What A Wonderful Family

July 18, 2025

 By Rose Marie Rideout 

Born and raised in Newfoundland,

A large family we soon became.

Four boys and four girls survived,

Shortage of food and jobs were the blame.

There wasn't too much work found,

Every family did without a lot.

We grew up to appreciate,

Everything that we got.

Never once did our Mom complain,

We never heard her say we were poor.

All neighbors shared what little they had,

Mom shared with all who came to our door.

Our Dad made snowshoes for years,

Long hours, and it was hard work.

He poached moose and caribou,

So mom would have plenty of food to cook.

She sewed all night long to make our clothes,

Made all special days for us to remember.

With birthdays, Easter and Halloween,

From January through to December.

Oh the cakes she'd decorate for each,

To share that love to each child.

For every occassion was special,

Our faces would glow with a big smile.

We soon grew up and one by one,

We left the place we knew to roam,

We missed each other everyday,

Thinking back about family and our home.

We were a very close family,

No fighting, only love to share.

That's how our Mom raised us,

To respect each other and care.