It's time for our annual communique....
December, Twenty-Twelve: We pause, compose
A note to friends and family, all of those
Whose paths joined ours at points along the way,
A chance to muse with gratitude and say
That we are blessed, our riches not in banks
But in relationships, and we give thanks.
The year saw milestones we’d like to share.
Yes, Larry reached the age of Medicare
And Marilyn hits that number before long.
Our children planned a party and a song
To mark our Forty-fifth, a tale of years
Remembered both in laughter and in tears.
It’s good to celebrate. We marvel how
The time so quickly passed from “then” to “now”!
Our embryo work continues and we’re glad
For every opportunity we’ve had.
Our clients become friends, and we can say
We’re happy when we venture out each day.
At home a long held dream is taking shape,
The vineyard planted, row on row of grape
Called for a winery and a tasting room,
Thus, months of labor, a construction boom
Of sorts. But
first, we haggled for a loan.
The process pared our project to the bone.
Months of frustration had us near despair
With Larry all but pulling out his hair.
Now that is in the past, we’re on our way
And closer to completion every day.
The project truly is an effort backed
By all our children.
We have never lacked
For any skill. The
gifts that they employ
To pull this all together bring us joy.
Though this new venture barely has begun
And there is much unfinished, much undone,
The end’s in sight.
I paraphrase a quote,
“At first dreams seem impossible” Reeve wrote,
“and then improbable” (we’ve been there, too)
“and then inevitable.”
How true, how true!
We hope this dream provides a legacy
Of work rewarded for our progeny.
Each child, each spouse, each grandchild we hold dear,
They are our greatest treasure, year by year.
In tension with these blessings, we’re aware
Of tragedy and suffering everywhere.
Disease and sickness touch both young and old.
The reach of poverty is ever bold.
Alongside nature’s good and bounteous norm
Stalks crushing pain from every violent storm.
All this compounded by the lack of peace
Around the globe.
The cry “Let all war cease!”
Still sounds above the ugly, droning din.
Conflict without, we pray for peace within,
For grace to live in love the Golden Rule,
Through centuries, a tried and tested tool.
This missive ends with wishes most sincere.
May joy and peace and health be yours this year!
Gratefully,
Larry and Marilyn
Our anniversary celebration is reflected on YouTube at
Follow our winery progress at www.thevineyardatgrandview.com
or follow us on facebook.
Card design by www.littlemomentsbysarah.com
