We started out as just a few
An idea born of need and hope
Within in one week we were growing fast
Our site forwarded by those who knew

The Tiel Chat Board was a place to share
More than just our worries for our fids
It was there for all who had needs
As we reached out to show we care

We are a family and have come to know
The lives and loves of those who gather here
Whether human or fid or puppy or kitty
We share in each trial or happiness show

We rejoiced when Sati and Linda found love
When Betty was blessed with a new little angel
We shared in Lucy’s vacation woes
We grieved when little Harry flew up above

Our Mary’s Chris was given a mate
Bullwinkle has taken over his house
And Mafia Bird tried to subvert
That sweet little Comet, oh what a fate

Our Marje had surgery and continues to mend
And Lillian’s son went under the knife
Mary in South Florida took to the road
While Susanne took time off, her flock to tend

KC and his longtime lady parted ways
Cece’s beautiful Zoe took a bath in oil
SaddleMagic’s shop gained another helper
Hazel lost her Star who was found again in many days

Our family had losses and hearts wept in pain
Dona lost her father and Lynn her sister and brother
Grandparents left us while new life was born
We all came together be it in sunshine or rain

Herbie still loves his Mommy’s toes
While Cara loves the paper game
Sunny loves William and Buddy loves Weasel
While Panzer and Rommel watch as their family grows

Priscilla lost Elliot and Betty’s Kramer took flight
We waited and loved hearing from our dear Leeann
And our Mary in New York has had triumphs and tears
While Spirit and Willie were caught in the fight

To save a city and to keep us free
From the madness we watched on September eleven
We wept together and shared our horror
While watching what hatred can cause to be

Our Pat went to work in the hell of that place
Where souls were taken and lives changed forever
We all tried to help in our own separate ways
As we looked on the living as they tried to face

Lives changed forever with no understanding why
Anyone would want to kill the innocent that day
They walk about in dazed grief and pain
And keep gazing into the sky

Thanksgiving this year had a deeper meaning
As we looked at our families gathered about
While over in Afghanistan young men were at war
Searching through caves and intelligence gleaning

As we shopped for Christmas and all it would bring
Our children’s bright faces as letters to Santa were mailed
We had hope in our hearts for peace here on earth
While our dearest Danni hoped for a ring

We’ve had others to join us and some of them male
Our Angie & Wendy and StarHawk joined in
This poem could go on but let’s toast our birthday
And next year this time, I’ll add to this tale!

Happy Birthday, Tiel Chat and Heads over Tiels!