Tribute to My Children

My son Torry was graduating from Bryan LGH nursing program.

My son Dale had previously graduated from Denver Community College in Physical Therapy Assistant, as well as Massage Therapy from another program.

I wanted to include both in my poem...but I just can't seem to write short poems and it ended up being a tribute to ALL my children...

TRIBUTE TO MY CHILDREN

This whole thing got started to celebrate Torry,

But I feel I must tell you the rest of the story.

Though we’re here to give thanks for accomplishments met,

If I kept my heart silent I would always regret.

Not sharing my feelings with you for all five,

In their own special way each ones had to strive.

Bear with me as I share why I’m also fond,

Of Tanaya, and Dale, Jenae and my John.

I must say from the start, I love each one the best,

You might think that funny, but I do not jest.

Each one has their talents; we know this is true,

Developed through patience as daily they grew.

But the talents that impress me are not all the normal,

Like singing and dancing, or playing piano,

Not riding a horse, or writing a song,

Not making big paychecks though those are not wrong.

It’s not having a big house or fancy new car,

Not even to hear that you’re known near and far.

It’s not your new hairdo or the outfit you found

That makes you look stunning when you twirl around.

It wasn’t the things you could do with your might;

It’s not the degree or your name up in lights.

It won’t be the income you get from your work,

Yet, now come to think, it would be a perk!

No really, there’s nothing in this whole world through

Would make me feel prouder than I already do

Just knowing the way God has worked in your life.

Though you faced many trials, were patient through strife.

When the choices were hard, didn’t think you could take it,

To hear those sweet words “Mom, we’re going to make it.”

It’s looking for ways to give of yourself,

And putting your plans back up on the shelf.

My joy has come, as I’ve heard someone say,

“I have been blessed by your child today.

They lightened my load, brought a smile to my face,

Gave me hope once again in this ole’ human race.”

Because you took time, and an ear you did give,

You made their heart lighter, gave a reason to live.

Instead of your studies you gave some advice,

And helped out a friend, now I think that was nice.

When you built cardboard cities, and helped the youth see

What it’s like to live outside while you tried not to freeze.

30 hours you fasted, while collecting food cans.

Teaching others to give of themselves was the plan.

Took loans for your school bill so that you could pay

For 3 lucky boys so that they could stay.

And learn to share Jesus across the wide sea,

How happy for them their parent must be.

Your desire to be what God wants you to be,

Even though at the moment you somehow can’t see;

When you put your plans off to help someone in need,

I know you shared Jesus, and I bet you’ll agree

That you captured the hearts of your two little nieces;

Being home was much better and they love you to pieces.

Just be patient and wait; God will show you one day,

His will has been perfect, I know you will say

Take out trash and the compost, recycle the cans,

Vacuum floors, wash the dishes, do you have dish pan hands?

Though you were my go-getter, and you felt like a gofer,

To your future wife, won’t be sendin’ a loafer

Wrote a song, and then sang it, for all to hear,

How you’re proud of your father that made him feel dear;

But not even those things made you dearer to me,

‘Cause remember now it’s not what you see…

On the outside that even begins to impress,

It’s what’s on the inside that I want to address:

What comes out from a heart that is filled up with love

From your heavenly Father who lives up above.

And, He’s someone else you can not impress,

By your talents, your voice, or even your dress,

Your wisdom, your work, not one thing that you’ve done,

But just because you are his daughters and sons.

He’s the One who can show, by His perfect example,

How to live by His grace and I know it is ample.

I know He’ll provide for each one of your needs,

He’s there to bring comfort if your heart ever bleeds.

I want us to live in that home He is making,

And there’s nothing here any one will be taking,

Accept for those things you have done from the heart

In helping bless others, now I’m back to the start.

This poem you might think a real work of art;

It was easy ‘cause it each line came right from a heart

That was filled by the Spirit of God long ago,

When I asked my dear Savior this old heart so cold

To take it and change it and give me one new,

So I could be His example and maybe show you

By a life lived for Jesus, that His ways are best,

But I failed you so often and caused you distress.

Please forgive me and know what I say now is true,

I LOVE YOU and I’m PROUD simply ‘cause you are YOU.

Now WAIT!!! I know that you thought I was done,

But the fact is I have one more daughter and son.

I got them the day that my children they married,

But from that day to this in my heart them I’ve carried,

And I’d like to give tribute to them if I may

And tell them the things that I feel I must say

Because they are both special, I am proud of them too;

Why is that, you might ask? Well, let me tell you.

The son’s name is Jeremy, my daughter his wife;

I must say I’m glad he came into our life.

I’ve not seen this one grow from his childhood days,

But his growth since I’ve known him I now want to praise.

He has been through some tough times in his growing up years,

Some things that would bring a person to tears.

But he’s not given in, now he works with the trains.

The Railroad uses his brawn and his brains.

The two are proud parents of Elli you know,

Our sweet little princess, who she loves does show.

We also have Bailey, who came with our son,

A grandson, and so far he’s the only one.

So thank you dear Jeremy for loving my daughter,

And also for being, such a good father.

The daughter came into our lives goes the story,

When she chose to marry our first son named Torry.

Now she finished school then gave up the notion,

To swim with the sharks down deep in the ocean.

And work from the dark hours until morning light;

Don’t know how she did it, just so Torry might

Go get the diploma we celebrate here,

So for Chrissy I just want to give a big cheer.

Mothered Rome ‘n’ baby Eve and kept up the house,

While supporting the family to help out her spouse

So that Torry could study and when he was done,

Then He’d go to work and get off his buns.

NOW, you know I was teasing, He’s never been still,

He’s cared for his family and he always will.

He’ll work in the ER, those patients he’ll care for,

(Does that hospital know just what they are in for?)

He’s worked hard and made the good grades we all know,

Have brought us to this night so that he could show

That the hard work paid off, and this is the lesson:

When you give of your best you receive back a blessin’.

He trusted in God to provide all the way,

And many a time he would call and we’d pray.

He gives God the glory for the works that’s been done,

So let’s celebrate now cause we’re here to have fun.

Love,

MOMMY

2009