Forsyth Park Caller June 2024

When dad was a lad

When my dad was but a lad so many years ago,
He worked much more that I do now
At least, he’s told me so.
“Rise and shine” the rooster crowed at the break of dawn
Dad had to jump right out of bed and put his britches on’
And hurry to the table, to be sitting in his chair
With hands folded and head bowed before Grandpa said the prayer.
Dad milked the cows and fed the pigs and sometimes cleaned the stable,
And carried in the wood each morn’ as fast as he was able.
For then he had to walk to school, and it was many miles away
(while me, I ride the yellow bus) that’s what I’ve heard him say.
Dad made the hay; he plowed the corn; he did what he was told.
When it was hot, he’d sweat a lot; he shivered in the cold.
He didn’t stop to read or play; he didn’t watch TV.
He had to work from dawn to dusk-he had it so much worse than me!
But when Dad starts his tale of woe, Grandma winks; I smile at her.
And when my dad goes out the door, she tells me how things really
were! –Hazel Spaulding

Beatitudes for Friends of the Aged

Blessed are they who understand my faltering steps and shaking hand
Blessed are they who know that my ears today must strain to catch the
words they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and my wits
are slow
Blessed are they who looked away when coffee spilled today.
Blessed are they who never say ‘You’ve told that story twice today.”
Blessed are they who know the ways to bring back lovely yesterdays.
Blessed are they that make it known I am loved, not alone.
Blessed are they who know the loss of strength I need to bear the cross
Blessed are they who ease the days of my journey home in so many
loving ways. Esther Mary Walker

Chuckles

“Did you behave in church?” asked Junior’s mother.
“I sure did” Junior answered. “You should have heard the lady behind
me say “I never saw a child behave like that before!”

A mother was scolding her son: “How often must I tell you to keep your
eyes closed when your father is asking the blessing at the table?” “Yes,
ma’am, but how do you know I don’t?”