1. Maria Mickey De Franco
Wasn’t satisfied frankly
Until she met a young man all right
And became Mrs. De Ruyte.

2. They lived a nice couple’s life,
Not much trouble, not much strife.
Work and family and rest
Nor did illness manifest.

3. They had Jane and Mary Ann,
Tony then, and David too
They grew tall and taller men.
And their sisters ladies true.

4. Peter was a plumber man.
Mickey did accounting work.
Income for supporting them,
A little extra of the sort.

5. Year by year, so life went on.
Church and school and shopping mall.
Chores that came and they were done.
Happiness and joy for all.

6. All together they matured.
Summer, winter, lent and fall.
Love and life were assured.
The six of them prospered all.

7. Parties, anniversaries:
Peter earlier, in May,
Mickey later, in October.
Both you are now seventy.

8. Seventy years and going on,
At home with Peter at your side,
With four children, nine grand-children,
That’s certainly a mother’s pride.

9. In the future have some leasure,
Do some good, enjoy some pleasure.
Stay young at heart, be also smart.
And happiness will be your part.

10. All who know you, Mickey dear,
Always wish you well, good sheer.
The De ruytes are proud of you.
The De Francos join in too.

11. And today we celebrate
It’s a party joyful and great.
We wish you a happy life.
Mother, grand-ma and cherished wife.

12. And today we dance and spring
And with joyful hearts we sing.
It’s a day we shall remember.
From October till September.

13. If next year you switch the numbers,
You’ll be only seventeen.
But after that you’ll add ten others
As if you so had not yet been.

14. If the seven doubles one day,
You had better stop that game.
For the result won’t be the same
And I’m sure you’ll look less gay.

15. Isn’t it great to be alive
To enjoy the sun, the rain?
Each little joy that makes up life
Will fill your heart and there remain.

6.So say thanks to your Creator.
Who is better, who is greater?
Express to him your sincere “Thank You”.
For all he did and yet will do.

17. Isn’t the Christian life a good one,
Now on earth and later in heaven
When your required things are done,
Even forgiving up to seven?

18. In Toronto you have been
A Eucharistic minister.
The parishioners have seen
Your name written in the register.

19. “Boerenkool” you made (or kale).
But the recipe is not for sale.
“Oliebollen” you made too.
We enjoy them thanks to you.

20. Tai Chi teaching is your trade.
According to an ancient way
Relaxation so is made.
It is useful, that I say.

21. You accounting records knit
For the parish till they fit.
But crochet and quilt at rest
At your home where it goes best.

22. So today we celebrate
And we’ll eat a bowl spaghetti.
Our voices reverberate.
And I include arrivederci.

Francis de Ruijte, May-July 2009.