M is for the million things she gave me.
O means only that she's growing old.
T is for the tears were shed to save me.
H is for her heart of purest gold.
E is for her eyes, with love light shining.
R means right, and right she'll always be.
Song lyrics by: Howard Johnson, 1915
I can still picture my Mom, with a twinkle in her eye and a hint of a smile, singing this to my sisters and me. Why? Well, you see, there had been a bit of grumbling over some chores, and perhaps an argument brewing among the ranks.
For the record, Mom was not the type to throw guilt trips on us. She was smart and funny, and cared about us enough to teach us right from wrong. I think maybe Mom’s invisible lyrics to the song went something like this:
“Get moving girls! I am your Mother; this is but a small task I ask of you today. P.S. Someday you will have your own children and understand.”
Mom was right. As the mother of three grown children, I get it. Boy, do I get it. So this Mother’s Day, I thought I’d use the song for inspiration to pen a small tribute to Mom and the things she taught us.
M – is for memories, big and small.
O – is for others, to show kindness and compassion.
T – to treasure family times together.
H – to have a heart that loves.
E – is for every little thing that she did.
R – to remember the legacy left in four daughters.
Thank you, Mom. I cannot repay you for all you did for me, but I can be forever grateful. You may be gone from us on this earth, but never in our hearts. Happy Mother's Day. I love you.
Karen Lange is a writer, blogger, and online writing instructor at Coffeehouse for Writers. Stop by her blog at karenelange.blogspot.com, she’d love to see you!
To listen to or learn the history of the song, visit: http://parlorsongs.com/issues/2000-5/2000-5.php
Image Carlos Porto
I'd like to start off by thanking Karen for this lovely Mother's Day Tribute today. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a good one. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing me to share, Jennifer. Thank you also, for the daisy. :) Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Karen. Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sweet tribute. The legacy part choked me up. I often like to think of generations upon generations past who have all been part of me being here, right now. Thanks for reminding me of that on a dreary Saturday morning.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Appreciate you stopping by.
Rebecca,
That part chokes me up too. :) Thank you for your thoughts.
Happy weekend,
Karen
You made me cry. My mom is still here, but I need to appreciate her more. Thanks for reminding me how short life is, Karen.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day!
Jen
I hope you enjoy your Mother's Day. I love your tribute to your Mother. Even though she is not hear to read your words on a blog, she certainly hears your heart (that also hears). My favorite was "every little thing she does" I certainly wish I had been more grateful! Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteKaren - my mom taught me that song too. You mom sounded sweet. sandie
ReplyDeleteKaren:
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts. They are beautiful.
Very nice, Karen. Your mother left a good legacy----you! Susan
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Karen. Really, really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJeanette,
ReplyDeleteSorry to make you cry! If it makes you feel any better, I get teary too. :)
Jackie,
Appreciate your kind words. I know she'd be cheering me on. :)
Sandie,
So you know the song too - we should sing it together! :) Thanks, she was sweet.
Cecelia,
And thank you for stopping by. Very much appreciated! :)
Susan,
Aww, you are too sweet! :) Thanks so much.
Joylene,
Thank you, friend. Your words mean a lot, truly.
Happy Mother's Day everyone,
Karen
That's the kind of Mom I want to be!!! Thank you Karen! Happy Mother's day!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. I noticed you just lost your mother last year so I am praying comfort for you as I write as I know tomorrow will be a hard day. God bless.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute to your mother. Wishing you and Jennifer a beautiful, relaxing day!
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI know, me too! Mom was an inspiration. Thanks so much!
Shanda,
Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. Appreciate also, you stopping by.
Linda,
Thank you! Wishing you the same my friend!
Have a wonderful day, all,
Karen
Nicely put, Karen! I miss my Mama every day. *sigh* Your poem is right on target.
ReplyDeleteRebecca,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for again sharing your thoughts and your time. Your input is valued.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the sentiment. Hope your day is swell as well!
Shanda,
ReplyDeleteWelcome! Thanks so kindly for your thoughtful comment, and the "follow." I look forward to connecting again.
Hi again!
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for taking the time to weigh in and for stopping by.
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteLovely! It reminds me of the scripture in Proverbs that says, "her children shall rise up and call her blessed."
Hugs,
Susan :)
What a wonderful poem and tribute to "mom"! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear from you today. Thanks for chiming in. :-)
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI know, me too. :) Thanks for following me over here. :)
Susan R.,
You are a sweetheart; thanks so much!
Yvonne,
Thank you very much. I appreciate your thoughts!
Happy Mother's Day,
Karen
Beautiful, Karen. Your mom would feel so honored by your tribute.
ReplyDeleteSo you grew up in a family of four girls? Interesting! The stories you could write about that - oy vey! :)
Hope your own Mother's Day was wonderful, and that your family doted on you like crazy!
Waving and smiling,
Rhonda
Thank you, Rhonda. Yes, four girls; it was interesting and fun. My Dad was way outnumbered...
ReplyDeleteI had a wonderful Mother's Day, thanks. Hope you did too!
Very sweet tribute to your mother and all mothers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendy! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your momma and every single momma in the world. You rock, amigo. She would be so proud of you. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Robyn! I was looking for another post and came across this one. I'd forgotten about it, but thought it fitting for Mother's Day weekend. :)
ReplyDelete