To My Brother On His 70th Birthday

What can I say now that our hair has turned gray?
Our story goes back to an earlier day.
We took baths in a galvanized tub, sat on our potties,
Pumped water from the well.
We loved riding in the back of the milk truck with Dad
And crawling around the legs of Mom's shiny dining room table.

As a boy you were feisty, spunky, hanging out with older kids.
I believe that helped toughen you, although you didn't need much help.
You had learned early how to fight and to scrap
And you never forgot an insult or a slap.
We called you Sonny; they gave you the name of Cheese.

Our home was filled with music…
Mom strumming her guitar; Dad plunking on the piano.
By age 5 you were harmonizing, yodeling, winning grand prizes.
You could pick up any instrument and play without a lesson.
That phenomenal talent entertained our family on many an occasion.

As a teenager you soloed in an airplane, the youngest to do so.
Nothing was beyond your desire and ability to excel.
Your teachers in school recognized your genius quite early;
They offered you a chance for the highest degree,
But you always preferred making up your own mind.

When you went into the service, Mom often cried;
With deep tender devotion, your dog almost died.
Marlene and Dad traveled all the way to Texas just to be near you.
You made lifelong friends there and have kept them even now.
That's the kind of love and loyalty you inspire.

Your family has grown a bit since those days.
You've always supported your children
even when their ways deviated from your own.
You took in your little brother after that dreadful night,
Brought him into your home and family 'Til he became a man in his own right.

When Dad was left with no one beside him,
You chose not to turn your back or look the other way.
You gave up a promising career in a moment.
How your whole life changed on that fateful February day!
Your cross-to-bear was waiting and you never walked away.

The Tobiases and the Farleys would be so proud.
You alone made a difference in the family when times were the toughest.'
Some would have given up, but you took the lead.
You never deserted, but made the sacrifice when you saw the need
. Did anyone ever thank you enough for that deed?

You can be proud of your accomplishments in the Masons, too;
Their values and your integrity seemed the perfect fit.
It was your first chance to showcase your intelligence, your fabulous memory. Much honor and praise were heaped on you, at last.
Your allegiance to the brotherhood has astounded and delighted us all.

Your fine memory also served to instruct all the family;
You kept our history alive by telling stories of long ago.
As you sat at the table with the younger generation around,
You made sure that what they heard was the best, never tainted,
Of the Tobiases and the Farleys and the way it was.

I am the oldest, but you always told me you are the best.
You could outlast me, outshout me, and prove your point every time.
You acted tough as nails, but I knew you were soft-hearted.
We have survived the pain, the losses, and some disappointment,
But we share many memories and maintain a common bond.

  What's in our future is anyone's guess.
We know what is coming…dislike it, or dread it,
We have no other choice except to go on,
Not complaining, not forgetting,
Just telling the stories and playing the music.

Thanks, Sonny, and Happy Birthday!



Margaret Farley August 5, 2000