My Mother

 Image from Lucy's album - Mum with Lucy and Annette

  Image from Lucy's album - Mum with Fr David

 Image from Lucy's album - Mum with Mary Ann (Sr Michelle)

My sister, Mary Ann, taught me the poem, My Mother, and coached me to recite it for public performance when I was a little kid of about six.  

I loved it then and I love it now.  Most of all, I love how true it has been for me and my mum.  

My darling, sweetest angel mum, you were my first love in human form. I have adored you all my life and can only love and adore you more and more!  

Thank you for showing me the true meaning of unconditional love.  Thank you for being the bedrock of my life.  

Thank you for the humour you infected me with through your watchful eye, your sharp mind and your playful spirit despite all the suffering you experienced from the time you were orphaned at four.  

Thank you my darling, thank you.  I am eternally grateful.

MY MOTHER

by Ann Taylor

Who sat and watched my infant head
When sleeping on my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye,
And wept for fear that I should die?
My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray
And love God’s holy book and day,
And walk in wisdom’s pleasant way?
My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee,
Who was so very kind to me,
My Mother?

Ah, no! the thought I cannot bear,
And if God please my life to spare
I hope I shall reward they care,
My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old and grey,
My healthy arm shall be thy stay,
And I will soothe thy pains away,
My Mother. 

Thanks darling Netty for teaching me this poem....I wonder if you knew back then what beautiful imprints it set in my tender mind...imprints that only predisposed me to appreciate ever more and more the wonder and beauty of our darling mum!