Flora: how can I explain,
who you really are?
And living for Christ,
you’ve set a high bar.

You always had a smile on your face,
you were a woman beyond compare.
Your smile erased fear,
a shining example of God’s care.

Everyone in your presence,
was comfortable and at peace.
And when you played your music,
the worship of Jesus would increase.

God blessed you with many talents,
and for the glory they were given.
Putting Jesus first in everything,
made your life beautiful and worth living.

It was always such a pleasure,
spending time with you.
Your knowledge and your wisdom,
kept life fresh and new.

Everyone who ever met you,
couldn’t call you anyone but friend.
Your life intertwined with Jesus,
turned out a perfect blend.

Your life has taken many turns,
too many to write about here.
You showed a beautiful way to live,
putting your trust in Christ, no fear.

Flora, I look forward,
to the day we’ll meet again.
I know you’re safe and happy,
you’ve waited for this day that never ends.

My friend was 97,
looking forward to 98.
She had all her faculties,
she was doing great.

We talked last Tuesday,
when I gave her a book to read.
Asked her how she was doing,
was there anything she might need?

She said she was fine,
and was going to watch the news.
She had dinner cooking on the stove,
she seemed okay, I had no clues.

But my wife always knew,
when Santa was up and about.
They had a secret code,
which left no doubt.

When the shades were open,
she knew Santa was okay.
But the shades weren’t open,
on that very Wednesday.

It makes me think how life is short,
and I’ve held bitterness towards my brothers.
I never want to be like that again,
I want to be at peace with others.

Santa called me her eldest son,
and worried about Gale & I, always on the run.
She always asked when we would stop,
or when we’d finally be done.

I’ve learned how precious friendship is,
and each day to end with a good-bye.
I know the day will finally come,
when I’ll take time to sit and cry.

The developing of a friendship,
is sometimes a surprise.
It truly is isn’t valued,
until it’s time to say good-bye.

Then the times are thought about,
the good times and the bad.
The times of disagreement,
but more so, the times when we were glad.

Four years is not a lifetime,
but the Lord has blessed its growth.
It’s in His tender nurtured care,
sealed as an unspoken oath.

The time of closeness has come to an end,
it’s time for us to part.
But God has blessed me graciously,
He placed you in my heart.

He’s bound us together with unbreakable cord,
the cord of His precious love.
And the friendship we’ve developed,
is blessed from the Father above.

No matter where our service may lead,
in any storm or weather.
I thank the Lord Whose care we’re in,
because He’s brought us both together.

This poem is dedicated to my good friend John Maiorana, who underwent successful heart surgery on Wednesday, October 29, 2014.

Through all the years of thick & thin,
and how long we have known each other.
We are no longer considered friends,
we graduated, and you became my brother.

I know you feel the same as I do,
and we both dance to a different band.
Those who listen to us banter,
I know they really don’t understand.

When we throw digs at each other,
they’re always new, never outdated or old.
You and I are the only ones who know,
laughter is the best medicine for the soul.

It never fails when we see each other,
we are immediately put to the test.
The mind is thrust into high gear,
to see who’ll come out the best.

Between us though, there never is a winner,
we jab and poke fun at each other.
Because it is never really about us,
so we remain brother to brother.

From the very first day we met,
I think this is how it was meant to be.
A bond that grew from day to day,
destined for joy and laughter, for you and me.

So John, I hope you always remember,
one can not work without the other.
I was the one who was funny,
you were the one faithful brother.

So hurry up and get well,
we have a lot more yet to do.
The Lord’s not finished yet,
there is still more laughter in me & you.

Joe & Roseanne

The Lord richly blesses you for all you have done,
the souvenir adds memories to all the kids fun.
A happy smile registered on every kids face,
the keepsake with a hanger your wife knocked with please.
Signed by all who helped make this a great day,
rich blessings & thanks you for all you’ve given today.

Gale & Rose

Pairs throughout the Bible are known,
instilling a friendship you two have grown.
Blessed by the Lord in all that you give,
a blessing indeed as you work with the kids.
Thank you for all & for all that you’ve done,
may next year be blessed with ever more fun.

The developing of a friendship,
is sometimes a surprise.
It truly isn’t valued,
’til it’s time to say good-bye.

Then the times are thought about,
the good times & the bad.
The times of disagreement,
but more so, the times when we were glad.

Four years is not a lifetime,
but the Lord has blessed its growth.
it’s in His tender, nurtured care,
sealed as an unspoken oath.

The time of closeness has come to an end,
it’s time for us to part.
But God has blessed me graciously,
He placed you in my heart.

He’s bound us together with unbreakable cord,
the cord of His precious Love.
The friendship we’ve developed,
is blessed from the Father above.

No matter where our service may lead,
in any storm or weather.
I thank the Lord Whose care we’re in,
for He brought us both together.