Thompson Sister's Reunion, Sept 30-Oct 2, 2022
Different Flowers from the Same Garden
There are at least 30 of us, not including the boys; just us sisters.
It’s been forever that we all met – maybe since about the last time Dad shaved his last whiskers.
We must love each other after so many years
but it might also be awkward with overblown fears.
Let me think. I’m pretty sure I know them all
At least enough to say hi if we met across the hall.
We grew up the same, or pretty much
We’re all from the same garden patch, the same Gardener’s clutch
I like to imagine that we are all flowers
Sown together by Dad and our moms with lots of man-hours
I’d start with the youngest - sweet little Marie
I’m sure she’s not so little anymore – but I’m guessing she’d make a lovely Sweet Pea.
Have you seen lately the charming Rachelle?
She’s just as pretty as a beautiful Bluebell.
Then there is Heidi, that when all’s done and told
She gives a healing golden touch as a Marigold.
A pink Carnation is both pretty and pristine
It’s a perfect flower for our kind Bonnie Jean.
Still red faced and freckled is Nora LaVon
Reminds me of Foxglove with its delicate glove on.
The garden needs colorful Daisies – that’s Connie Mae
Sturdy and cheerful – she’s a keeper they say.
For Kaye Louise with her luscious white curls
It’s Sweet Allysum, I’d guess, with little white pearls.
The garden would not be complete without honeyed Lilac purple
I’m sure that Maurine is that favorite in our family circle.
We all love Jennie with her cute pug nose
I think she’d make a lovely Primrose.
A gorgeous small flower with a colorful canvas
is one that’s already named for Cindy – the Dianthus.
A fine addition to the garden is the talented Marilyn Joy
Her artist hands are that of delicate Orchid – the real McCoy.
Smiling Lisa, she reminds me of happy Daffodils
They’re first in the Spring along with the whipporwills.
Nothing compares to powerful yet beautiful Coneflowers
Judy would be able to make some healing salve with its secret powers.
Enduring yet stunning, the Zinnia grows proud therein
This seems like the perfect flower for our resilient Karen.
Anne is our sister who changed her own greet
A Rose she is - by any other name is just as sweet.
The Gardenia is striking as well as tender
I believe that describes Ruthie for all who befriend her.
Another early blooming flower that brightens up the Spring
Is the Hyacinth that reminds me of our kind and encouraging Jenean.
All through the summer how the Four O’Clocks preen
Their colorful blossoms bring happiness from our keen Kristine.
Cosmos are truly my favorite, joyful and carefree
No wonder they remind me of our sister Lorilee.
Next to the garden are walls that if they could talk
Would tell of Lynette, wise and lovely as the Holly Hock.
Like sprinkling dew and climbing a lattice
A fountain of interesting stories, Marianne is a beautiful red Clematis.
Red or pink, the Hydrangea is delicious to see
It’s an excellent flower for Evelyn Marie.
Becky is a common name but she’s not common at all –
If you see a Black-Eyed Susan, it’s Rebekia – one of the most excellent flowers of the fall.
We like to imagine that Marilee is here with us
She might be a Chrysanthemum, sent with butterfly kisses.
Who is like the Sunflower, so radiant and tall?
That would be Janis who’s loving and kind all in all.
Kathleen, the oldest, we love her greatly
A Dahlia will do – it’s beautiful as well as stately.
There are many others that we could include in these blurbs
I like to imagine them as flowers of the finest herbs.
And not to forget – a tribute to our mothers – they’re always in our thoughts
Their love still sprinkles the ground like perfect Forget-Me-Nots.
And finally, this ode would not be complete without giving mention
That our Grandmother Mary - a Viola of course – still gives us all her attention.
After contemplation of each sister – all strong and beautiful women to me
A more colorful and beautiful garden there could never be.
We all share the same soil in which our roots we gain nourish
Under same sun and breeze and fed by the same Living Waters, we flourish.
We might be very different, our beauty contrasts
Yet we’re each connected, stronger en masse.
So as much as we might think we are a lonely single flower
We all grow together under our Creator’s loving power.
--Nora Martin
There are at least 30 of us, not including the boys; just us sisters.
It’s been forever that we all met – maybe since about the last time Dad shaved his last whiskers.
We must love each other after so many years
but it might also be awkward with overblown fears.
Let me think. I’m pretty sure I know them all
At least enough to say hi if we met across the hall.
We grew up the same, or pretty much
We’re all from the same garden patch, the same Gardener’s clutch
I like to imagine that we are all flowers
Sown together by Dad and our moms with lots of man-hours
I’d start with the youngest - sweet little Marie
I’m sure she’s not so little anymore – but I’m guessing she’d make a lovely Sweet Pea.
Have you seen lately the charming Rachelle?
She’s just as pretty as a beautiful Bluebell.
Then there is Heidi, that when all’s done and told
She gives a healing golden touch as a Marigold.
A pink Carnation is both pretty and pristine
It’s a perfect flower for our kind Bonnie Jean.
Still red faced and freckled is Nora LaVon
Reminds me of Foxglove with its delicate glove on.
The garden needs colorful Daisies – that’s Connie Mae
Sturdy and cheerful – she’s a keeper they say.
For Kaye Louise with her luscious white curls
It’s Sweet Allysum, I’d guess, with little white pearls.
The garden would not be complete without honeyed Lilac purple
I’m sure that Maurine is that favorite in our family circle.
We all love Jennie with her cute pug nose
I think she’d make a lovely Primrose.
A gorgeous small flower with a colorful canvas
is one that’s already named for Cindy – the Dianthus.
A fine addition to the garden is the talented Marilyn Joy
Her artist hands are that of delicate Orchid – the real McCoy.
Smiling Lisa, she reminds me of happy Daffodils
They’re first in the Spring along with the whipporwills.
Nothing compares to powerful yet beautiful Coneflowers
Judy would be able to make some healing salve with its secret powers.
Enduring yet stunning, the Zinnia grows proud therein
This seems like the perfect flower for our resilient Karen.
Anne is our sister who changed her own greet
A Rose she is - by any other name is just as sweet.
The Gardenia is striking as well as tender
I believe that describes Ruthie for all who befriend her.
Another early blooming flower that brightens up the Spring
Is the Hyacinth that reminds me of our kind and encouraging Jenean.
All through the summer how the Four O’Clocks preen
Their colorful blossoms bring happiness from our keen Kristine.
Cosmos are truly my favorite, joyful and carefree
No wonder they remind me of our sister Lorilee.
Next to the garden are walls that if they could talk
Would tell of Lynette, wise and lovely as the Holly Hock.
Like sprinkling dew and climbing a lattice
A fountain of interesting stories, Marianne is a beautiful red Clematis.
Red or pink, the Hydrangea is delicious to see
It’s an excellent flower for Evelyn Marie.
Becky is a common name but she’s not common at all –
If you see a Black-Eyed Susan, it’s Rebekia – one of the most excellent flowers of the fall.
We like to imagine that Marilee is here with us
She might be a Chrysanthemum, sent with butterfly kisses.
Who is like the Sunflower, so radiant and tall?
That would be Janis who’s loving and kind all in all.
Kathleen, the oldest, we love her greatly
A Dahlia will do – it’s beautiful as well as stately.
There are many others that we could include in these blurbs
I like to imagine them as flowers of the finest herbs.
And not to forget – a tribute to our mothers – they’re always in our thoughts
Their love still sprinkles the ground like perfect Forget-Me-Nots.
And finally, this ode would not be complete without giving mention
That our Grandmother Mary - a Viola of course – still gives us all her attention.
After contemplation of each sister – all strong and beautiful women to me
A more colorful and beautiful garden there could never be.
We all share the same soil in which our roots we gain nourish
Under same sun and breeze and fed by the same Living Waters, we flourish.
We might be very different, our beauty contrasts
Yet we’re each connected, stronger en masse.
So as much as we might think we are a lonely single flower
We all grow together under our Creator’s loving power.
--Nora Martin
Recipe for Zucchini Chocolate Cake (requested by some)
https://www.acouplecooks.com/amazing-grain-free-chocolate-cake/
https://www.acouplecooks.com/amazing-grain-free-chocolate-cake/