A Home & A Christmas Tree

A family of Tradition, begin this way, it did not,

Well that is, until two people came together and decided to tie the knot.

First, Jeanna asked Gary if she could have this dance. Then, soon thereafter, Gary asked for Jeanna’s hand.

A short time later Jeanna gliding down the churches aisle, just a few minutes late- she claims each nail needed a quick coat of paint.

These two would soon embark on a love which would never fail.

From these two separate worlds together, formed one- Not experienced in love, yet unbreakable their love would become. A chord of three, the strongest there is, through thick and through thin, forever it is.

From this young new love these two hearts share, Tradition, began what they claim is a love of fairy tales.

Now this may not be a poem by the great Frost, but please bare with me, this story’s worth the cost. You see, throughout my life, not on much could I rely; Not a house, not a friend, not even the same pet at my side.

We moved, we lost, we grieved for a time, Yet the truest, most important of these are forever mine. No time to pass, no abyss to appear, would truly be big enough to ever interfere.

On these few select days our traditions are fixed, oh what truly it is.

No plans would bloom, no surprises could be; These days brought only tradition, nothing unexpected to see.

Yes that day I previously mentioned, was mostly spent with us in the kitchen.

A day of cooking, then a feast was prepared, on Thanksgiving we ate and ate until none more we could bare.

While this day was all sorts of pleasure and fun, Our family tradition had still not yet begun.

No, our Tradition started the day there after, it was that Friday which Sydney and I were after.

Thursday night had come and had gone, only a few more hours until us Bauer’s had our traditional fun.

We make our way to the farm full of trees, The only day which needles would excite me. With a chill in the air and a wagon riding behind, “Boo!” We scared dad hiding together in the pine.

But wait, we caught him with a smile, He’s never never scared with ease… not even when we’re tucked behind a prickly Christmas Tree.

We search and we scour, for the heartiest big green, if only there were few here to see- so much searching the time has flew- maybe we can take a break to play in the frozen crisp dew.

Now, back to searching high and low, for a tree to more than glow, “Ahh look ahead, we see one that may do!” We run on over to see if it’s true, oh yes, this is surely the one which will do.

My dad gave the saw to me, I think I just met my annual Christmas feat.

Using the little muscle I had I groan and I cut, but I can’t claim victory; my arms are growing weak.

But we need not to worry, My Dad surely is stronger. He saws and he cuts with all of his might, but that silly tree was still putting up a fight.

Oh, Mr. Douglas please surrender, it feels like we’ll be here all throughout dinner!

Oh look, just in time, we knocked him down he gave up the fight.

But, wait before you move, we can’t forget to smile, we conquered our jolly green giant . No, we won’t forget, to turn around and snap a quick pic- ‘cause as we all know, mom won’t leave without her annual picture in tote.

Now, we make our way to load up the van, then dad asks what’s the plan, as if he really has to ponder, as we really not have any wonder. Mom smirks, and rolls her eyes and says, "C’mon we are the Bauer’s!”

It was time for us to sit and devour. With our hearts so full, our stomachs soon to match- By now you may have guessed, as we make a beeline- Yes, it sure is time for Skyline.

Later on, arriving home with our insides all warm, It was finally Mr. Douglas’ turn. We’ll line him with lights and hook him with bulbs. Ah, ’twas not the kind you see in those fancy magazine folds. No, that wasn’t enough for The Bauer’s Tree, as we like to keep things a little more unique.

You see, all throughout time our tiny hands, crafted these ornaments, which filled us each with sentiment. For such a time as today, our designs were sure to be displayed-

And, I guess if you must say, some probably did appear a little too homemade.

But between you and me, At least the four of us agree, that those are the best hang upon our tree.

And, there you have it a poem by great design.

I guess you may think this may seem to be about a silly old Christmas tree,

I have to ask to look a little deeper…

‘Cause if you look close, you just might find, 'twas about a home and family this whole time.

A tale of two hearts, beating as one, both building on what they each had to learn.

Year after year, a tradition built by two,

I’m grateful to you Mom, as you made the first move.

You asked for that dance, you had nothing to lose.

And trust me dad, I won’t forget you, you of course said yes to that dance.

Then after time had passed, it was your turn in asking for her hand.

You each created with which you had none to compare, not have grown up with a home or family or any of the kind..

You created A home and family, and this life we all now get to share. Thank you for this family with all the Tradition we now get to keep.

Because you both did, forever a home and a family, we will be.