Joe, thy name is Joy,
optimal Joy,
effusive, optimal Joy,
beginning 50 years ago on November 19
when you took your first breath
and brought incredible joy
to your other and me,
as your presence does today;
as it brightens up the kitchen and Stardust,
as it permeates Reppard Road and soccer fields.
Now, on the occasion of your big enchilada,
cheers, ovations, raves, fanfares, hurrahs,
and hip-hip-hooray,
in the words of an Irish blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
And may that be for many years to come.
I raise my glass to you,
Dear son,
Dear husband,
Dear father,
Dear friend,
cin-cin, l’chayyim, skol, slainte, salut.