Nobody knows of the work it makes
To keep the home together,

Nobody knows of the steps it takes,
Nobody knows--but mother.

Nobody listens to childish woes,
Which kisses only smother;

Nobody's pained by naughty blows,
Nobody--only mother.

Nobody knows of the sleepless care
Bestowed on baby brother;

Nobody knows of the tender prayer,
Nobody--only mother.

Nobody knows of the lessons taught
Of loving one another;

Nobody knows of the patience sought,
Nobody--only mother.

Nobody knows of the anxious fears,
Lest darlings may not weather

The storm of life in after years,
Nobody knows--but mother.

Nobody kneels at the throne above
To thank the Heavenly Father

For that sweetest gift--a mother's love;
Nobody can--but mother.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

My mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
she planted all the good things
that gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem . . .

And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough,
but not too much because she knew
I'd need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong--
markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother's garden.
I am her legacy-
and I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me.

~~ Author Unknown ~~