Joyce M. Reed, Gelhaus

Modesto, CA, USA

Joyce Maxine Reed, was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 29th, 1933 to Milton Osborn Reed and Esther May Shindelbower, Reed, the third of four children. A brother who passed at birth, Milton Osborn Reed, Jr. b.9-21-28. An older sister, Lois Jean Reed, b. 3-7-31, and a younger sister, Elaine Esther Reed b. 11-14-34. I was an early morning baby, born sometime between 5:30 and 7:30 A.M. I am still an early morning person and find this to be my most creative and appreciate time of the day as reflected in 2 short poems I entitled, "Serenity," and "Gratitude," both of which are published in "Treasured Poems of America, Fall 1997." It is at this time of day I set my mood, and plan my approach to the onslaught of events that seem to be hurled at each one of us daily, both large and small. I am renewed and strengthened by prayer. I walk and talk with my Heavenly Father often throughout my day. I close my eyes at night with a prayer on my lips.

Dedication
(To the greatest love of my life, and the biggest challenge, my daughter!)

The world may scorn or chide me, well, be that as it may,
You see, I have a baby girl that smiled at me today!
Her funny little face looked up with eyes so shiny blue
As I watched, her tiny dimples appeared, first one, then two!

As I gently picked her up, she charmed me with her smile
And everything I did today, became all the more worthwhile!
The diapers by the dozens, the bottles washed and filled,
The endless chores of comfort performed at my baby's will.

These things are done methodically, but never doubt a minute
Each one is done with loving care, with my whole heart tucked in it!
When she came to stay with me she brought a wealthy store
Of a precious kind of happiness that was not there before!

I'm so grateful to my baby girl for allowing me such pleasure,
And to my God who gave this gift to tend and raise and treasure!
Oh say that life can be sad and cruel, but this I can't agree
For my tiny precious baby makes it beautiful for me!

Gratitude

I feel the peaceful stillness where nature yawns
And grasps the day anew,
Bringing to full crescendo the sweet peace of night.
I set about my day with hope renewed,
Full well knowing there will be a tomorrow,
And if it is not so, of what does it matter?
My time is now to commune and be one with nature.

Elderly Resident

Dedicated in loving memory of "the precious gifts" we have all known in our lives who have journeyed on. For myself, my beloved parents, Milton and Esther Reed.

I met a lovely lady today, her character glowing with a radiant ray!
She lit the room with her elegant grace and the smile she carried upon her face.
There were tears of confusion in her lovely blue eyes,
She tried to conceal them cause she didn't know why they were there...

She listened intently and watched every move as she drifted silently
Around the room speaking in whispers, as her breath was shallow.
I wanted to hug her and cough, or swallow to clear the asthma from her affected lungs,
But I knew I was helpless to do either one, so I just hugged her...

Her response to me was with a kiss, this gracious, elderly, willowy miss.
Her arms held me with a powerful hug and my heartstrings began to feel a magnetic tug!
There was harmony in the warmth of her smile, and I knew that life had taken her miles,
And that she possessed the wisdom of those trials she had won...

As I left that place, I said a prayer,
That God would bless this lady with the angelic stare and soft smile!
That she would not be confused or be afraid or feel want or loneliness or any dismay,
But bring a peaceful contentment to the depth of her heart,
In full confidence that God will do His part to always be there...

I offered the prayer that her life would be easier,
And only contentment and happy thoughts would please her.
That her lungs would be clear and her family surround her
And that her life would be full of good memories around her.
That's all that family will have in the long years ahead,
As they remember standing at the side of her bed, saying -- "GOOD-BYE."

Serenity

I drink in the pleasures of a bathing bird
Defiant and vulnerable upon the ground.
Feathers spread as waters wash to naked flesh.
Plump are those who feast here
And slow to wing their flight to air.
Still, they know security rests in this place
And so might they.
Paradise has many names,
Home is but one.