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

Poem #25

Andrew "Andy" Bogus & his lovely wife, Tamiza Teja

"Thanks To My Computer Tutor"

Dedicated With Love & Appreciation To

ANDREW "ANDY" BOGUS

Who is "Family" - the brother of my son-in-law.)

Thank you, Andy, for being my guide -

In the use of my personal computer.

I know I'd have to look "far and wide" -

For A Better Computer Tutor!

Thanks for being so patient and kind -

In coaching this new beginner.

Perhaps I'll leave frustrations behind -

And start to feel like a winner!

Thanks for programming the "surprise" -

A "Personal Address Disk" for me!

My Christmas List can be any size -

And easy to print - the labels will be!

Thanks for trying to make it clear -

How to use my personal computer!

Oops ... a problem!  I wish you were here -

My Reliable Computer Tutor!

The problem? ... There was a warning sign -

On the screen of my computer!

But then I remembered how to fix it just fine -

THANKS TO MY COMPUTER TUTOR!!!

Written by Thelma Decker Hill

(When I was learning to use my first computer - about 1987!)

 Andy Bogus - December 2011

Poem #24

"Watching Ryan Grow"

Dedicated With Love To My Grandson

RYAN PATRICK BOGUS

(My second grandchild - born April 19, 1977).

Ryan Bogus - around the age of 3.

I love you, Ryan, you're my pride and joy!

You're a sweet (and cuddly) little baby boy!

To hold you and rock you as you fall asleep -

Makes me secretly wish that you were mine to keep.

But I'm happy just knowing you're my own grandson -

And watching you grow will be so much fun!

A blond-haired child - with pretty blue eyes -

God made you handsome, and He made you wise!

I'll always remember your sweet little prayer -

While (in a waiting room) you were in my care.

A siren blew, and you stopped your play -

You ran to me and said, "Mom-Mom, Pray!"

I said, "You're right, Honey, and you pray too."

In a clear, sweet voice- your words rang true:

"Father, in the name of Jesus, help those people."

Your little hands were folded like a church's steeple!

You got the attention of everyone there -

With your childhood faith and your precious prayer!

Your innocent act when you were two years old -

By a listening minister - would be re-told!

Ryan Bogus at age seven.

In memory I'll treasure the cute things you say -

And the joy of watching as you run and play!

You're riding your bike ... and growing so fast!

Your toy guns and cars are now in the past!

When you play your guitar - you make me so proud -

And your little-boy charms capture any crowd!

My Boy, you're athletic and growing so tall!

You're a skate-board "whiz" - and great at volley ball!

Ryan Bogus at age 9.

You are now sixteen ... still My Pride and Joy -

And you've grown into a talented & handsome young boy!

For you - this grandmother's love will never die -

And, Ryan, you'll always be "The Apple Of My Eye"!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Ryan Bogus - serving his country

in The U. S. Navy.



Poem #23

"Melanie's Rhapsody"

Dedicated With Love To My Granddaughter,

MELANIE BOGUS COLLINS

(My first grandchild - born January 5, 1974)

Thelma Decker Hill holding granddaughter,

Melanie Christine Bogus, - Age 2-1/2 months.

Melanie, you're sweet as any baby can be -

You're sweeter than the honey from a honeybee!

As you grow - I'll write for you a rhapsody -

Just to prove how very much you mean to me!

Melanie, you're pretty with your dark red hair -

Beautiful blue eyes and lovely skin so fair!

Everyone agrees that you're so debonair -

So is it any wonder that they want to stair?

Melanie Christine Bogus - Age 10 months.

Melanie, you're now so cute ... you'll soon be four -

And you're a little charmer whom I do adore!

When I tell you stories - you say, "Mom-Mom, more!"

You ask to hear your favorites that you've heard before!

Melanie, you're sweeter as the days go by -

Now the days are years and oh how fast they fly!

Honey, I will love you till the day I die -

And even when I'm in my Heavenly Home on high!

Melanie Bogus as a little girl.

Melanie, you're growing up so quickly now -

With talents, wit and beauty - God did you endow!

As a swimmer - you can show the other kids how -

And as you sing and play piano - it's great ... Wow!

Melanie, I can't believe you're now thirteen -

And a sweeter little lady I have never seen!

Not only are you pretty, but your wits are keen -

And you walk so gracefully - just like a queen!

Melanie Bogus - Age 16.

Now, Melanie, you're old enough to drive a car -

And, Honey, you're as pretty as a movie star!

When you're driving near, or when you're driving far -

I pray The Lord will keep your driving up to par!

Melanie, you're pretty as a sweet melody ...

Still sweeter than the noney from a honeybee!

At sixteen - you're sweet as any girl can be -

And now I'm sure you know how much you mean to me!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

(Melanie's Mom-Mom)

Melanie Bogus Collins

(A grown-up mom now with 3 kids of her own).



Poem #22

Paul Edward Bogus

A Birthday Poem For My Son-In-Law

Dedicated With Love To My Son-in-law

PAUL EDWARD BOGUS

(Birthday - May 8th)

Happy Birthday To You, My Dear Son-in-law!

Thank you for "being like a son".

I am happy to be your mother-in-law

And that "you and my daughter are one".

As a son-in-law you are really neat.

In fact, you're the very best!

As a husband and father you can't be beat.

Your family is truly blessed!

Bogus Family - 1990

 (Helen, Paul, Melanie, & Ryan)

Paul, as a grandfather you have the knack

Of being the best grandfather of all!

In agreement are Bridgette, Alex, and Zach -

Whose nickname for you is "Paul-Paul"! 

Helen & Paul Bogus With Their Grandchildren

Top Row: Paul Bogus & Zach Collins

Bottom: Bridgette Collins, Helen Hill Bogus, & Alex Collins

My prayer is that God will guide you

On your journey along life's way,

And that He will stay close beside you

On Your Birthday ... And Every Day!

Poem Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Paul Edward Bogus

Valentine's Day - 2012



My Blog Poem #20

"PAULA FAYE"

In Loving Memory Of

PAULA FAYE HARDESTY

(September 14, 1982 - Two Hours)

Jesus, we thank You for Paula Faye!

Thank You for letting her come our way.

Although her life on this earth was brief -

Knowing she's with You eases our grief!

Jesus, please tell little Paula Faye -

That she touched our lives in a special way.

Now her Mommy and Daddy and sister, Sandy Sue,

Need Your Love, Your Peace, and Your Comfort too.

Baby Paula Faye lived here but two hours.

Now she lives among God's flowers!

For God always claims a baby's soul.

By His mercy and love - He makes them whole!

Our Dear Heavenly Father knows what is best ...

When our souls leave our bodies - with Jesus we rest!

And If We Have Jesus In Our Heart To Stay -

We'll Be With Him And Our Loved Ones Some Day!

Written by Paula Faye's grand-aunt

(Thelma Decker Hill)

Mark 10:14 - "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:  for of such is the kingdom of God."  (King James Version - The Holy Bible)

My Blog Poem #20

Della "Dell" Decker

"BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR YOU"

Dedicated With Love To My Dear Sister-In-Law

DELLA "DELL" DECKER

On Your 85th Birthday - August 25, 2011

Happy Birthday, Dell, ... I think you're great!

And I wish you joy on your special date!

I'll always wish the best for you -

And hope your wishes all come true!

Have A Wonderful Birthday & Many More -

And I wish you Happiness Galore!

I hope all your future plans go well -

And Again ... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DELL!"

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Dell & Yours Truly (Thelma Decker Hill)

At The Bluffs of Sebring in front of our condo.