Doris Ruth Martina

It's sad to know that you have gone,
but we know just where you are.
You're with Jesus Christ our Savor,
Beyond the Nighttime stars.

We thank you so much mother and friend
for you have taught us well.
So now we get right back up
if we have slipped, or tripped, or fell.

We laughed and cried nearly all the time,
a hug not far behind.
You taught us all by example,
to be the loving kind.

We wept the day we said goodbye,
But we know it isn't true.
You taught us the way to heaven's gate
so instead, we'll see you soon.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there.
I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that swiftly blow.
I am the diamond glint
on newly fallen snow.
I am the sunlight
on ripened grain.
I am the soft and gentle autumn rain

When you wake from sleep in the early morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft, starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there.
I do not sleep

God looked around his Garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult, he closed you tired eyes,
He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children, you're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home

 ~unknown~

 

 A Sonnet for My Incomparable Mother

 

 

I often contemplate my childhood, Mom.
I am a mother now, and so I know
Hard work is mixed together with the fun;
You learned that when you raised me long ago.

 

 

I think of all the things you gave to me:
Sacrifice, devotion, love and tears,
Your heart, your mind, your energy and soul--
All these you spent on me throughout the years.

 

 

You loved me with a never-failing love
You gave me strength and sweet security,
And then you did the hardest thing of all:
You let me separate and set me free.

 

 

Every day, I try my best to be
A mother like the mom you were to me.

 

 

By Joanna Fuchs