I was surprised today to receive a poem from my 82 year old mother. I have read it, re-read it and then done it all over again. I don't know poetry from pecans but it looks pretty nice to me.

For many a hill I’ve had to climb
For every stone that bruised my feet
For all the blood, sweat and grime
For blinding storms and burning feet
My heart sings but a grateful song
Those were the things that made me strong

For all the heartaches and the tears
For all the anguish and the pain
For gloomy days and fruitless years
For all the hope I lived in vain
I do give thanks, for now I know
These were the things that helped me grow

‘tis not the safer things in life
That stimulates our will to strive
But bleak adversity and strife
Do much to keep our wills alive
Over rose strewn paths the weaklings creep
But brave hearts dare to climb the steep

I know.