Settling in for a Long Winters Nap

Twas the month before Christmas and all through Grandpa's room,
Not a creature was stirring, other than Hannity and O'Reilly speaking of doom;),
The pictures were hung by the TV with care,
In hopes that Grandchildren soon would be there.

Grandpa was nestled all snug in his bed
While visions of Grandma danced in his head.
And Jimae in her bedroom and Dixie dancing to rap,
Then all settled down for a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
Grandpa sprang from his bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the van Dixie loaded him with a flash,
Tore open the door, and tried not to crash.

The weather has turned cold including some snow
While Grandma is in Heaven, he lives here below.
When what to his wondering eyes should appear,
But the memory of them being together, it's almost been a year.

With the youngest daughter, a cute little pixie,
Making plans to be merry, it must be party Dixie.
More rapid than eagles the courses they came,
And she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Nicki! now, Laura! now, Alex and Ashley
On Dana, On Rachel, On Caleb and Marcie!
To the front of the porch! Knock on the door!
DON'T dash away! Dash away--Don't dash away all!"

And then, in a twinkling, Grandpa heard on the floor
The prancing and pawing of so many more.
As he poked out his head, and was turning around,
Great grandchildren came running in with a bound.

His eyes-how they twinkled! His laugh how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up with a yearn,
And the whiskers on his chin ready to kiss with a burn.

The remote of the TV he holds tight in his fist,
You might have to grab it and throw it out in the mist.
He has a slender face and a skinny little belly,
That shakes when he laughs, like a bowlful of jelly!

Grandpa is waiting for visitors, a right jolly old elf,
And he laughs when he sees you, in spite of himself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gives you to know you have nothing to dread.

So come for a visit, Grandpa will greet you with cheer.
Stay for a bit and it won't be unclear
That as you leave, 'ere you drive out of sight,
Grandpa wishes Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!

(Poem revised by Aunt Pam.  No I don't have my mother's poetic talent.)  

Honoring our own Veteran

"Freedom in never free."  Author Unknown

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms.  It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die."  G K Chesterton

"This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is the home of the brave."  Elmer Davis

 

"Lord, bid war's trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace."  Oliver Wendell Holmes

"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers."  Jose Narosky

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget the the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."  John F. Kennedy

"There never was a good war or a bid peace."  Benjamin Franklin

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"  Maya Angelou

"Courage if fear holding on a minute longer." George S. Patton

We are grateful for the good fight fought by our Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather.  

Thank you, thank you.