This will be a toast

And as with most

There may be some rhymes

Just for old times

But expect little meter

And expect some pain

I can’t upstage the leader

The holder of the flame

Who has rhymed with no shame

At events large and small

Always there to answer the call

And maybe make us grin

As we begin

To celebrate

With foes and fans

We will not forsake

Our livelong plans

No matter how feeble

We are as a people

Let’s salute this man

Who has made his stand

And does not demand

That we do like him

Just leave him be

And you will see

That you are free

To screw up as you please

For whoever sees

That they have a better way

We are here to say

Let’s have it out

Without a doubt

Good lord, please, finish this spout

And did I say that this was a toast

Not a roast

Let's be happy that we’re all here to cheer

Old pops on his natal day

Hurray hurray to a life lived full

May tomorrow bring more to all

You’ve shown the way.

PAPS TURNS 87 & WE’RE ALL HERE!

What Paps has to go through to get his kids all together,

It’s hard to believe what it took,

You’re the glue of family, especially now,

This time, your excuse’s off the hook.

You turned 87 which is so hard to believe,

You’ve made it look easy ‘til now,

Playing tennis with pros still in their thirties,

Those learning your age would say “WOW!”

You’ve been the stud in the gym that’s for sure,

Winning trophies for long runs on the treadmill,

Staying so fit and watching what you eat,

Your great health was always a thrill.

No elephant in the room, we can’t avoid where you are,

We’re all so scared and incredibly sad,

But for tonight and in honor of your birthday,

The focus will be on you: the best dad.

You’ve taught me so much, why you’re incredibly smart,

I’ve learned tons from you through my years,

You’ve showed me by example and given me advice,

Your guidance has not fallen on deaf ears.

When you thought I was being lazy especially in school,

You and mom decided to get a real-estate permit,

Studying every minute when you weren’t at work,

Trying to teach me what it looks like to commit.

You and I have a relationship that just doesn’t compare,

Not common between a daughter and her father,

I tell you my secrets, some you would rather not know,

Perhaps I should be more selective, but why bother?

It’s been such a joy sharing great laughs,

Your sense of humor would always delight,

Except some of your jokes I didn’t find funny,

And well your obsession with big boobs, wasn’t right.

But it never stopped you from being yourself,

Which I’ve learned and made a part of my charm,

We often embarrass others and even turn heads,

But heck, it’s all in good fun and won’t harm.

You’ve trained me to be frugal and watch what I spend,

I go out of my way to get the best deal,

I learned to watch pennies, and make requests when not pleased,

We both ask for what would make things ideal.

Contacting the company to say what’s not right,

We expect what we pay for to be good,

When we’re left disappointed or we’re just not impressed,

We will get it for free if we could.

Another trait that I got just from you,

Is networking and the value of connecting friends,

We see how they’d benefit from meeting the other,

Deriving pleasure in how their new friendship transcends.

Even writing these poems I learned it from you,

I’ve adopted the tradition so well,

But I give you the credit because I owe it to you,

It’s your silly poems that truly excel.

Of course you knew mom was the woman you wanted,

You pursued her until she said yes,

That was the BEST decision you made,

Not stopping at four kids was second, I confess.

Yes, mom’s been a saint all of your marriage,

She puts up with your quirks and demanding ways,

She goes with the flow and caters to your moods,

Making you happy has caused her true praise.

I’ve watched you and mom live the life of your dreams,

You’ve enjoyed San Francisco it is easily clear,

I too approach life as rewarding and fun,

And make choices that will bring the most cheer.

Because your relationship with mom’s so amazing,

I held out till I found Bill who is my one,

Who could put up with me and shine on his own,

When it comes to partners, you and I surely have won.

Yes, Paps it’s true that I am who I am,

I owe so much of it to your influence on me,

I guess some could blame you for some of it too,

I’m proud of myself on that you can see.

So today we honor the man that you are,

You’ve touched us all so deeply it’s true,

There’s no one on this planet that can possibly compare,

There’s only one person as special as you.

We love you so much and that love will go on,

Your impact on this family forever will stay,

You’re the best and mean the world to us here,

 You’re in all of our hearts forever and a day.

Will Mom, Sunny, Peter, Susi & Peggy raise your glass,

To toast the patriarch of our family we so adore,

You’ve made a lasting impression there’s no doubt about that,

We love you Paps to the core!

I love you with all my heart!

Kar