Memories and Visions

All the times that I remember
Looking back over fifty-seven years
Love and smiles and laughter
Sadness, frowns and sometimes tears

And I cherish every single moment
From childhood to this very day
For life is a wonderful journey
In which I continue to find my way

Sometimes life’s path has been cloudy and dark
More often light has filled every corner of my life
Sometimes the going seemed so easy
Occasionally the path was littered with strife

I know enough to be so thankful
For each moment and how I am blessed
For the life that I am living
Is the only one and also the best

So as I celebrate my birthday
And slide quietly into another year
I am filled with love and hope
With visions that are quiet clear

I see all my life has been
And all my life can still be
And with all that I have learned
I will live my life now stretching before me

Through the sunrises and sunsets
Through the clouds and stormy days
I will try to live as well as I can
For what more can I pray

So I venture into tomorrow
Remembering from where I came
Knowing that all that I can strive for
Is always to do honor to my name.