eric

Happy happy birthday,
I’m so proud of you.
Each and every year,
you outdo Gorilla Glue.

Through all life throws at you,
through the thick and thin.
You’ll hold your head up high,
and always sport a grin.

But you have an advantage,
that many know nothing about.
You have someone covering your back,
and nothing can stop His clout.

I write a poem for your birthday,
but you have a Writer at home.
And I hope He also writes,
you a birthday poem.

May you have everything,
a happy birthday should bring.
But I have to tell you,
I don’t have a diamond ring.

May you sleep late,
have breakfast in bed.
Have a bubble bath in the tub,
and a hairdresser for your head.

Enjoy your day,
and all you do.
Enjoy God’s blessing,
happy birthday, I love you.

This is a day to celebrate,
whose birthday can it be?
Could it be Ella getting bigger,
yes, she is one plus three!

Today is the day she’s four,
already I can’t wait for five.
Boy, time surely flies,
so young and so alive.

She has buses from Korea,
Chuggington and Thomas trains.
Special candy for treats,
this boggles my brains.

So easily she makes you laugh,
she’s such a delight.
She enters a room,
and makes it bright.

We’ll have a birthday cake,
to celebrate this great day.
Presents, balloons, and singing,
to the only one that doesn’t start with J.

I must be getting old,
my kids are all over 40.
Married, family, and kids,
a thing of beauty.

Happy birthday, Deanna,
it’s been quite a journey so far.
It’s had its ups and downs,
but you came through a shining star.

With age, you gain wisdom,
and you need all you can get.
Because three kids can be hard,
not only three, but also a pet.

But Deanna, you’ve been great,
balancing all of life.
You’ve lived up to all the trials,
a loving mother and terrific wife.

I hope you have a lovely birthday,
when it comes this Wednesday.
May you celebrate the way you want,
making it the most memorable day.

You’re very special in my heart,
and you have a flair for the Word.
It seems like the entire family,
makes the sweetest sound I’ve heard.

I know times are very busy,
but I look forward to seeing you.
This year will not be midnight,
when 41 becomes new.

So happy birthday I say again,
may God richly bless you.
May the day be bright and cheery,
in everything you do.

Ella Vivian Goodman is now three,
she is getting bigger, we can see.
As we celebrate this birthday year,
may everyone give roaring cheer.

Ella has given out a pet name,
and not-a-one is the same.
If my name was Bob,
I could understand “nutjob”.

Grandma is very simple,
she calls her “Grammy”, smile and dimple.
Mommy got the name “popcorn”,
puffed or kernel of corn.

Jared she calls “wawa”,
I can’t understand and say “aha”!
Daddy she calls “lima bean”,
but he’s not green- know what I mean?

She also calls me “papa”,
a shorter version of Grandpa.
But this is all part of Ella’s world,
as it’s mixed and twirled.

So as we celebrate age 3,
we’ll see what the future will be.
She’s talking more and running the show,
we follow wherever she will go.

Happy birthday, Ella,
as Grandma calls you “Ella Bella”.
We look forward to year four,
I’m sure we’ll be in for so much more.

Sixteen is the second milestone,
that happens in the teenage years.
And that’s more than enough,
to call for birthday cheers.

Eric John, you’re getting older,
bigger and taller too.
I can see changes in your life,
as God takes care of you.

One day you may be a poet,
even better than I’ve been.
You write deep on thought,
and that’s the way to win.

You seem to be branching out,
with many more things to do.
I really enjoyed putt-putt golf,
it was fun spending time with you.

One day we’ll do something else,
and leave the phone at home!
We’ll concentrate on what we do,
just you and me alone.

We’ll still have to have lunch,
or maybe after-school dinner.
The school year doesn’t leave much time,
but on vacation you’ll be a winner.

I’m so happy to celebrate your birthday,
even though you’ll be away.
I know you’ll have something special,
with the family on Tuesday.

So I’ll see you when you get back,
we have a score to settle.
One of us will be the winner,
but I know it will be a battle.

Happy Birthday