The Ring...part 2

I have been wearing the ring (see last post) this week to try to get over the sad feelings that I have had whenever I see it.  I'm doing well with that and just had to "do it", thank you for all who noticed at work and out and about...and also for all the comments of encouragement on the last post. 
Two things came in the mail today...Kathy, alias "Ya-Ya" over at Whispering Pines has a blog book printed each year and it is a way of keeping what she has done in journal form.  I thought it was wonderful and Larry thought I should do it too.  Finally, I finished it and one volume came today...I was so excited to go back and look at our lives just as the grandchildren started arriving!  Fun!

The second thing that arrived in the mail, I was touched and amazed to get!  It was a wonderful letter from a friend/relative (son-in-law Brant's aunt) who said that she occasionally sees my blog and read this post.  She has a mother in a nursing home that she loves so much and it is hard to see her slowly slipping away.  After watching a recent Nate Berkus show in which they made a shadow box for treasured items, she decided to write with that suggestion for the ring, which would still allow access for removing to wear from time to time. She also included a poem that her mother had written years ago, I guess she has written many, and this was just the time to share....so I am also sharing it with you.

          Mother's hands

Loving hands that cared for you
Since the day that you were born
Held you close to my own heart
Some nights until the morn~

Loving hands caressed you
Soothed your fevered brow
Praying to God to heal you
As only he knows how~

Loving hands helped you to stand
Till you had learned to walk
Clapped with joy, a Mother's joy!
When you learned to talk~

Taught you love and how to pray
And wiped away your tears
Sometimes spanked your fannys
And washed behind your ears~

Watched your each activity
You took part while in school
Applauded each accomplishment
Taught you the golden rule~

These hands took you to Sunday School
And confirmed your infant vow
Graduations came and went
The world was yours, and how!

You chose your own vocation
And then you picked "the best"
The "one" whose hands would take my place
My hands had earned a rest~

Your  hands and lives are busy now
With children of your own
I pray for you the blessing
Of seeing them all grown~

I wouldn't trade the life I've had
Or one of you for any other
I hope you think my hands did well
And you're proud I'm your mother~   by Martha Bolen

Well,  that gave me goosebumps, Becky, and maybe a tear!!  It's a wonderful poem by your mother and her words are true of most good mothers!  Thank you for your thoughtfulness and thank you for sharing!