We have known each other for some twenty years.
These times have given us a chance
to know each other well.
It has been one of the real joys of my life,
to know you over this span of time.
We have been sad together,
We have been happy together,
And we have laughed hard together
at all the funny stuff we have shared together.
What a joy it has been to know you
A time of tranquility,
A time of growth,
Hours of busyness, times of quietness,
Times of worship, moments of pleasure.
Miriam, you are a most unusual person.
With a long life of teaching and loving children,
With a wonderful ability to build friendships.
The years have given you a legacy
of precious values,
in which your heart may genuinely rejoice,
over the beautiful gifts of love you have shared
with so many of us.
And now on this day, March 3, 2006,
YOUR SPECIAL BIRTHDAY, celebrating 100 years,
I offer you this prayer:
“Dear Lord, grant Miriam many more
years of contentment, peace, and everlasting joy,
enriched with many spiritual blessings!”
(March 2006)