Comment from Mary Vigasin

Excellent

Thank you for telling more about Willie in this birthday tribute. He is truly a remarkable man and public servant. There is so much I learned about Willie.
Best wishes
Mary

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi Mary, I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

Comment from Yusita

Excellent

I didn't know who Willie P Smith was, so I looked him up. Anyway, a lovely tribute to someone who apparently did a lot for this country! "A happy birthday with much thanks"... great way to wrap it all up!

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi Yusita, what a beautiful name. I keep meaning to tell you that.

I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

reply by Yusita on 15-Dec-2023

That?s actually my nickname, my late grandpa gave it to me and I?ve always loved it, so thank you! I?m sorry to know Willie is sick. I hope he recovers soon, and I have no doubt he will love the poem!

Comment from Wendyanne

Excellent

This is a lovely, well written tribute to one of Fanstory's great writers. It sounds like he's had a fascinating life and still lives to tell the tale. I found it an interesting read.

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi Wendyanne, I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

Comment from Rosemary Everson1

Excellent

A courageous man who served in the armed forces and is now a writer. I will have to look this fellow's books up on Amazon. It's such a great poem about a colleague of ours on FS.

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi there Rosemary,
I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

Comment from Sarah Robin

Exceptional

I loved this post. What a great birthday tribute to Willie. Living outside the US makes one appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. Thanks to Willie and all of his friends for their service. The poem and music were very special. Well done. Sarah

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Dear Sarah, I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.
Thank you also for the six stars. They do go to honor our hero, Willie!

And I have been meaning to thank you for the lovely letter and the picture of your poem. You have no idea how much your being happy with it means to me. Thank you so much.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Willie is a pretty good poet, and obviously a good writer, I'm so glad you're on the ball dear girl, with recognising him, you've done a marvellous job. of this work, and in honouring a good man, husband, grandfather and great grandfather, well done, blessings Roy
Suggestion : six years in (the) US navy.

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi Roy, I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

reply by royowen on 15-Dec-2023

I hope so Debi

Comment from JSD

Excellent

Line 4 - 'couple's'.

Eighty-six! That's amazing. Thanks for another lovely tribute. Faultless rhyme and rhythm of course. And so many great and personal details. Well done! Hope things are ok. x

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi John, I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

Another lovely poem for another FS Birthday. Willie certainly has done so much with his life, all for the good of his country. This has really given us a good insight to his life, Debi, and it was a pleasure to read. I'm sure everyone who has had a special Birthday poem written by you, will treasure them. I've kept mine, it's been printed out so I can read it often. Well done, my friend!! And Happy Birthday, Willie! Love and hugs, Sandra xx

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi Sandra, I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

Wow, Debi. I've read Willie's phenomenal poetry here on this site but never knew of the background...

A lifetime of service to our country, a great-grandfather of 23, and a children's book author, those are big shoes for anyone to fill!

Fantastic post and Happy Birthdsy Willie...

Cheers, John

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi John, I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

Comment from Lisasview

Excellent

Good morning dearest Debi,
What lovely birthday poem to read early this morning here in Spain.
All your birthday poems and other poems are awesome ...
The mere fact that you know so many important details is fantastic.
Lisa

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Hi Sweetie, I cannot thank you enough for such a kind review and comments for Willie's poem. I just found out that Willie has been sick the last few days and it has him down in bed. So he hasn't even seen his poem yet. Let's pray he will get better soon.
Thanks again, my dear friend.

reply by Lisasview on 15-Dec-2023

Oh no, I am sure he will be better very soon and enjoy your lovely Birthday poem wish...
Lisa