Happy 35th Anniversary

When my parent's had their 30th Anniversary 5 years ago I wrote them a letter to go along with the card. It was a letter about them and our family -the 4 of us. Not to brag, but it made everyone (except for my brother) cry.  (Celebrating not only their marriage but acknowledging that we also became a family was something I felt needed to be expressed and part of that celebration.)

Tomorrow, it's their 35th Anniversary. Pop has invited a bunch of people over (and most are of them are from their congregation (past and present)) over to their place for a surprise party for my mother.

And this party -it's a poetry party.  And there will be champagne (oh my!)

I think with all I've written about her, I don't think I've mentioned that among her many talents, she's a writer and that includes writing poetry. It's such a big part of who she is and it's helping her cope with the physical challenges she deals with.

I think it's a good idea that I called Pop this afternoon to because I really needed to know more details about tomorrow. It turns out it's not just going to be poetry, nibbles and champagne...he's also feeding everyone (making his delicious spaghetti.) From what I understand, there are going to be about a dozen people (if not more) there and he's going to need help BIG time.

So I'm going to do whatever I need to to help Pop set this up. (No whining allowed...Sam.)

I'm now realizing that while the impression he has given in the past has led me to think he feels trapped ...I now know that's NOT true. He really loves her. He isn't just staying because he has to. He is doing this because it's what SHE wanted to do for their anniversary.

(Note: I had called him because I wanted to ask if there might be a little time for us to have alone time, just the 3 (or 4) of us because I've been wanting to show them this thing I ...discovered last week, "Henri - Le Chat Noir". You have GOT to see this:



Brilliant. Fucking brilliant. And that's just the first one. There are quite a few more...)

OK... where was I?

Oh, yeah, the anniversary....

And I have to write a poem....

❤❤❤❤❤❤

So I'm working on my poem for the party right now.  I'm nervous about having people I used to know and care about but have lost touch with share in something so personal.

It's a poem written for them, about them, but not only them.  

I also need to admit that I'm feeling a little pressure. Pressure for it to be ...really good. My mom is a good poet and I want to impress her, them. (Impress Pop too of course. He has done a bit of writing himself and that includes poetry.)

What they think matters. And I hope they not only like it, but understand it. I want it to speak to them.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

So here it is

(Keep in mind, this is the result from being a child of Suzy Sunshine and Eeyore.)

Truly, Madly, Deeply, In Love

It's why books are written and
songs are sung.

A sweeping, grand,
all-consuming thing.

It can lift you
higher than high
and bring you to your knees
and break your heart into a tiny-million pieces
(Dramatic you say? Well I am my mother's daughter)

But it is so much more than
highs and lows,

It's feeling safe and secure
in being yourself.

It's in the looks shared
that say a thousand things without 
saying a word

It is selfless and selfish
And more precious than diamonds or pearls

It's the kiss
and in the kiss.

It's in the wanting to make someone
happy 
and holding them when they cry.

It's in surprises
and in the comfort of the familiar.

It's passionate but calm,
simple but complicated,

It's the gift that keeps on giving 
and doesn't cost a dime.

It's in the sharing of decades of 
joy
sorrow 
and everything in between. 

It's in how you feel
knowing that you're loved 
and love in return.