There was a wonderful celebration at the Rest-a-While Community Centre for the Aged, recently, when Joyce Ganter was thanked for her 20 years of service to the centre.
Joyce has served on the executive committee for many years and is a great help at all Rest-a-While’s functions.
Manager of the centre Wendy Morgan presented her with a certificate of appreciation, as well as a bouquet of flowers.
Loutjie Joubert, another member of the centre, wrote this tribute to her:
“This isn’t a farewell, but only an acknowledgement to say thanks for your efforts of voluntary service to Rest-a-While for 20 years, and for many more to come.
“We want to praise you for your contribution to the centre and also for your kindness and friendship to all of us.
“There is an Afrikaans poem:
“Gee my nou die haelwit rose wat jy eendag op my graf sal plaas;
“Rangskik nou die lelies in jou duurste blommevaas!
“Gee dit nou terwyl my hart so honger soos ‘n vuur knaag.
“Gee dit nou terwyl dit my lewe kan versoet en onderskraag!
“Gee dit nou terwyl dit matelose vreude kan verskaf.
“En plaas gerus die dorings eendag op my graf.
“Eendag sal ek van jou blomme op my graf niks nie weet.
“Eendag doen die dorings aan my hart geen meer leed!
“We want to give you the flowers and love now, while you are still with us.
“The letters in your name: J-O-Y-C-E symbolise the quality of your character:
“J = for joy, jocund, jolly (for she’s a jolly good fellow)
“O = observant, operative, orderly, optimistic
“Y = you … only you, yourself (there’s only one Joyce)
“C = Christian, capable, candid, careering, charitable
“E = eagerness, ecstasy, élan.
“We sincerely wish you another 10-plus years with us, for you are a ‘joyful Joyce.'”
