Auld Lang Syne

As we turn the corner of 2009 and head into 20-10, may we find beauty in the smallest snowflake, appreciation in each act of kindness we receive and offer and the love in our Creator who gave such wonderful parents and family!

Give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort, and care.
Give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and fair.
Give us the vision to see what is possible.
Give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that is hopeful, a future that is peaceful—
Give us a heart to bring joy to each day.

The best to all the Bergers, Hertzels, Meisters and all family in the coming year.

Happy 25th Anniversary!!!!

Today, 25 years ago, Mark and Sophia said "I do."

May you enjoy AT LEAST another 25 together as husband and wife.

A very happy anniversary from snowing Cleveland, Ohio to sunny South Carolina while vacationing on your anniversary. Enjoy the day and have a great time! God bless both of you and your marriage!

Happy Birthday

A very special birthday to Chip, who's 28 today! Hey, Chip, how about a baked Alaska cake for your special day???!!!

While you're away, may your day be filled with precious memories of loved ones, a warm hug from all of us and a special greeting across the miles.

Happy birthday, to you, dear.

Merry Christmas!

A very merry Christmas to all and healthy holidays!

We Bergers had a great time at Christmas getting together as a family. Great fun - especially with David and his twins Andrew & Jaren and daughter Jordyn spent it with us! Blessings to all and very happy holidays!

Happy Birthdays

Late November is certainly busy for the Bergers!

Happy birthday to Gerry Berger and sister-in-law Bernie Berger on their birthdays today! Boy, do you guys get to go out to eat on your birthday the day being after Thanksgiving or eat extra turkey sandwiches? Hey, you're off of work and you're sure to enjoy a great day - even if there's snow - so enjoy.

May your special day be filled with family, lots of love, fun and a CAKE! God bless you both!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Cleveland group!

Here's a hearty "Happy Thanksgiving" to all our sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces and all their spouses! Hope you "goggled" up that turkey and had a great time!

Happy Anniversaries!

Very special wishes to Tracy & Logan today who are celebrating their 10th anniversary! Tracy is Ken and Bernie Berger's oldest daughter.

And a very happy anniversary to Jean & Gordon Gillette, who have enjoyed 32 years of marriage today. Jean is Bob's Mom and Gordon, his step Dad.

May both couples enjoy a wonderful day celebrating their wedded bliss.

And may all married couples grow in love and in creating fond memories together!

Glenn's retirement party

Family had a great time at Glenn's retirement party, leaving the U.S. Coast Guard office in Cleveland locked, secured and, well, empty. But it's was a great ride, wasn't it, Glenn?

God bless you in your "relaxing" years, doing what you want. Enjoy those Sunday nights now!

God bless our Veterans

Service
I thank God for those who dedicate their lives to service.
Through the ages, people have stepped forward and served to make their communities, their homelands and the world a better, safer place.

I am in awe of the courage and dedication they have shown. Their sacrifices bless us all.

I deeply appreciate the contribution of those who serve humanity. As part of our world family, I also do my part to promote a better life for all.

My prayers are one way to contribute to the betterment of humankind. Today I take time to honor and bless those who have committed their lives to courageous sacrifice and service to others. I give thanks for them and the significant difference they make in our world.

"Serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."--Deuteronomy 10:12

Belated Birthday Wishes

A very belated birthday to Ellen (Berger) Speck. Her special day was Oct. 22.

These wishes may be late but they are sincere in wishing you a fun-filled year with family and friends. Enjoy the rest of October with gusto and fun!

A special marriage prayer

Today, one year ago, Jessie & Justin entered into a new life together. May this prayer strengthen the love of that day for them and for all Berger family related marriages.

Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true
and understanding love for each other.

Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust.

Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony.

May we always bear with one another's weaknesses and grow from each other's strengths.

Help us to forgive one another's failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self.

May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year.

Bring us both ever closer to You through our love for each other.

Let our love grow to perfection.

Amen.

Happy Birthday Cousin Bob yesterday

A very happy birthday to Bob Meister who celebrated his birthday yesterday. Bob is a cousin on our Mom's side. His Dad and Mom (Eunice Hertzel Berger) were cousin's and enjoyed many, many great times together.

Well, we're now enjoying those great times.

Bob, have a great year and enjoy edging closer to that retirement age!

Happy 7th!

A very happy anniversary to Ellen and Paul Speck. May your marriage continue in wedded bliss and many more years of life together.

Happy Anniversary!

Two birthdays today

A very happy 1st birthday to Sam Wolnik, Joyce and Larry's youngest. How quickly that first year went by!

Well, Wolniks, enjoy your son's day with merriment, love and lots of great memories!

Happy Birthday, Sam!

And a very happy birthday to Roberta, Glenn's wife. May your day also be filled with sunshine, laughter and a great tasty cake...maybe from Dick's Bakery????

Both have a wonderful Oct. 3!

Joyce's special day

A very happy birthday to Joyce (Berger) Wolnik. May your day be filled with sunshine, kids' laughter and, of course, a delicious cake! Enjoy the day, Joyce, with your family - husband Larry, and children Libby, Natalie & Sam!

Happy birthday to you!

Mom's everywhere

The month after Mom passed, Bob, Jessie and I drove down to visit Chip in Louisiana for the 1st time, which was in our plans.

It was a difficult trip for me. And when we, with Chip, were on Highway 10, I saw this sign. I took it as a good sign.

So, when we drove that stretch on our trip here now, I had to get a picture.

All dogs go to heaven

Gerry & Debbie's faithful dog, Hunter, passed away yesterday with lymphoma. Here he is at Dad's feet in our parents' Beech Avenue home in Brooklyn. The upper photo is Hunter fishing for rocks in Lake Erie at Kelley's Island with Craig.

The Creation
When God had made the earth and sky the flowers and the trees, He then made all the animals the fish, the birds and bees. And when at last He'd finished not one was quite the same. He said, "I'll walk this world of mine and give each one a name." And so He traveled far and wide and everywhere He went, a little creature followed Him until it's strength was spent. When all were named upon the earth and in the sky and sea, the little creature said, "Dear Lord, there's not one left for me." Kindly the Father said to him, "I've left you to the end. I've turned my own name back to front and called you dog, My friend."

Hunter, rest in peace. Mom & Dad, love him up for us, ok?

Congratulations!

A very happy graduation to Kevin who is now a Bowling Green State University alumnus. Kevin is the oldest child of Gerry & Debbie Berger who live in Avon, OH.

The summer grad finished his internship at Cleveland's SportsTime Ohio and hopes to become a full-time employee in sport communications.

He wrote extensively on athletic events at the college - not to mention his infamous YouTube productions!

Best of luck in the working world, Kevin!

Check out one of his videos: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/658485eff2/killer-back-scratcher-from-kevin-berger

August 15

Cheryl's special day!

A very happy birthday to Cheryl who joins the ranks of enjoying her last year being 20-something.

Cheryl, let's hope the Montana weather finally cooperates with your wishes so you have sunny skies, warm breezes and a day to always remember as your own!

Happy birthday! God Bless.

Happy Birthday, Bob

A very happy birthday to Bob, husband of Joanne - the Bergers' favorite sister (Okay, the only!)

It's been 35 years since we've known each other, dear, and 32 of them as a married couple. I appreciate your kindness, thoughtfulness and love each day of my life. Have a wonderful day today - and tomorrow - when we can celebrate your special day with your Mom and Gordon. Hey, night meetings always come first for a reporter, sorry. Have a great day today, tomorrow and always!

Glenn's special day

A very happy birthday to Glenn who is celebrating his very special day today.

Glenn, you always start the month of August with a bang for the rest of the family. May you enjoy today with love, sunshine and, of course, something sweet to top it off.

Have a great day and many many more healthy birthdays in the future.

Happy birthday, brother!

Happy birthday, David!

Very happy Ohio birthday wishes to David, down there in Texas!

Grandma and Grandpa Berger were so proud the day you were born...and every day after that, David. You were always a very special sparkle in their eyes as their first-born grandchild!

May you enjoy your special day filled with love, precious memories and the making of more beautiful moments in your life! Oh, enjoy some cake & ice cream, too!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Tracy

Yes, it's the same photo but now it's Tracy's birthday! Boy, you too must have one great week with 2 birthdays so close!

Tracy, enjoy your special day with lots of sunshine, friends and love. May the rest of the year enrich your life, bring a bounty of veggies from your garden and rides along beautiful mountains and paths.

Happy birthday!

Kevin - Happy Birthday!

Gerry & Debbie welcomed their oldest - Kevin - into the world 22 years ago today. My, has time flown.

Kevin, may this year bring you lots of fun and friendship, great times at your BGSU college graduation next month - and hopefully a great job you enjoy.

Happy birthday, Kevin Berger!

Happy B-day Logan

Logan, Enjoy a great time today on your birthday! July is full of rays of sunshine and joy. Hope they both come your way on this very special day!

Happy birthday!

Logan is married to Tracy, Ken & Bernie Berger's oldest.

Oops - Happy Birthday, Tim!

A very belated - but very happy - birthday to Tim, on Wednesday. Tim is Cheryl's husband and Dad to Zakkar and Joey!

May your year bring joy, happiness and love to the Tusken family! Have a great one!

A prayer for all Fathers

Prayer for Fathers
St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labor and weariness. But amid the worries of material life your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over him faithfully as you have done.

Pope John XXIII

Happy Birthday - Julia

Happy Birthday wishes to Julia, who is two years old today. Julia is Ellen and Paul Speck's second daughter. Looking forward to her birthday party on Saturday.

Roy's Birthday

I don't know about the cake, but I talked to Roy today and he did in fact play 18 holes of golf. Shot an 81, but lost by one stroke due to handicap considerations. 99 degrees in Las Vegas did not stop Roy from playing 18 on his birthday.

Happy Birthday Roy

A very happy birthday to Roy today!

Roy, enjoy the day in sunny Las Vegas - or wherever you are today!

I found this photo on Facebook. Would love to know about its origins! :')

Roy, have a great day and maybe even fit in an 18-hole round of golf and a cake, of course!

Happy day, brother!

ZAKKAR'S 4!!

Wow, can anyone believe that 4 years ago, this guy came into the world weighing 5 lbs. 14 oz.?? Here he is enjoying his "specially requested" raspberry-chocolate cake. He loved it!

Twins- Happy 7th!

A very happy 7th birthday today to Jaren & Andrew, David's oldest(s). :')

Hope you have a very sunny day to enjoy on your special day with family, friends, food and a huge cake - with ice cream! Hey, boys, have a piece for us northerners, OK? Happy birthday, Andrew & Jaren!!!!!

Happy 27th Anniversary!

A very happy 27th anniversary to Roy and Debbie in Las Vegas. What a week they have enjoyed! And, please note, it is not a belated wish. :')

Roy and Debbie, may you enjoy much more wedded bliss together, whether at home, at a ball game or in yoga class :')

Happy Anniversary!

Jon...a Padres or is it Padre?

Congratulations to Jon Berger - now a Padres. He was drafted by San Diego. The San Diego State University right-hander - and our nephew/cousin/son, etc... got that call from the scout this afternoon! Check out the draft at
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/drafttracker.jsp.

A Berger in the big leagues. Wow!

Congrats, Jon, Roy, Debbie & Joe!

Belated Anniversary!

A very belated - but happy - anniversary to Larry and Joyce Wolnik. Joyce is Glenn's oldest daughter. It was their 8th anniversary on June 9! A June bride and groom.

May your 8th year together bring joy, growing friendship and love.

Happy Anniversary, Larry & Joyce!

Happy belated 27!

A very happy belated birthday to Travis, one of the newlyweds, who celebrated his birthday yesterday. Travis married Stephanie Berger last month!

Hope you enjoyed the day, Travis, and party the rest of the week, too!

Welcome to the family and have a great 27th year!

Matt's Graduation

Congratulations to Matt Berger, Mark and Sophia's youngest, for graduating from Crestwood High School last week. The family celebrated his special day Saturday with a party. Great food, great camaraderie and great weather!

Matt, your future is in your hands. Don't be afraid to try new adventures. They're out there for the offering so grab them with gusty. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Congrats!

Jon Berger's Major League Baseball's Scouting Video

Go to this link to view Jon Berger's MLB scouting video. He's Roy's youngest and may appear in the Major League Baseball's draft this week. Good luck, Jon!

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.js..

Happy Birthday!

Well, it's another Berger birthday - this time in Las Vegas. Happy Birthday to Debbie, Roy's wife.

May you continue to celebrate your special day among family and friends and a healthy piece of cake - hey, forget the Yoga for a day. You deserve it!

Happy birthday, Debbie!

Happy belated 35th Anniversary

A very happy anniversary to Ken & Bernie who were married 35 years ago yesterday! It was a beautiful day then, and it was a gorgeous day yesterday! May you enjoy many happy and blissful years together as you continue your journey together in life. God bless. Happy belated anniversary!

Memorial Day Reflection

Dear Heavenly Father,
We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Mr. & Mrs.

Congratulations to Stephanie & Travis who were married yesterday afternoon. Stephanie is Ken and Bernie's 3rd daughter.

May your life be filled with joy, love and great memories!

God bless to the newlyweds!

A Mother's Day Prayer

Loving God,

Thank You, Holy Father,
for Your special gift of mothers;
for the example of Your unconditional love they share with their children.

Thank You for the mother who lets her child know without doubt he or she is loved,
and for the child who returns that love.

Lord, today we pray You will protect and guide mothers everywhere;
that You will grant them Your wisdom in loving and teaching their children.

Today, may children everywhere remember the warm caresses and whispers in the night;
the tears dried and Band-Aids, the peach cobbler, the laughter;
and the blood curdling scream, "No!" at the brink of danger.

Thank You for the mothers who played with us, taught us, nurtured us,
fed us, listened to us and tried to understand us.

Today, may we remember Mom's beauty when we were young;
and her loveliness discovered as we aged.

Lord, today draw especially close the mothers who are alone,
for whatever reason;
and grant them Your comfort, Your pleasure, Your peace.

And, Lord, for children who are alone, because of distance, death, or indifference,
may good memories flood their minds.

And if there is not a good memory,
may forgiveness burst forth from their hearts
and revive in them long lost joy.

Thank you particularly for phone calls today,
and for a shared "I Love You."

Today as we honor, celebrate, or simply reflect on the woman who gave us birth,or who adopted us into her heart.

We thank You, Lord, for life,
and for Mom!

In Jesus name,
Amen

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Countdown 7 days

One more week to Stephanie and Travis' wedding day! Enjoy this week. Don't forget to breathe. And remember every second on Friday - it goes soooo fast!

See you then!

Cinco de Mayo!

Hola familia! Como estas?
Gee, a few high school Spanish phrases were remembered!

It's the 5th of May. So help Mexico celebrate its holiday with a taco, salsa and, of course, a margarita! After work, of course!

Vaya con Dias!

39 Years Ago - KSU

Four dead in O-H-I-O...goes the CSN&Y song describing Kent State University and the Ohio National Guard clash. It occurred 39 years ago.

Let's hope a tragedy like this one never occurs again and that all college students remain safe on campus wherever they are.
http://www.may4.org/

God bless.

Mom's tulip heaven

These tulips were planted the the fall before Mom passed because she loved the colors. Wanted her to be able to see them from the front window. Well, they bloomed the best this year.

Let's take it as a good sign from Mom & Dad. And that this year will be one of the best since their passing.

God bless to all

May is National Bicycle Month!

Get that bike down, check the tires, add a toolbag or saddlebag and take a ride!

Get the family to go for a ride together.

Take a 30-45-60 minute bike ride after dinner or right after work.

Take a ride in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park or Metroparks.

Ride to the grocery store, library, wherever.

So, no excuse. Get that 2-wheeler and ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride!

Happy 19th

A springy happy birthday to Matt, Mark & Sophia's youngest, who turns 19 today! Well, with graduation around the corner and a whole world about to uncover for you, Matt, we wish you a very fun-filled day with family, friends, a great dinner and, of course, a delicious grand cake!

Happy birthday, Matt.

Happy 6th!

A very happy birthday to Elizabeth Wolnik who's 6 today. She is Larry & Joyce (Berger) Wolnik's oldest. They live in big Texas.

May your day be filled with school fun, a great family dinner and, of course, a great dessert like HUGE cupcakes or a delicious cake! And don't forget a scoop or two of ice cream!

Happy Birthday!!!!!