Mark Kelley

[Verse 1]
Forty years since that first hello,
I called my friend just to be sure,
"Is he for real?" — so kind, so true,
A gentleman, an honest cure.
My father smiled and knew right then,
Here stood a love that would endure.

[Chorus]
Through every storm you held me near,
With strength and grace, you calmed my fear.
A faith that carried us this far,
You are my hero, my guiding star.
Whatever came, we found a way,
And I would choose you all again today.

[Verse 2]
You traded suits of finest thread
For flannel shirts and mountain air,
A pumpkin house in northern hills,
A family raised with love and prayer.
Oh Mark, you climbed and skied and sailed,
And taught our children how to care.

[Chorus]
Through every storm you held me near,
With strength and grace, you calmed my fear.
A faith that carried us this far,
You are my hero, my guiding star.
Whatever came, we found a way,
And I would choose you all again today.

[Bridge]
Six little ones call you TaDa,
Four grown children bless your name,
Your tenor rings at Sunday Mass,
And still my heart feels just the same.

[Verse 3]
Out on the water, wind so wild,
Your brightest smile has always shone,
We dance the way we did back then,
Two hearts that found a lifelong home.
Mark, my partner, my truest friend,
With you I never sail alone.

[Chorus]
Through every storm you held me near,
With strength and grace, you calmed my fear.
A faith that carried us this far,
You are my hero, my guiding star.
Whatever came, we found a way,
And I would choose you all again today.

[Outro]
Forty years, and still I'm sure,
Mark, my love, forevermore.