Poem #26

Helen Gamble & Thelma Decker

In Centenial Park - 1945

"Birthday Wishes For A Special Friend"

Dedicated To My Dear Friend,

HELEN GAMBLE BOWLES,

On Your 62nd Birthday - April 25, 1986.

Happy Birthday To You, My Special Friend!

Let us journey down Memory Lane.

It's a winding trail way that has no end -

We'll travel by thought - not by plane.

At Draughon's College where you and I met -

We studied to learn office skills.

Helen, do you think we'll ever forget -

Shorthand practice and typing drills?

As stenographers on our very first jobs -

We worked from eight to five.

Mr. K.'s dictation could bring us to sobs -

But somehow we managed to survive!

Before I became Mrs. Nelson Hill -

Remember ... way back then?

Among those we dated were Nelson and Bill -

Who became our own special men!

Sometimes - on a Sunday afternoon -

With our dates we would stroll through the park.

Or perhap for a while we would stop and "spoon" -

On a bench - as it was getting dark!

We attended Church on Sundays too -

And always bought a new Easter frock!

Life was exciting with fun things to do -

But at work we would "watch the clock".

How about those spooky radio shows -

We would listen to late at night?

"The Squeaky Door" and "The Shadow Knows" -

Could make us shudder with fright!

Remember The Toddle House and ice box pie -

And my crazy prank on April Fool's Day?

My apologies, my friend, for that atrocious "lie" -

Now I'm careful of the jokes I play!

Through the years we've gone our separate ways -

But letters and visits have kept us in touch.

We're blessed with loved ones who brighten our days -

They're all so dear, and we love them so much!

Our lives have changed since the days of long ago -

Many new friends have come our way.

With this sentimental poem - I want you to know -

You are still my special friend today!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Thelma Decker Hill & Helen Gamble

August 18, 1946