Growing up, I remember always watching you,
Wanting so much to be able to do the same too.
Over the years a lovely smile there on your face,
Handling the day with complete style and grace.

At times today mirroring something I would see,
These thoughts of you remain etched within me.
The way you soothed all with your gentle touch,
Your love for small animals, you loved so much.

Country music sometimes playing on the radio,
At other times gospel music, we came to know.
You were always cooking, canning and baking,
Other days quilting, crocheting or dress making.

The list seems to go on without any end in sight,
Of the special things you did each day and night.
Then each and every night you tucked us in bed,
Making sure every night, our prayers were said.

Your favorite after bath splash stayed Jean Naté,
I still sometimes smell that fragrance to this day.
White Shoulders cologne releases visions of you,
How fresh you smelled when you were through.

There was a certain way you would sit in a chair,
Sunlight touching each strand of your auburn hair.
So many years have passed since you went away,
But the image of your face is in my heart to stay.

You taught me how to do many different things,
Reminders daily gently pull on my heart strings.
Without knowing teaching me how to be strong,
Learning from watching you, right from wrong.

Thoughts remain still with love on Mother’s Day,
I hope it will tell you exactly what I want to say.
A friend who stayed protecting me like no other,
I am very proud of the woman I called, Mother.

© Brenda Sparkman
May 12, 2006