Hi,
I want to wish Derek Daniels (one of my grandsons) a happy birthday on Feb. 19. We have a lot of birthdays in our big family, and I mentioned them last week. But I wanted Derek to know that I didn't forget him. He's a nice young man, all grown up, and now living in Chicago. But I remember baby sitting with him  and his three brothers when they were growing up and living in Murphysboro.
There was a time that all of my family, or most of them, lived here. But as the years rolled by they had to go where their jobs took them. But we still get together pretty often.
There's nothing like family love. I was one of 10 children, born and raised here, and we've always been close, and still are. There are only three of us left. I have a sister, Pauline, and her husband. My brother Joe, and myself. But I still have lots of cousins, nieces and nephews here, and we still get together pretty often.
My gem... It takes less time to do the right thing than to explain why you did it wrong.
Valentines Days has come and gone, but I found this Valentine poem among my souvenirs and I wanted to share it with all of you out there. It's titled, "Tell Her."
 
TELL HER
 
Amid the cares of married life
In spite of toil and business strife;
If you value your sweet wife,
Tell her.
 
Prove to her you don't forget
The bond to which the seal is set;
She's of life's sweets, the sweetest yet...
Tell her.
 
When days are dark and deeply blue,
She has her troubles, same as you;
Show her that your love is true...
Tell her.
 
There was a time you thought it bliss
To get the favor of one kiss;
A dozen now won't come amiss...
Tell her.
 
Your love for her is no mistake,
you feel it, dreaming or awake;
Don't conceal it, for her sake...
Tell her.
 
Don't act, of she has passed her prime,
As though to please here were a crime;
If ever you loved her, now's the time...
Tell her.
 
She'll return, for each caress,
A hundredfold of tenderness;
Hearts like hers were made to bless!
Tell her.
 
You are hers and hers alone;
Well you know she's all your own,
Don't wait to "Carve it in stone..."
Tell her.
 
Never let her heart grow cold;
Richer beauties will unfold.
She is worth her weight in gold!
Tell her.