LARRY
A MAGNIFICENT "G"
I don't like to use the word "sweet",
But that is the only description that applies.
You were very loving, too.
My, how time flies.
I'm unsure of how old you were;
Probably around the age of three
When you proudly displayed your learning skills
By pooping out the letter "g".
You definitely had a talent.
Such a gift! Oy Vey!
This is a natural ability
One doesn't see every day.
Your artwork was detailed, precise.
You made a drawing and were beaming;
A picture of a "critter" you spied in the room.
Grabbing your hand, I ran from the house screaming.
What about Mr. Monkey?
You and he were quite a pair.
No matter where you went,
He was always there.
Tearfully he had to leave.
Your allergies were to blame.
I did my best to make you understand,
But you were never quite the same.
Now you've reached the age of thirty-five.
Please take a well deserved bow.
You're probably more mature
Than I will be ten years from now.
A very happy birthday.
May your trials and tribulations be few.
Wishing you well on this joyous occasion
From the mom who rarely had a clue.
My son, you portray such confidence.
How did you become so strong?
Not letting the clutter of emotions
Way you down or drag you along.
Able to see only black and white.
Everything so clearly defined.
Able to make a decision
With little doubt in your mind.
I stand back in awe
For I was not allowed
To demonstrate such courage
If it went against the crowd.
Perhaps it is merely the resilience of youth
With the future at your door.
Perhaps the re-awakening of a dream
That's been there so many times before.
I know at times you're exhausted
And have only the desire for sleep.
You keep plodding along wordlessly
But still I hear you speak.
Permit me to voice this tribute,
Paying homage from the heart's core.
Here's to you, my cherished son.
I could not have asked for more.
THERE'S SOMETHING BETTER DOWN THE ROAD
The daily battles you confront
Are a substantial, wearisome load;
But just you wait and see.
There's something better down the road.
You feel you're treading water
While the world is passing you by.
A sense of frustration and helplessness
May leave you pondering why.
If I could speak the wisdom of the ages,
Of assurances that are not in vain,
Of solace and inspiration
Words to mitigate the pain.
But I'm on the sidelines cheering.
My voice heard above the rest.
Admiring your tenacity
When others would be hard pressed.
Whether it's a step or a crawl
As you approach each episode
You must remember and believe
There's something better down the road.
A little leprechaun came into my life;
New to each other and a little unsure,
Could it have been only yesterday?
For overnight he grew so mature.
Journeys to the beach
Watching him play in the sand.
Busy with his pail and shovel;
Blessed by the sun with a golden tan.
July 4th, our annual trip to the stadium.
Sitting on a blanket looking towards the sky,
Sometimes huddled against the chill.
Just the leprechaun and I.
Saturday night, time for Chiller Theater.
In his jammies his energy abounds.
A bowl of popcorn on our laps
Watching a hand sprout from the ground.
Flashbacks always creeping into my thoughts
Make me chuckle and grin.
Loved this little leprechaun so much,
Couldn't imagine life without him.
A little leprechaun came into my life
Changing my point of view.
Raised him loved him the best I could;
Guess you know that leprechaun is you.
Happy 22nd birthday.
My little Lar-Bear you'll always be.
FOR MY SON
Looking back upon
The dreams I had for you
And wondering if any
Ever did come true.
Twenty five years ago, overwhelmed.
Holding you for the first time,
The joy within so deep
Knowing you were mine.
My golden fair haired child
So gifted and so smart.
Always trying to amuse me,
But you already had my heart.
Living can be a challenge.
Afraid in life you'd be trampled
So I needed you to be tough.
Did I set a good example?
Did I lay down the right tracks,
Leave a wheel that you could steer.
Did I guide you and lead you?
Was the path set always clear?
Was I a good mother?
You were a good child
With kindness in your soul
Unique and self styled.
With optimistic aspirations
The little boy did grow.
Now dreaming dreams for his son
Just as I did long ago.
Happy St. Paddy's Day, m'boy,
And a happy birthday too.
Yes, you've made it to twenty nine.
Bet this really surprises you.
I know you'll be working hard
On this your special day.
Hope you can find the time
And for a few minutes get away
To take some deep breaths
And inhale the world you see.
For the moment will soon pass
And become but a memory.
A happiest of birthdays, my dear son.
You are a most courageous man
To have followed your heart in life,
To have pursued your own goal and plan.
But when it comes to a lucky number
You know I just can't pick it;
But I'll keep my fingers crossed
As you eagerly scratch off each lottery ticket.