Keen during rugby game at Singapore American School (around 1974) “The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.” ~ B. R. Ambedkar
Keen Tribute
By Eileen Umbehr
This Saturday marks 50 years,
Since you have been on this earth
Do you know how much I love you?
Do you realize your immeasurable worth?
You truly are one in a million
And I thank God we found one another
Even though it took moving half way ‘round the world
For me there was no other
You have put up with all of my quirks
And loved me through thick and thin
I’m sure more than one woman has secretly wished
That maybe – just maybe – you had a twin!
But you are my one and only
And I’m the only girl you’ve ever kissed
There aren’t many men who can say that
So I realize how richly I’m blessed
Life with you is never a dull moment
But I wouldn’t have it any other way
I never know what’s around the corner
Our life is like an adventure bouquet!
Now on this your 50th birthday
I’d give you the world if it were in my power
But instead I’ll just give you all of my love
And pray God’s blessings on you will be showered
I love you, Keen. Happy 50th Birthday!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Ode to Keen
By Eileen Umbehr
July 14, 1998
Lord, You're my best friend in the whole wide world,
Forever faithful and true;
and You blessed me with someone right here on earth,
Someone who's just like You.
He's always there when I need him,
He never lets me down;
And whenever I'm feeling sad or blue,
He turns to a smile, my frown.
You brought us together in Singapore,
When we were only fifteen;
And ever since the day we met,
He has made me feel like a queen.
He never chooses to point out my faults,
He acts as if I don't have any;
And even though I appreciate this,
We both know that I have many.
In twenty years of marital bliss,
Not one unkind word has he said;
I only wish that I could say the same,
But You know I'm the hothead.
But just like You, he's patient with me,
Even when I get stressed;
He helps me stay calm in the midst of the storm,
And says things will work out for the best.
He tells me he's the lucky one,
To have me as his wife;
But I am the one who is truly blessed,
To have him in my life.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
A Real Find
By Eileen Umbehr
For Keen on our 21st anniversary - June 10, 1999
I was shopping for a gift,
For my husband, dear;
Something to commemorate,
Our marriage of twenty-one years.
I thought that I would buy him,
A tie tack for the occasion,
And so I headed for the mall,
To fulfill my expectation.
I found so many different styles,
Some were fancy, others plain,
And it wasn't very long before,
My patience started to wane.
But finally I narrowed my search,
Down to two that looked real nice;
The only difference between them,
Was, of course, the price!
In my mind I debated the issue,
Back and forth I went,
Trying to decide which one to buy,
For this blessed event.
Suddenly, it all became clear,
Like a light bulb going off in my head;
So I pointed to the more precious one,
And this is what I said.
My husband is a real gem,
Truly, I do not jest;
For he's one in a million,
Who deserves the very best.
Thus, the choice is simple,
This fine tie tack is now sold;
For my husband's not a gold-plated guy,
He’s 14-karat gold!
Keen and Eileen in Singapore, age 16
Keen and Eileen today
