We say those words every year
So, just what does "Mother" mean
To all of us gathered here

Mother is that special lady
Who nurtures us with care
Bandages our hurts
And teaches us to share

She trains us when we're young
That we should do as we are told
Because discipline, obedience and rules
Still apply, even when we're old

She hears the first words we speak
And keeps it in her heart forever
Even though when we're teenagers
She doesn't find our words too clever

Mom was that perfect playmate
Who would always come along
When we had no one to play with
She had a game, a dance or a song

Whatever she saw was needed
She could always fit right in
A companion, a teacher or helper
Mom was surely a trusted friend

She must have had ten ears
And eyes all over her head
Cause she saw all that we did
And heard everything we said

Mom said it was just a gift
That she could sense we were in trouble
No matter how she knew - I'm just glad
She would get there on the double

Little scrapes and bruises
A stumble or a fall
Even gum in my hair
Mom could handle it all

Then as I got older
My needs also grew
As mending a broken heart
Took more than tying my shoe

Hanging out with friends
Or going on a date
"Have a good time" she'd say
"But don't stay out too late"

A mother has to teach us values
Because the world has few
Teaching us right from wrong
Is just something Mom has to do

Respect - trust and honesty
Morals she taught early on
Because the test comes soon enough
And you don't get them back when they're gone

A mother gives us roots
How we're planted is how we grow
So listen to her wisdom
She has important seeds to sow

She will then give us wings
And watch us as we fly
She knows no one is perfect
But still wants us to try

A mother has pride in her children
In what they accomplish and do
So let your life be fruitful
And make her proud of you

She doesn't expect you to take on the world
Or make lots of money and wealth
Moms mostly care about our happiness
Our well-being and our health

Take notes on the things she teaches
Listen to what she has to say
It may not make sense now
But will all come into focus some day

Mothers - tell your children about God
Teach them how to worship and how to pray
Children - listen to her carefully
It's the most important things she'll ever say

A mother has great responsibility
An important duty to carry out
Raising her children takes courage and love
That's what being a mother is all about

~Joy Knight~
Mother's Day 2003