Poem #28

"Happy Birthday To My Brother"

Osa Eric Decker (U. S. Navy during WWII)

Dedicated With Love & Good Wishes

To My Older Brother 

OSA ERIC DECKER

On Your 72nd Birthday - May 14, 1992.

Happy Birthday To You, "Big Brother of Mine"!

(I can't believe you're 72!)

It's your "crazy kid sister" who's now 69! -

With A Sentimental Birthday Poem For You!

Remember the day you first started to school -

And I cried "cause I couldn't go too?

I had to stay home and obey the age rule -

So I'm glad I had a "little brother" too!

Decker Kids - Eric, Thelma, & Max

You were "my idol" as we were growing up -

And I tried to be "just like you"!

I would tag along - (like an adoring pup)! -

And do everything you told me to do!

With musical talents - you were endowed ...

And practice made your talents grow!

Your performances made your family proud -

Whether "in the school band" - or "on radio"!

Eric Decker with his musical instruments

(He played violin, banjo, & guitar.)

After all these years ... it's plain to see -

You've "weathered the years" just fine!

You're A Shining Star On Our Family Tree -

And I'm glad You're A Brother Of Mine!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Left to right:  Eric Decker, Thelma Decker Hill, Max Decker

(1975)

Poem #25

"The Loss Of A Friend"

Thelma Decker Hill & Helen Gamble - 1946.

In Loving Memory Of My Special Friend

Helen Gamble Bowles

April 25, 1924 to May 5, 1999

I have lost a dear friend of fifty-seven years -

A friend who was kind and true!

I will miss Helen, Lord, and my eyes fill with tears -

But I'll see her again ... in Heaven with you!

It was at Draughon's Business College that Helen & I

First met each other in nineteen-forty-two.

We kept in touch as the years went by -

Sharing news and pictures as good friends do.

Not only was Helen a good friend to me -

But a very devoted mother, grandmother, and wife!

Her two lovely daughters, Jo Ann and Marie,

And two granddaughters were the pride of her life!

Helen Gamble Bowles with granddaughter, Sarah Wilson, - 1997.

Dear God, be with Helen's beloved husband, Bill,

In the loss of his loved one so dear!

A voice that he loved and on earth is now still -

In Heaven is heard strong and clear!

William "Bill" Bowles & Helen Gamble - 1945.

Please comfort Helen's family, Dear Lord, I pray,

And send them Your Love and Your Peace!

Unite them with Helen and loved ones some day -

In Heaven Where Joys Never Cease!

And now, Lord, I thank You for My Special Friend -

And her seventy-five years on this earth!

Thanks that our friendship will never end ...

But In Heaven Will Have A Rebirth!

Written By Helen's Long-Time Friend

Thelma Decker Hill