1 

Today, on our thirteenth wedding anniversary, 

I just wanted to express my feelings deep inside 

But which words to use, I find difficult to decide 

2 

I could have written about our fave number thirteen 

That we consider lucky for us and our children

In their names the number and our history written

3 

I could have written about blessings that came our way 

Foremost are our children and the people we care for 

Earthly resources and otherwise, we have much more 

4 

I could have written about our wealth of experience 

Our projects and adventures, successes and failures 

Collected with passion to be where we wanna be 

5 

I could have written about our vision of success 

Many moments in our journey we chose happiness 

Ov’r a life of meaningless races and pettiness 

6 

I could have written about how wonderful you are 

Beauty that is not only a sight to behold 

But also evident to all ‘cause your heart is gold 

7 

I could’ve written about your remarkable talents 

The answer to “why is Rica such a great dancer?” 

You’re artistic, learn quick, adroit and a go-getter 

8 

I could’ve written about my luck that you're in my life 

And the years we were friends, before you became my wife 

And from thereon meaning, feeling, passion had been rife 

9 

I could have written about how great you make me feel 

That I can do anything, be what I wanna be 

That despite of and because of, you’ll be there for me 

10 

I could have written about thirteen years together 

Starting with our first one and every year thereafter 

But that would’ve taken volumes to write, years to finish 

11 

I could’ve written thirteen reasons I’d marry you ‘gain 

Though one is enough, the most important one at that 

Because we love and have each other no matter what 

12 

I could have written thirteen stanzas to make a point 

Of how much I love you and how much you mean to me 

I probably would, no matter how silly it’d be 

13 

Life has been great these thirteen years, the next I am sure 

Would be incredible, ‘cause we’re in for the long haul 

Together in this our journey to our final goal.

Happy 13th, my dear,

 

Canada celebrated Thanksgiving Day yesterday. While the kids were thankful for a four-day weekend, Mama Sez and I were both grateful for a colourful first two months in our new city, just like the leaves in autumn. The various shades of yellow and orange reflect the mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement as we face new possibilities, brown for the sorrow we feel as we mourn for the loss of our mother, and green for the hopefulness that all is well despite disappointments in a handful of people that we were counting on. Hard times is like strong air currents that winnows the grain from the chaff… that exposes one’s true character. Relationships are tested at such times and some would not go far. It is then those found to be true and enduring that must be celebrated instead of brooding hurt and anger over the ones that had gone awry.

"Autumn falls..." by Paul Bica

In the midst of our thanksgiving dinner with friends and family, we expressed our appreciation for the support and encouragement during this period of difficulty and adjustment. As in the nightly gratitude ritual that we have started doing again, we emphasized the many things that we are thankful for, particularly good health, good friends and togetherness.

The other thing that everyone was thankful for that night was Mama Sez's success in using the Modified Pollo Iberico recipe on her very first turkey cooking.  It was tasty to the bones!