My Sister, Beth

                           
                        My  Sister, Beth

You are peaches and cream personified
Since childhood, a beauty, pleasing to the eye
In school programs, you were a dancer bona fide
The Fandango you gracefully twirled with a sigh.

Your singing voice is like a nightingale's
So sweet to hear, so moving and caressing
Often wondered how many you have bewitched
Through God's gift to you who is so deserving.

You are one who is always so kind and thoughtful
Someone so admirable to emulate and praise
No one's important event is left unmindful
A birthday or any of life's momentous days.

Someone said that of all the virtues there is one
So often neglected and put on the run
To many, gratitude has the shortest memory
But to you, Beth, it is top priority.

The appreciation of the good things in your life
Our Lord has bestowed on you is ever on your lips
In your daily prayer of thanks and delight
A grateful heart is your identity for keeps.

Like all mothers your children are a a source of pleasure
Made more deep by the grandchildren they give
Your concern for their welfare goes far beyond measure
Even through the independent life they now live.

I praise and thank God for giving you to me
A sister worthy of admiration and love
The treasure I have I embrace with care
Simply because for me you are always there.


                   XXXXXXX

My Sister, Ding

            
                My  Sister, Ding

Dearest Ding, this tribute is so long overdue
To one who was our mother-figure through and true
Someone from whom we sought guidance and help
Always willing to give time, treasure and self.

Totally committed, unselfish beyond words
Firm and constant as the umbilical cord
Seamless bond which ties siblings in the womb
To be loving, loyal to each one till the tomb.

So patient were you in helping us study
Develop good habits of work in life early
Your discipline for us was of a special tie
We knew what you meant by the look in your eye.

Some thought you so strict in training young minds
As a teacher in school and at home by design
Yet your heart was soft, tender to those who came
For help, service or monetary gain.

It was not your nature to turn a deaf ear
To a pleading voice you allay all fear
You often told us about God and His grace
We grew up seeing Him through your daily ways.

You stayed close to me at my darkest hour
When I came to America stripped of all power
The abiding gift of love, concern and provision
You poured lavishly on me and family with attention.

Time and time again you reminded us often
Be alone with the Lord each day as a token
To honor, adore Him with praise and thanksgiving
For His merciful love, protection and blessing.

You fulfilled your Big Sister role to the extreme
When you decided on your "stay single" scheme
To help our widowed mother send us all to school
And finish college, enjoy life to the full.

The sacrifice you rendered to us, your siblings
Was immeasurable, beyond words, so heart-rending
Like that of someone totally surrendering
His  penultimate love that equates "heavenly blessing."

Now you sing with the angelic choir in heaven
Enjoying your well-deserved blissful haven
Our thanks to you are in our supplication
That God's face shine on you in your heavenly mansion.


                      XXXXXXX