The Family Castle
By Nancy Rakovszky

Our castle stands atop the hills
And offers strength of spirit
Place your hand little one unto mine
And I shall lead you to it.

The family castle is now your home
The stones grow ever stronger
For the castle's built on love and hope
Alone you are no longer

Behind these walls that rise up high
Lies a garden lush and green
It's offerings bountiful as the sea
And beauty yet unseen.

Drink the waters that beckon you near
They'll fill your heart with hope
Feast on the knowledge offered here
For that will help you cope.

Our fires will fill your soul with warmth
To cast off the chill outside
Yet stay not here within these walls
They were not built to hide.

Swing wide the gates so you can see
The world lie at your feet
For without what hides beyond
The castle's incomplete.

Mount our stallion strong and true
For he shall be your guide
His legs have carried those of us
Who've ventured far outside.

Fear not what you do not yet know
Lead on and find your star
Fill your pack with experience
That you shall gain afar.

The good times will outnumber bad
Though sometimes you shall fall
It's at that time that you should seek
The strength of the castle wall.

For no matter the path you choose to take
No matter the strength of tides
You need only look inside your heart
For that's where the castle resides.

My family is all of this… a castle that is in me and has taught me more than I can say. Even with this I have grown and only been able to thrive. I can leave them to enter the world but when things go wrong I can always retreat to them. This is a tribute to all of those I can call family. Those who have passed on and those who are still will us have all had a part and made me who I am today. I love you all… This is also a tribute to the person who means the most to me, Mary Ann who is already family in such a short time. Soon we will be starting our own family and I cannot wait. I Love You!