1 Memories

Memories from Helen Galloway 1987

The Frank and Esther Gallaway family gets together every two years.
Ann and Glen deserve three cheers
For putting together this grand affair,
With much planning and a certain flair.
This crew of ten - six sisters and four brothers
Couldn't be topped by any others,
Frank and Esther as parents were wonderful and dear,
In spirit we know they are both here.
They cared and provided through thick and thin
For the children who came to number ten.

First there was Hubert who chose a teacher named Helen
She was round and plump like a sweet melon.
Their children were Tommy, Nancy, Faye, Annette and Jo.
By that time they decided, "that's enough - no mo'!"
Hubert taught "Ag" to many a future farmer and farmerette,
For forty-three years each one was a teacher's pet.

Next came Rebyl, better known as "Sister."
She chose Bill to be her Mister.
Billie and Jackie were their two boys
They came close together so they shared their toys.
Sister taught school for many years
Losing Bill brought sorrow and many tears.
Now she is interested in work in her church
Which she enjoys so very much.

Mable was the next girl in line
She married Johnny - thoughtful, loving and kind.
Allan and Randy were their two boys
Each one brought the Gregorcyks much happiness and joy.
When Johnny left for a long while
Time healed and brought back Mable's sweet smile
"Miss Mable" was missed by many a boy and girl,
When she gave up teaching to give life a "whirl."

Mae was next to join the Gallaway pack
She was smart when she found Jack.
A teacher she was until she retired early one year,
Then she and Jack traveled over the sphere.
Mae had three - Joyce, Johnny and Diane,
All missed Jack when he left this land.

In 1923, along came J.I.
We will have to admit he is quite a "guy."
Always ready to have some fun
Sitting and talking or on the run.
Edith came and found a place in our hearts
Even from the very start.
J.I.'s boys, Gregory and Gary
Grew up fast to marry.

1926 brought a girl - Mildred by name
C.L. found her in the dating game.
Connie, Lois and Eddie brightened their life together,
In both calm and stormy weather.
Both have retired to a life of travel and ease,
Now they do just as they please.

Winston, number seven, became a "traveling" man.
He went to Germany and brought our lovable Ann.
They have traveled to Phillipines, Paris, Bogata, and Mexico City
Too far to visit - what a pity!
Chuck, Steve, and Carol are their offsprings three,
A good beginning for a family tree.

Every family needs a Junior - it's fate,
So Frank was born as number eight.
He persuaded Edna to be his wife
Debbie, Brenda, Cindy, Frank and David came to share their life.
As a Quaker Oats man, he works very hard,
One day retirement will be his reward.

1932 brought girl number five, named Ann
In 1952 she chose Glen to be her man.
These two are responsible for our being here together,
We came from far and near in all kinds of weather.
Glenna and Tricia joined them to make four,
They brought happiness, joy and much more.
Glen and Ann work in their church and such
This work they love so very much.

Doris was last - not least - the family's baby
She has grown up to be quite a lady,
We are so glad she found Jim - good, thoughtful, and still so slim.
They waited patiently to get Danny and Dawn,
Now these two are grown and gone.

This ends my poem - I have done my best,
May each family by God be blest.

                 Written for Gallaway Reunion
                 July 12th - 18th, 1987, at
                 Los Cuartos Inn
                 Amarillo, Texas