Eric John: 15!

I remember when you became a teenager,
and now it is two years later.
Before you know it, a bigger change is coming,
but for now, being 15 is greater.

God has blessed you immensely,
much more than you realize.
And his blessing, sometimes,
you can’t even visualize.

As God knows every hair on your head,
all of your life is in His Hand.
You’ll always walk on solid rock,
never on sinking sand.

For every child of his,
God has a vision.
And by the Holy Spirit,
He’ll guide every decision.

So look to God every day of your life,
remembering that He is in control.
And one day in the future,
you will join all of Heaven on Streets of Gold.

So happy birthday Eric John,
may every day be bright as 15.
And may you grow in life,
as you look forward to all at 16.

Gale: 2016

A little girl was born,
68 years ago.
You may not know who,
but I happen to know.

She grew up in Brooklyn,
’til the age of eight.
Then she moved to Farmingdale,
a new life to create.

No more city living,
pure country, now the task.
Truly a different style of life,
with many questions to ask.

Travel now was different,
you needed a car to go.
The bus wasn’t at the corner,
to take you to and fro.

But life can always be adjusted,
it’s just a matter of when.
And once you know your way around,
all will be fine then.

You make new friends,
you hope for life.
Then you meet me,
now a wife.

So 68 years,
have come and gone.
Memories still linger,
as time goes on.

And our own two daughters,
have families of their own.
And I hope that their memories,
make a happy home.

Much more was packed,
in those 68 years.
Many were happy times,
but some brought tears.

But that is part of living,
as we do, day by day.
But God holds you in his palm,
and carries you along the way.

So let me take the time,
to wish you happy birthday, dear.
And I hope that your memories,
are cherished from every year.

Katherine Is Seven!

This poem is dedicated to my granddaughter Katherine, who turns 7 this week.

Little girls,
continue to grow.
Getting bigger,
from head to toe.

Daily, they change,
but we don’t always see.
And before you know it,
they’re smarter than we.

They grow up so different,
than we did in the past.
Celebrating a birthday,
seems to last and last.

Grades and school,
just come and go.
When we were in school,
it went sooooooo slow.

But as we celebrate,
each birthday with cheer.
We look to the future,
getting older each year.

But each and every year,
has its very own charm.
And on June 15th,
we’ll sound the alarm.

The special day,
is finally here.
Seven is the number,
God’s favorite, by year.

So may God bless you,
as you celebrate today.
With all of your family,
in your own special way.

Looking for a future bright,
Grandma & Grandpa enjoy watching you grow.
May God open doors of, “Yes!”
and close the doors of, “No!”

Happy Birthday, we love you,
let us pray.
That all is possible,
for you today.

Happy Birthday Sammy!

This poem is in honor of my grandson, Samuel, whose 3rd birthday is this week.

Sammy, Sammy,
Mom and Dad’s little man.
God loves you,
and has a plan.

There isn’t a life,
that He doesn’t hold.
All that happens,
He turns to gold.

You had a destiny,
before you were born.
And God directs each day,
it’s new every morn.

He cares and holds,
you in His Heart.
And with each day,
a brand new start.

I see a future,
with promise so true.
As He blesses the life,
He has created for you.

You have a life,
that will never end.
He’s your Savior,
Brother, and Friend.

Sammy, you are getting bigger,
day by day.
And your birthday is less,
than a week away.

We’ve counted every one,
and now you will be:
One plus one plus one,
so now you are three.

So happy birthday Sammy,
you are no longer two.
Grandma and Grandpa,
wish the best for you.

Seventeen Verses

Eighteen is getting closer and closer,
and before you know it, twenty-one.
So enjoy each joyous birthday year,
while they are still fun.

Each birthday brings changes in life,
as we grow and mature.
Look to what the future holds,
and our heart in God, secure.

God is able to open many doors,
as our future is in His Hands.
And with our anchor secure in Him,
He is the Author of all our plans.

Already He has done much for you,
and the future holds so much more.
Your potential is unlimited,
with multiple blessings galore.

You’ve been allowed to celebrate,
in so many different places.
I wonder where your favorite was,
you’ve put us through the paces.

Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut & Vermont.
All in one day’s time,
that’s a lot to visit and count.

We’ve been to many other states,
I couldn’t name them all.
But we’ve always had a great time,
whether we’re in the country or at a mall.

We’ve spent enough time playing golf,
the kind where you putt-putt all day long.
Sometimes you even get to win,
but mostly you just play along.

You get to do many do-overs,
which really aren’t fair.
Your score never reflects it so,
but I don’t really care.

Myrtle Beach was the territory for battle,
we’ve attacked that town twice a’round.
Golf courses were available everywhere,
but other things to do were found.

We had a storm which was quite unique,
it had its moments of joy, fear, and power.
The winds so strong, you couldn’t open the door,
and this went on for over an hour.

Grandma was banging on the door because,
it pulled her in to the hall.
Your mother and father were on the balcony,
watching the lightning and all.

They didn’t know ’til you and I,
arrived at the hotel room.
Grandma had been pulled in to the hall,
with a loud and thunderous boom.

The trip sure had its moments,
when you and Grandma were on the wrong floor.
317 instead of 417, with the door ajar,
the room was empty- could you ask for more?

Something is always bound to happen,
and it varies from year to year.
It always revolves around you,
and adds to your birthday cheer.

These times are never planned,
they just seem to come about.
But in the end, everything,
just seems to work out.

Just like this poem about you being 17,
your age and the number of verses.
So happy birthday again from all,
too bad birthdays don’t have reverses.

Birthday Delight

This poem is dedicated to my daughter, who recently turned 43.


Birthdays come around,
each and every year.
Sometimes a gala event,
other times a simple cheer.

Not everyone always celebrates,
as they did when you were younger.
More excitement happened then,
the joy of finally being a teenager.

But with each year comes wisdom,
as you continue to grow and grow.
But then you’re not quite as quick,
in fact, you might’ve gotten slow.

But then the joy of a little one,
returns your strength and vigor.
Another year you carry on,
asking God for peace and favor.

I remember at forty-three,
I just knew it all.
But then my kids told me,
that wasn’t a good call.

But Jennifer, I know the years,
have come and gone so quick.
But I know you cherished every one,
and Ella knows everything needs a lick.

You’re such an important part of life,
as you celebrate 43 this year.
I am proud to be your father,
so happy birthday and all the cheer.

Happy Birthday: A Poem to the Poet

I’ve had a life that is full,
even being stubborn as a bull.
And being seventy-one,
it’s no longer as much fun.

Having grandchildren numbering five,
they’re the best reason to stay alive.
Their laughter and their joy,
much better than any toy.

I’ve had times on a trip,
I just couldn’t get a grip.
Travel just didn’t seem fair,
when Pennsylvania ended in Delaware.

That was so many years ago,
but still I am reminded so.
Sometimes I even get it right,
but that just wasn’t my night.

Life’s been good, even when bad,
it’s been happy even when sad.
There’s been times to shout about,
there’s been times I’ve felt left out.

But through it all, I reached this day,
how many more, I cannot say.
But whatever the Lord decides to give,
I’ll thank Him and do my best to live.

So I’ll enjoy my birthday all year through,
and remember all the things that I can’t do.
Older and weaker as the days go by,
couldn’t I get younger- tell me why!