First Sight

When first I saw her,

I twinkled like a star.

She appeared so close,

and still so far.

From deep within

I felt a warm glow.

So eager to meet her,

yet afraid it might show.

Gary R. Cramer

Early 1980’s

Our Oklahoma Lady

What is this woman

so quiet and yet,

she pulses with strength

weaving a mystical net.

A Lady Madonna

full of love and grace,

joined with a man

who lights up her face.

A mother superior

giving faith and guidance,

using love and discipline

leaving little to chance.

The force in this lady

is shown in her eyes,

but the source no doubt

deep in her heart lies.

A lady, a wife

a most special mother,

a very special creature

earth sister to her brother.

To know her is to love her

and to love her is only right,

Jerri is our lady

our loving guiding light.

Happy Birthday Mom

Gary R. Cramer

April 13, 1981

…Our Big Hearted Texan A gift from a loving son-in-law

So fitting it seems

for “Freeman” as his name

as God would have it

his spirit was the same.

With a twinkle in his eye

he enjoyed life so,

always conscious of his needs

but others not to know.

Whether busy or idle

his gift was his time,

neither pain nor sorrow

altered “I’m doin’ fine”.

Truly a strong man

tempered with compassion,

graced with love

in a generous fashion.

Blessed with a woman

dearest Jerri, his wife,

tolerant, forgiving and loving

always at his side in life.

The song in his heart

a daughter named Beth,

so proud of her music

her love gave him breath.

Her gift to him

a granddaughter to stay,

the prize of his life

Rebecca La Naie.

From birth to death

this man heard a call,

the most humble of beginnings

and yet he stood tall.

So loving and giving

eager to help a friend,

healthy or sick

he was with you to the end.

Saddened that he’s gone?

only a fool would say “No”,

such a generous man

we all loved him so.

Perfect he was not

he didn’t follow the letter,

but for all the world

you’d be pressed to find better.

So remember him please

with not a tear in your eye,

recall his love and smile

enough to light up the sky.

When you’re down and out

consider yourself lucky,

for a time in your life

you knew Freeman Bussey.

Gary R. Cramer

August, 1981

Published in the Kiowa County News

Oklahoma