A Note to Friends from Mildred

At my 100th birthday party on November 21st, my daughter Sonneva played the music to “Ah Sweet Mystery” on her flute following the power point presentation (photos from Mildred’s 100 years). The music and lyrics of the first part of the song were written in 1910 by Victor Herbert for the operetta “Naughty Marietta”. In the 1930’s the second verse was added when the operetta was put into a movie. This song was sung at my wedding.

Ah! Sweet mystery of life, at last I’ve found thee.

Ah! I know at last the secret of it all.

All the longing, seeking, striving, waiting, yearning,

The burning hopes, the joy and idle tears that fall.

For ‘tis love and love alone the world is seeking,

And it’s love and love alone, I’ve waited for;

And my heart has heard the answer to its calling

For it is love that rules forever more.

This song was in a romantic setting but in a very real sense it applies to all of life. I was most fortunate to have grown up in a loving and supportive home, experienced it again in my marriage, and now have children and their spouses who daily do acts of kindness, which is another name for love. Then to add to my blessings my friends at Eastside Friends Meeting gave me a wonderful party and centennial fund. I appreciate the time, energy, and thoughtfulness that went into this event. Thank you for your many acts of kindness now, and over the years.