A Unique Anniversary Gift

A great idea for any anniversary, A Gift of Poetry is a truly

romantic way of expressing your innermost thoughts and feelings.

(Here's a good example of what can be achieved. Tom wanted something special for his parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. Tom has kindly given his permission for his poem and story to be published)

Our Light - Guiding everybody safely to shore

Full Name:             Tom Keegan                                               

Who do you want the poem written for?: My parents, Jim and Marie Keegan         

Why do you want the poem written ?: The poem will be read aloud at their 50th wedding anniversary party on July 13, 2003.

Key Messages:          Their love and commitment to each other and to their
children and grandchildren; Their good example being our guide through the tough times; Hard work and cheese and cracker sandwiches for dinner (when times were lean) gave way to great success in business showing us that anything is possible; Because of their commitment to their church, through all of their exceptional organizational talents (my mother could get anyone to volunteer by merely saying, "I don't want a decision now; just think about it."), we all grew up feeling like part of a safe and nurturing community that was always active and vibrant; Their commitment to getting us the best education took precedence over all other things; The tail-gate picnics off of Route 95 was better than going to Disney Land; Mom's assistance with finding us work when we were teenagers sometimes took
the shape of the infamous "Ride": she'd drive us anywhere anytime until we found a job;  Mom and dad met at the corner ice cream store; Mom's special love for Bonnie and Keltie, collies who hold a special hold on her heart to this day; Dad was in the Marine Corps during WWII; Mom was recruited by the CIA for her exceptional aptitude; Mom never sleeps on a pillow - she sleeps on curled up cloth diapers because, God forbid, she ruin her hair doo; Mom's nick name growing up was the "Cricket" (not sure why- neither does she!); Dad's business taught us a lot about commitment to the task at hand, honor in every endeavor, honesty brings its own rewards; No matter what the situation, no matter what time of day or night, they are ALWAYS there to give aid and comfort to ANYONE.

Memorable Moments:     I come from a family of 7 brothers and sisters so it's hard to try to remember some memorable moments that would be shared by everyone not just me. I think I've listed some of the items above that might have been better placed here - use what you can!

Other Comments:        The party will be celebrated in Maine near Nubble Light, a lighthouse of historical and romantic importance to both of them (it was the place of their honeymoon and their continued respite for a couple weeks in the summer every year since they were married). It might sound corny but could you somehow reference the Nubble Light by comparing the life-saving utility of the lighthouse to the mariner and the guiding light of love and a good example provided by both of my parents making our trek in this life a little less daunting. I was thinking about having a picture of the Nubble Lighthouse as a screen to the poem but I don't want to influence or constrain your talent by imposing a "central theme" to the poem so I'd be open to your suggestions.

Style:                 encouragement, happy, a real tear jerker!                

Package Type:          Unique                                                   

Last thoughts:         I own a publishing company and would like to get the final poem in electronic format for my graphic artists to play with - is that possible?

 

Our Light

Mom and Dad, you're two very special people,

and that's why we're all gathered here today,

your love for us has been our beacon,

and now there's a few words we'd like to say:

Your love and commitment to one another is extraordinary,

your example has been our guide through the tough times,

very often, you've been the rhyme in our reason,

in other words, you've put the meaning in our rhymes.

You met at the corner ice cream store,

it was a place where you'd get to corner your dreams,

and there, your wonderful story started,

a story of one of the world's greatest ever teams.

The CIA recruited Mom because of her aptitude,

and Dad was in the Marines during WWII,

two people, very much in love,

just doing what they had to do.

And the Marine Corps taught us well,

I think we can remember Montezuma and Tripoli if we try,

as there was one hymn we all knew before kindergarten,

Dad taught and drilled everyone the words to "Semper Fi".

You were committed to giving us the best education possible,

Disney Land was swapped for tail gate picnics off Route 95,

but that didn't matter to us one iota,

because we felt loved and so very much alive.

When we were still teenagers,

Mom took us on the infamous “Ride”,

she'd drive us around until we got a job,

she'd never sleep until everywhere had been tried.

And life wasn't always easy,

sometimes, we had cheese and cracker sandwiches for dinner,

but you showed us how to be successful,

and most importantly, how to graciously be a winner.

Because with hard work and determination,

and if you've got a dream to be believed,

you taught us anything is possible,

there is simply nothing that can't be achieved.

 Because of your commitment to the church,

and your exceptional ability to organize,

we grew up feeling active and vibrant,

although this should come as no surprise.

Oft times on the phone to volunteers Mom would say:

“I don't want a decision now, just think about it”,

and slowly she moves the planet towards goodness,

step by step, inch by inch, bit by bit.

Mom had a special love for Bonnie and Keltie,

and they still have a special hold on her heart to this day,

and I think they're still bounding around somewhere,

tails wagging, coats shining, eyes full of play.

Dad's business taught us about commitment,

honor in every endeavor and honesty will bring its own reward,

and because of those lessons in life,

everyone of us has graciously soared.

You also taught us about love,

and that's a pretty important lesson for life,

you taught us how to be great parents,

and how to be a loving husband and wife.

No matter who or what the situation,

no matter what time is on the clock,

you are ALWAYS there to give aid or comfort,

you are like this magnificent grounding rock.

And just like the Nubble Light,

you have steered this family safe to shore,

and we will love you for all of time,

and then we will love you for just a little bit more.

 Because, you indeed have been our beacon,

your light has guided us safely to port,

and finally, in closing,

we'd like to share just one last thought.

Your love, for us, for one another, for the world,

is also a light that shines for a brighter day,

and I think we should all follow your example,

no matter what, we should find your way.

Because with love and giving we will find the light,

and that light will shine for evermore,

so happy 50^th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad,

we love you (and that's really what these words are for).

Copyright Allen Jesson :) 2003