The Ladies

2016- A year of great loss

But with a glimmer of joy

Let’s not forget the light in the dark

Two beautiful baby boys

Christmas has come for another year

Their first in the Bob Knox home

But as we gather for holly and cheer

To the Ladies, I dedicate this poem.

First, the woman of many names

Margie, Grandma, and Mom

Different roles, but to her the same

All fabulous, loving and strong

Always in style-the best clothes, jewels, and shoes

At life she was a winner

She early established the rule of twos

That is, dates per night, and drinks before dinner

She spun circles around all the boys

On the Rainbow Gardens dance floor

But it was Bob Knox who gave her a lifetime of joys

He was like no man she’d met before

With her six girls she was loving but strict

A true German through and through

They’d sneak out, have their fun,

But she couldn’t be tricked,

And they thought she never knew

Christmas Day was her favorite time

She created the ribbon tied boxes

She’s the reason we celebrate, gather and rhyme

The inventor of Christmas at the Knox’s.

Next, the woman of many locations

Across the globe she flew

A girl of action, of several vocations

Surfer and Stylist to name a few

She’d fit in as much as the day would permit

Her adventures were never done

And when I’d ask her how she does it

She’d respond, “Darling, I always have fun”

She brought people together, it was her gift

Each friend in her life essential

Secretly matchmaking, she was sly and swift

She made us all feel uniquely special

From camo to pearls, she’d transform with ease

You could never quite pin her down

If you’d sneeze in your hand or forget to say please

Ms. Manners would scold with a frown

Blonde and beautiful, from the crowd she stood apart

She had gumption and charm to spare

Cool, charismatic, and a great big heart

There are few as wonderful as Claire.

Margie loved it when she came and stayed

She watched her as she grew

In those summers a unique connection was made

She taught her everything she knew

Each Christmas they’d prepare, hang lights by the dozens

The reindeer perched on the shelf

They’d ready the basement for the guests and cousins

Mrs. Clause and her little elf

They were true kindred spirits, together ‘till the end

And now as they watch from above

Each happy moment is a message they’ve sent

Of their everlasting protection and love

And though they are here no longer

Know that they live on within you

With each day their legacy grows stronger

And the power of love will continue

---

Shannon McCain

December 25, 2016