From a tiny acorn,
God grew a mighty oak tree.
When I look at my tiny Granny,
I see that tree.

There's so much more to her than
just a four-foot, eleven-inch frame.
She's a giant in God's kingdom eyes,
Faithful and true through years of pain.

When we were little, and throughout our teens,
she was as one with the sewing machine.
We ate lots of good food,
from dressing to sweets.
But alas, she got health smart,
and cut out sugary treats.

Except at Christmas, when tradition rang true .
Peanut brittle delivered with love, from me to you.
She struggled with heavy pans and hot goo,
pouring brittle enough for all the crew.

She has married and/or buried every man she ever loved,
clinging to her Heavenly Father
for strength from above.

Four children she bore,
one tragically lost.
Yet again, she held fast,
no matter the cost.

"Jesus loves me," she would sing,
at the top of her voice.
"Through good times or bad,
glad times or sad,
Jesus our Saviour will still be my choice."

I once feared old age.
Would I be frail, sickly, too skinny?
But every symptom I'd treasure
if I knew every day--
I'd be loved as much--as Granny Winnie.

With love on Mother's Day--1999