In memory of one of the strongest people I ever knew, Gertrude W. Rucker.

When someone we love dies off,
they hand the baton to us aloft.
We continue to run lifes race,
instead of lying around on our face.
Surely we will suffer for awhile,
then continue to run the long mile.

My dead loved ones of strength,
continue to help me travel the long length.
Life beat one of my favorite Aunts down,
but she fought hard to keep her ground.
First sugar diabetes took her sight,
she still continued to fight.
Then she lost her legs,
but continued to scramble her eggs,
cook her own food,
stay in a good mood.

Her internal organs went bad,
my aunt continued life happy and not sad.
Laughed and smiled on up till the day she died,
left this world strong and dignified.

She handed the baton off to those left living,
so I honor her strong, loving and forgiving.
I ask myself,
"what would she do when life gets rough."
I know the answer is,

"GET DAM TOUGH!"

G