Sitting in front of my computer screen
Trees outside changing hue
Mindlessly working along
Wishing I were doing something new
My thoughts stray to summer days
Up at the cabin, by the lake
My time is my own
No one else’s to take
I want to be my own boss
Doing my own thing
Each day could be different
But that bell has yet to ring
Some day I’ll make it happen
Working for no one but me
But while I’m waiting for that day
I’ll do my best until I’m free
Other special poems have been written over the years and here are just a few of them:
Bradley Robert – Our “Peanut” 
The sky was blue, the weather fair – the final day of May.
I was pulling weeds and turning dirt – a perfect day to play.
The phone rang once, Grandma picked it up – Michelle was on the line.
She sounded rather tentative. I hoped everything was fine.
She asked me several questions about how it was for me.
I smiled to myself inside. “Peanut” wanted to be free.
She said in a mild worried tone, “I’ve got things to do tomorrow.”
I suggested that we always do, but this time she’d know no sorrow.
She said her friends would follow her home just to keep her safe.
She said “I’ll be in touch”, hung up the phone,
“Goodbye my little waif!!!!”
What happened then I can only guess, I’ll bet that things went fast.
A call to the doctor, a bag to pack, in a heartbeat May was past.
The details I can’t wait to hear, the story bears repeating
Of Phil and ‘Chelle’s special night, and the newcomer we’ll be meeting.
The event is here – June 1st the date, and we have all survived.
Our joy can’t be put into words, ‘cause Bradley Robert has arrived!!
Congratulations and Much Love!!!
Great Aunt Judy – June 1, 1995
Nathan Arthur – Our Special Pumpkin
The sun is shining brightly
Upon the fallen leaves
They’re covering the lawns again
And filling up the eaves.
Two years ago about this time
The sky was much more gray.
Our yearly trip to Waldvogels
Was planned… a day to play.
Sandy & Brad arrived alone
Something wasn’t right.
Michelle was missing… where was she?
It gave us all a fright.
“The baby’s coming early.
It shouldn’t be this soon.”
Grandma Sandy’s worried face
Added to our gloom.
The next 5 days were critical
‘Chelle and Phil were in our prayers.
A baby boy – 6 pounds yet small
Added happiness to our cares.
Nathan, you have so many traits
That make us love you dearly.
Your smile, your spunk, your zest for life
Your health shines through so clearly.
You may have caused anxiety
And helped us to feel squirrelly
But Nate, you showed this family up
You actually were early.
I stopped by Schneider’s house today
To see how things were going
2 years have passed. Our boy has changed.
He certainly is growing.
You’d never know to look at him
That Nathan was a preemie.
You’re in good company, little Nate
The same thing happened to me(me)!!
Happy Second Birthday Nathan!!
Love, Great Aunt Judy – October 28, 2000
Jessica Grace – “Our Sugar and Spice”
As I sit in the light of the Christmas tree
I think back and reflect
On the shift in the world the past 3 months
And the sadness and loss we accept.
September brought a bag of tricks
With foreign-sounding names.
Kabul, Taliban, Osama ben laden
The man that everyone blames.
September 11, that fateful day
The world seemed to come to an end.
Then September 14 our focus changed
Our hearts began to mend.
For into our world came Jessica Grace
Our early morning treasure.
And as we peered into those sweet eyes
We found love impossible to measure
So even though for many months
The news has shown us terror.
We find our hope and love and calm
And choose to turn to prayer.
Today we baptize Jessica Grace
Our hearts with family and friends.
We ask God’s blessings for this holy place
And for love that never ends.
Joy and despair are on opposite sides
Of the coin that spins in our world.
Today we celebrate Jess and hope
Our flags are proudly furled!!
We love you Jess in every way
And hold you close beside us.
September 14, your special day
We pray to God to guide us.
Poem by Judy Goodson – Your loving aunt and admirer
A Poem for Mom
One came in June
Under skies clearest blue,
The next in October,
With trees changing hue,
The last in September as something brand new,
Now there’s three and they make it a crew.
No matter what, their love always shows through,
Especially when it comes to you.
“We love you Mom”
Bradley Schneider – December 25, 2016
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