Ron’s Eyes…..Then and Now

I wrote this poem in 1973 when Ronnie B and I first started dating. This summer I was away at a camp that hosted teens with disabilities. It was probably the summer I chose my career path in special education. One of the things that attracted me to Ron was his confidence to look me in the eye when he spoke. This poem came right after Ron came to visit me at the camp. I was a speaker out in the forest during the church service. Rather than it feeling awkward, Ron held my gaze and I was able to speak directly to him. I fell in love with this young man and still love the seventy year old who stretches me to be the best version of myself. 

Your eyes tell me say much your strong look shows your warmth and interest in our surrounding world they epress your goodness and love for others but mainly they are sure and don’t turn away but reach out to find the feelings and warmth of others….your eyes.   

What an insight to this man I have now spent a lifetime beside. There was no way this eighteen year old could have known the connection we would build. But I knew that Ron was someone who had the confidence to bring out the same confidence in others, in me. I love that I still have the original letter that I sent to him. It is a bit dark and hard to read but that just means that like our love it has not faded with time. 

Here we are ready to embark on a trip to Egypt and Kenya and all the adventures that will entail. I would never have the courage to do this on my own but with Ron by my side I am up for the journey. His eyes continue to hold my heart all these decades later..

In Him,

Joyful

10-20-26