SHINING EXAMPLE

by Colleen Elayne Parent Crawford

in memory of Dorthea Rebecca Frost Parent

When I picture Mother with face so fair,

I remember her life of care.

When she met someone in need,

She sought to cheer them by word or deed.

Teaching was her role in this life,

But she was also friend, Mother and wife.

Eleven children she did raise,

With lots of love and endless praise!

Her children learned from her example,

And the lessons on precepts were ample,

To help us face life's great demands

With steadfast hearts and steady hands!

Our hearts she nurtured with selfless love,

Encouraging us to live as the One above.

When we made mistakes, like children do,

She remained loving, strong and true.

By a sickbed flowers suddenly would appear,

To let us know she was always near.

She often soothed with her gentle touch

All those needing her love so much.

For babies she reserved a special spot

Upon seeing them she would stop for a talk.

With language only she and the babies knew

She would delight them and their mothers, too!

At Church she greeted people she didn't know

And brought them home for a meal cooked just so.

A stranger meeting her, with an hour to spend,

Would go on his way with a newfound friend.

Mother lived her life with joy and zest

And now has gone to a well-earned rest!

We must accept this loss and be willing to share

Her with loved ones beyond the veil also there!