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

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