Daniel F. Andriesse 

Bradenton, FL, USA 

Born June 17, 1924 in Queens, NY to Fred and Charlotte Andriesse, Daniel married Rose Andriesse on February 23, 1952. He is a Security Officer and a member of the Knights of Columbus (D.A. V#18 F.O.E. President for 2 years and Dist. President for 1 year). He was also named Knight of the Month. His other writings include When Tomorrow Starts Without Me, Christmas in Florida, To Walk the Path, Dear Lord (Please) Mother. Daniel says, "I do these writings out of a clear blue sky as I work nights."

We do not have children of our own
God had other plans for you.
For there are many motherless folk
Who need love, constant and true.
He took their mothers long ago
Left a sorrow, only they know.
A searching for someone to really care
To be "back home," yes, always there.
To kiss life's hurts, bandage the scratch
Whose gentle hands, sad hearts can patch.
Someone to go to , when all goes awry
Who will not judge or heave heavy sighs.
Your name in life's book, brightens the pages
Of motherless youngsters, all sizes and ages.
I thank you for them, bless the earth you trod
You're the substitute mother, a true gift of God!

To Walk The Path

I said, "But the skies are black;
There is nothing but noise and din."
And He wept as He sent me back.
"There is more, " He said, "There is sin."

I said, "But the air is thick
And fogs are veiling the sun."
He answered, "Yet souls are sick
And souls in the dark undone."

I said, "I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say."
He answered, "Choose tonight
If I am to miss you, or they."

I pleaded for time to be given.
He said, "It is hard to decide?
It will not seem bad in heaven
To have followed the steps of your guide."

I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my foot in the town.
He said, "My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"

Then into His hand went mine,
And into my heart came He;
And now I walk in a light divine
The path I had feared to see.