As we celebrate the strength of an era,
It also designates the end of an era.
The welcomed fate of our stint was no error –
this city strongly grounded us.
So, since you and I melded
And were intentionally unified in Elgin…
It makes sense to eulogize a realm no longer bound to us.
Though usually connected to doom and gloom,
This eulogy reflects some good news to view.
A good word blesses those truly in tune
with the moves of the Father.
There’s no way to decrease or pad the hurt it seems,
That’s why this breaking news is being released on our anniversary…
With added certainty, our faith’s being
stretched to move a bit farther.
It would seem Carol Kee’s lima bean
Is set to be a Kingdom herald on Carolina’s scene
With neither peril nor hindsight seen –
the Lord has opened doors for Quiana Qualls Kee.
Though the promotion she’s been blessed with is continental,
It’s driven by the same motion her beau moved
west with that was so monumental…
Only now, it’s spawned the dawn of Continental’s
new Head of Quality!
So, after 20 years of her American service rendered,
18 years of his merited purpose centered,
And 16 years of their marriage’s worth engendered,
the Kees have unlocked a new level!
What started with Two If By ‘See’
with enough accrued faith not to look,
Now has 2×4 players – a new game’s afoot!…
They’ve even hooked a few new play books –
unboxed through youth specials.
Yet just as the roof settled
Over the room they’ve nestled,
A move’s been scheduled –
none can interrupt what the Lord’s harnessed.
Though their time here’s been truly incredible,
They were just stopping through like a vestibule…
Matching Quiana’s can-do with Reginald’s –
nothing will disrupt this forward progress:
From praise dance and drill teams
To faith advanced realty,
We’ve taken chances to build things as
part of Elgin’s landscape.
From financial aid to homeless nights to
open mic thought flows,
From business savvy gains to close wide plot holes…
Despite snot-nosed obstacles, we’ve had a lot of growth –
Sweet 16 shows our developin’ mandate.
So, though candle 16’s been added to endure,
It doesn’t mean we’re fully pristine, established and matured.
Our path’s been secured but there’s much
more to learn and grow into.
More to reconcile in the midst of racial tension.
More to speak in marketplaces that’s
yet to be gainfully mentioned…
More faithful dimensions of God’s Kingdom
for others to be wholly birthed into.
So, since we were married in Elgin
And birthed both children carried in Elgin,
We’ll always carry Elgin with us wherever we go.
Though some things were harried, they seldom
Tarried or felt unwelcomed…
The clarity we’ve felt from this city goes with us
wherever we’re zoned!
That’s why Elgin is forever our home!
Its clever endeavors empowered our goals.
Every person we’ve encountered and
ever known was divinely anointed!
We came, we saw, we partnered and witnessed.
We stayed, we evolved, we conquered the mission…
It’s been an honor and privilege –
designed within timely appointments!
After all, ELGIN is in my name!
Not one letter’s withheld or MIA.
I was neither compelled nor convinced to stay –
I’m this city’s adopted son!
Having said that, if I can speak as an Elgin lad,
I’ve gotta say, man – ELGIN’S RAD!…
REGINALD is ELGIN-clad – I’ve literally coopted its punch!
Rather, I drank the Kool-Aid and loved the fluid!
Elgin holds a special place in my heart –
the Fox River runs through it.
Herb’s had something to do with it! –
good bakeries define the heart of a city!
There’s no place on earth that’s doin’ it
Quite like Elgin – its worth is ruinous…
Good ol’ Urbs Fluminis – you’ve set the bar high
for the next town’s authenticity!
After all, to see what our Father envisioned
Was something that’s no longer as darkly hidden.
When we departed, our Christian prisms
only saw part of the spectrum.
Yet and still, we embarked with specifics
That’s both started and finished…
We’re blessed to restart the depth we charted and
ended with a spark that beckons.
This is not ‘til death do we part.
This is when next we depart!
Reset in a recessed arc, we’re like
diamonds classically engaged!
We’ve been predestined to be preset in a bezel
That wrecks hell while seeking heaven to upset the devil…
None shall beset, dishevel or embezzle
what God’s actively staged.
