Fifty years ago today, during a typically balmy February in Pittsburgh, my parents tied the knot, got hitched and stepped into the great unknown. Four kids and five grandkids later, they are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Below is the poem my brother wrote and made part of the quilt we gave them for the occasion. The quilt is a collection
of photos and well wishes from family and friends.
So even though they don't have email, I'll say thanks for all of the love and support you've given over the years. I think now you may be able to give St. Jude a little time off where I'm concerned.
Brian
A Living Quilt
Listen all, gathered in love and good cheer, Of a story not told but
lived. Now hear.
In nineteen hundred and fifty-two A bond began with a simple "I do." Now some believe in luck, and some in fate But young Cupid's day was the special date. Like thread, two hearts were tightly wound. Starting that day a new union was found.
Cupid's arrow was the needle for that thread And he stitched their lives together it's said. The stitches were strong, some delicate some bold. And he tailored life's fabric to comfort and hold.
Then this bond, so strong and true, soon added a patch of fabric brand new. The yardage of life then added three more; Growing the quilt in size and totaling four.
Each patch a different pattern, texture and tone Having learned of love, now starting quilts of their own.
Friends add the color and decorative stitches; For they're truly one of life's most valued riches. Add family for binding and tying together A work never finished and of great measure.
Now some patches wear and some even fade But the quilt holds together it's edges a bit frayed. But those wear marks are from love and a life lived together And the quilt comforts the makers in all kinds of weather. Some patches are added for strength and repair; A little thread, love and fabric will fix any tear.
Time goes by fast, like the blink of an eye And soon, fifty years of sewing flies by. But this loving quilt's made of memory patches And celebrates one of Heaven's best matches. There still are more spaces for adding new squares And everyone wishes you countless more years.
Robert C. T. Steele
Composed and stitched in honor of
the Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary of
Bob and Shirley Steele
February 14, 2002
by
Lyn Steele Ultsch, Claudia Steele,
Rob Steele, and Brian Steele
Presented December 30, 2001
Friends add the color and decorative stitches; For they're truly one of life's most valued riches. Add family for binding and tying together A work never finished and of great measure.
Now some patches wear and some even fade But the quilt holds together it's edges a bit frayed. But those wear marks are from love and a life lived together And the quilt comforts the makers in all kinds of weather. Some patches are added for strength and repair; A little thread, love and fabric will fix any tear.
Time goes by fast, like the blink of an eye And soon, fifty years of sewing flies by. But this loving quilt's made of memory patches And celebrates one of Heaven's best matches. There still are more spaces for adding new squares And everyone wishes you countless more years.
Robert C. T. Steele
Composed and stitched in honor of
the Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary of
Bob and Shirley Steele
February 14, 2002
by
Lyn Steele Ultsch, Claudia Steele,
Rob Steele, and Brian Steele
Presented December 30, 2001
