Mama, I’ve tried to pass your wisdom on, tried hard to recall…
the sage advice and childhood tales, you shared when we were small.
The details now are sketchy, but how I loved to hear…
how things were when you grew up, and the hardships you endured.
Mama, I remember how you saved two dollar bills, and bought yourself a coat.
When life was cruel, you kept your cool… and kept us fed and clothed.
“It stays outside,” was what you said, when a stray dog we brought home.
Yet, you were first to bring him in, and offered him a bone.
The many times you were up all night, when a tummy was upset…
The games we played, the fun you made… the laughs we won’t forget.
Though times were hard , we never knew how much we did without.
Cause you were there, the meals three square, that’s all we cared about.
Mama, how I wish I’d written down, your wisdom and your wit.
The ways of old, the tales you told, how winners never quit.
“Stand up straight. Clean your plate. Wash behind your ears.
Do your best. Life’s a test. God hears all our prayers.”
I might forget some things you taught about life and growing up…
but I won’t forget the patience or the love.
We knew that all was well, when you tucked us into bed.
God was watching over us. “It’s true… cause Mama said.”
My mama’s birthday was April 30, 1909. She would be 110 years old today, but died in 1982. I wrote this poem many years ago to honor her memory and the legacy of love she left behind.
Moms today have a much harder job than when I grew up, but with all the new challenges, there is still only one hope. Raising my own kids, at times I felt I was telling them one thing and the world was telling them otherwise, which was very disturbing…and sadly true. For all you Mom’s who are concerned about raising your children in today’s world, may your worries be lessened, as mine often were, by these words Jesus spoke in John 16: 33. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
I still tell my kids today: God is the only answer and His rules have not changed. His advice is still the best, so cling to these words of wisdom: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22: 6
Just remember…He didn’t say HOW old.
I wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day!