LOUIE'S RETIREMENT

 July was a very exciting month for our resident poet, Mary Lou (Mallard) Tucker.  She has spent most of her working life caring for and loving children but on 16 July Louie retired.  She has sent us a poem to mark the occasion and I am happy to post it here.

LOUIE'S RETIREMENT

Up to 65 years it has been an awesome journey 
As part of my work life comes to a close,
From working in an office for the first seven years
To loving and kissing my little babies toes.

Thirty six years of children attending my day home
My love grows so deep with these tiny little ones,
To teaching these darlings to love, care and share
Hopefully they will continue on once my work is done.

I feel blessed that faith, hope and love has gotten me through life
With my family and friends this gift will never cease,
My thought is that money certainly doesn’t buy happiness
Also forgiveness and giving brings the greatest peace.

I’ve been so thankful for my wonderful husband Robert
As we will celebrate 46 years of marriage in June,
My awesome son Bobby, his darling Tash and our grandkids
When we get to see them safely it will never be too soon.

This place in time I am truly blessed with my beautiful mom Helen
Who will soon celebrate the big 93,
Her living children and her very close family and friends
I thank God in Heaven for the blessings we all see.

Not all my family and friends have made it to this age
I thank God for my 65 years,
Some are granted a very short visit to earth
We are not told how long we’ll be here.

From Stephen Street, to Mckay St., to Brine Street
St. Patrick’s, to Holy Heart of Mary and Business Ed,
From United Nail and Foundry, to dedicating my life to Child Care and St. Bon’s
I agree it’s hard and busy but a most rewarding job as people have said.

I will now be entering semi-retirement 
As my last precious children leave my door,
I’ll certainly be praying for all of you through the next chapter 
My love will be an extension to my babies forever more!! 

For all my babies from three months to over thirty,

Your Louie, always!!! 

I know that the parents will miss Louie's kindness and expertise and I am equally certain that Louie will miss her beloved and cherished charges. 

We wish Louie years and years of healthy and happy retirement with plenty of time to enjoy Robert and all her wonderful family.  God bless you, Louie, and your big kind heart.  Thanks for all your support and contributions to this blog.  Please keep in touch and we look forward to more of your poems (when you get time🍷🍷!) 

A TRIBUTE FROM ONE ST PATRICK'S GIRL TO ANOTHER

Today's post is a tribute to Mary Skinner, well know and well loved parishioner of St Patrick's Parish who died recently.  This heartfelt poem was written by Mary Lou (Louie) Mallard Tucker.  

Mary Skinner speaking at St Patrick's Convent  closing ceremony 

"Mary Skinner

A perfect tribute for a Christian life well lived

I shared with a church filled with people for her today,

Fr. Dohey, Fr. Pat, and two other    priests  

Celebrated this sad day in the Month of May.

Father Dohey did treasure Bill and Mary's friendship 

As they appeared to be the salt of the earth,

They certainly left their mark on the St Patrick's community 

Her parents and grandparents were there before her birth.

As May being the month of our precious Mother

Mary was a great mother figure through the years,

Being the outstanding mother to her wonderful family

Also House Mother to Nursing students, for whom she loved and cared.

Some of my siblings knew Mary’s family through singing and softball 

I'd see her at concerts and nod to her from time to time,

I would see her at the deanery with Regina when I’d drop by

She would smile at me while church events were on her mind.

My cousin Rose and Cathy J. were heartbroken for the family,

They had been singing with Mary's girls for years,

Both Rose and Cathy were away on holiday

As they both share the sadness, the cares and the tears.

Jesus smiled at your mother and took her by the hand,

He thanked her for her job so very well done,

Jesus told Mary you would be remembered as an angel

But to me you are my very special one." 

This is a lovely tribute from one St Patrick's girl to another.  Thank you very much, Louie, for sharing this touching  poem with us.  I am sure your thoughtfulness will be greatly appreciated by Mary's family and her many friends in St Patrick's Parish and beyond.

Mary Lou (Louie) Tucker Mallard