AN ODE TO NANA BANASZAK

(On the Occasion of Nana's 88th Birthday)

By Kathleen Cahill Banaszak, Daughter-in-Law

Happy Birthday to you Nana Banaszak,
You’re eighty-eight today!
What a milestone! We cheer you tonight
With a “Hip-Hip-Hooray!”

Although this past year
Has been filled with trial,
You’re back at last
with your usual good cheer
and that dazzling smile!

As you look out on the faces of your family tonight,
We are mindful of “Pops” looking down from above.
We can almost see the twinkle in his eye as
He watches his sassy, radiant bride -
Gertrude, still his one true love!

God Bless you for being the Mother
You have been to us all!
We are reminded of the hundreds of ways
Over all these years
That you showered your love on us,
both big and small.

An old philosopher once wrote:
“Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life.”
And Abe Lincoln himself would rightly note:
“No man is poor who has had a godly mother.”

Mark Twain was right on the money
(I think Rog would agree), when he wrote:
“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me,
But I think she thoroughly enjoyed it!”

I’m not even sure who said it,
But wiser words were never spoken:
“In matters of style, swim with the current.
In matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

So Thank you Nana – and Pops, you too
For being that “rock” to us all!
And so here’s to our Nana – a young 88!
May God Bless you richly in the days that still await!

Love Always,
YOUR FAMILY