An Anniversary Story (My mum wrote this)

An early morning rousing, resounding chorus—
“Happy Silver Jubilee! Wake up! Arise!”
Our girls hugged and super-hurried us
Outside, to a neatly-packed-and- waiting, humungous surprise!
Aesthetically arranged midst cushions and cuddlies,
Silver-trimmed, 3*4, ribboned, so large,
Yesteryears’ Kodak moments and gilded memories
Contracted in this specially crafted, framed collage.

The ‘elves’ had been at work that week,
Past midnight into the quiet wee hours.
Talents of Poetry, Art, Design convened;
Love’s joyous outpouring, in kaleidoscopic showers!
Bursts of brilliance bore the day….
Memory Book, Invitation Card, - on-line as well,
Poems, love notes, song, hymn and speech----
Yo, La, congrats! You’ve been just swell!!

Then came the day to celebrate
25 years of love well-blended;
At SADDAC, with family and friends in tandem,
2 Sumos and 2 bus-loads descended!
At Mass we assembled, hearts raised in prayer;
Aarti, prayer dance, offertory-gifts and homily,
Of LOVE we spoke, sang, reflected and shared
Love-stories of two families.

The Malliers—sure you know us well;
Gus, Ma, loving daughters La and Yo.
Of the SADDAC Family there’s so much to tell,
Of Olive, her team and the many children they grow.
They’re doing well---so many rehabilitated;
Some even pursuing a college degree!
To make our day they keenly collaborated,
With talent, élan, spontaneity!

So with this small group that gathered there
For Toast, lunch, entertainment, camaraderie,
‘Twas impossible to escape the magic in the air—
Our Jubilee, silvered forever in memory!
A day well spent, quarter century commemorated;
For all that has been—our gratitude profound!
Stay with us as our journey continues—
For all that will be—Hope, Faith still sound.

P.S. We cherish your messages;
On our golden trek we’ll preserve them, at intervals to savour.
For the few writing in still—‘Tarry not!”
We do look forward to your words —‘Better late than never!’

With Love,
Gus and Ma