August Bender’s 3rd Birthday 11/27/2011 - Poem

How can it be, August is now three?
As tall as a tree he is not,
Taller than when he was two it is for sure!

Ever growing in mind, body and spirit,
Leaving behind some of those old toddler ways,
While showing signs of nearing pre-schooler status.

With a will of his strong-minded anscestry,
And a facility to physically engage his world,
He’s laying stepping stones that define his future.

With blond curly hair, like mom and dad once had,
August marks a presence both unique and alluring,
While entering the 4th year of his evolving life.

What’s on the horizon?
A sibling in the making it appears to be,
Further enriching August’s developmental path.

Happy Birthday August!

Grandpa Bender

Steve Jobs Quote

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything---all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure---these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving what is truly important. Remembering you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

Steven Jobs...part of his Stanford commencement speech in 2005

Claude Williams - Poem

More than fifty years have elapsed since Claude and I first met,
During those innocent times at Ellsworth Junior College.

Standing 6’ 6” in all, the most gifted athlete I ever played with
or competed against on the basketball court.

As an elementary school teacher,
He became one of the most exceptional in the Los Angeles system.

A seeker he was, evidenced by venturing into owning a trucking rig,
And developing his interests in owning and breeding horses.

Through the years, he’s held a special place in my life and soul,
Cementing a brotherly bond, unmatched by my own blood brothers.

Opening his home and family for support and comfort,
During the darkest periods of my life.

Now in the throes of physical and mental decline,
Heightened by a stroke, and relegated to a nursing home.

In the doings of his daughter Jennifer’s wedding,
A current day reunion took place in Dana Point, California.

Reminiscing held special appeal, though lacking some clarity,
Yet validating his special place in my life journey,

Thank you Claude for the love and support you have bestowed on me,
I am forever grateful and humbled by you and your family.

“Odie”

11/12/2011

Happy 14th Birthday Samantha (Poem)

Girl, it’s hard to believe you’ve come this far, so quickly!
An adolescent, through and through, it can be said of you,
With signs of the next stage very much in view.

Leaving behind those formative years of yore,
You continue a life-long journey of growth and development,
Leaving friends and family awestruck and pleasured.

So strike up the band, we’ll dance a jig,
For celebrating another bench mark is a worthy cause,
Knowing Papa Nate is leading with a waltz no less!

Happy Birthday Samantha, with supportive joy from Petal, MS!



11/4/2011

Himself & Herself!

On Sandra’s 67th Birthday - Poem

Marking the passage of time and its ties to the evolving web of life,
Your 67th remains worthy of noting your station in this ongoing process.

More than one year into a retirement era, sans Mother Gray,
Your transition to a more balanced life style is most apparent.

Your spirit has become lighter and your vitality advanced to a higher level,
Offering expanded opportunities to knock off bucket-list junkets!

While you may never find value in living without projects,
You evidence signs of being able to ‘drift,’ modeled by Hubby’s flare for such!

You keep distinguishing yourself among friends, family and classmates,
Validating your humanity, interests and continuing accomplishments.

So let your recently crowned status of ‘most-successful’ inspire you
To keep up the good work and reach for the stars!

With loving feelings from your cohort and cheer-leader, Nate

10/12/2011

Happy 13th Birthday, Max - Poem

10/7/2011

Hard to believe Max has entered teen-hood,
That important milestone in his march toward adult-hood!
So let’s dispense with the ado,
And get on with eating some celebratory goo,
While toasting the child Max was, along with the young man he is becoming.

Above all else, here’s to toasting the special person he’s been from day-one!

Max, you da man, and know I’m the president of your fan club,
So keep on keeping on, while we all live in awe.


Papa Nate