My mother stands less than 5 feet tall, and weighs about 80 pounds. 

Yet, she always knew how to handle her kids.  Since childhood,

I have called her ‘The Little General.’ 

When I was about 5 years old, she dragged me kicking and screaming

To a tap dancing lesson with my older sister.

I will never forget that day.

She still claims I loved every minute of it.

I still think that horrific two hours was one of the most traumatic

Experiences of my life.

Funny how some of our memories are so different!  Yet, I love her so.

Little General,

How I love thee.

You bark your orders,

With such glee,

And for a tiny general,

Well past 80!

You boldly yell,

You boldly scream.

Yet in your eyes,

Your love is seen.

Even though

I was a mischievous child,

Your love was true ,

To one so wild.

When I brought

Three turtles home,

You huffed and puffed,

Yet let them roam.

When I brought

Dozens of little birdies in,

You screamed and moaned,

But forgave my sin.

When I left you terrified

With several of my cats,

You caterwauled fiercely,

Yet gave each of them pats.

When my two dogs

Doo in your yard,

You drag me fiercely by the ear,

Yelling, “Edward!”

When I left your home

To marry again,

You proclaimed to Rebecca,

“You’re Heaven Sent!”

“Now it’s finally your turn

To baby-sit this silly man-child,

May the Lord give you strength,

In your arduous trial!”

Mother, you still say a prayer

Every night for me,

And teasing you,

Still brings joy to me.

Thank you, Mother, for your undying love,

And for all those prayers that you pray.

Thank you, Mother, for many life lessons,

From which I hope I’ll never stray.

And most of all,

Thank you, Mother, for being you,

And Happy Mother’s Day