Have a Very, Very Happy Birthday

Janet Ackerman (my mom)

I’m not very good at this mushy, type stuff.
Although my heart’s feeling it, writing it’s rough.
I know what it is that I’m longing to say.
Those old inhibitions still stand in my way.

I’ve wrote lots of poems, with some good ones to boast.
This one’s for who is deserving one most.
Who gave me support I could find in no other.
This poem is for Janet. My friend and my mother.

She’s the shoulder I leaned on in times of dark struggle.
The ear that was open to all I would juggle.
The hand that reached out in my deepest despair.
The person who always continued to care.

As tough of a person as I’ve ever knew.
Our family’s still bonded. You were the glue.
Raising four boys must have surely been rough.
Our gratitude’s something you don’t hear enough.

Your seventy years, my, how quickly they’d went.
It’s obvious here, they were very well spent.
The lives you have touched are expressed here tonight.
Making this Birthday—one of delight.

From all of your kids and from all of your friends.
We hope that your happiness knows of no ends.
You’re as special a person as we’ve ever knew.
A happy—happy, happy, happy, happy—
happy birthday to you!