A friend of mine from the neighborhood stopped by recently to chat. Through him and other friends nearby, I feel safe and never lonely. He’s a fellow “reminiscent” too, though there’s a large age gap between us. I am older, but not the only one who can remember things.

Willie worked for Waste Management here for many years. He retains friends who still “ride” the truck every day. But Willie also writes, something he loves to do, and sometimes shows me some of it, which I like very much.

He and his mother moved to Texas when he was still a boy and where she thought she could secure a better education for him. She stayed. He came back years later. I know a bit about that pull. So we talk, and sometimes write.

This one day a few weeks ago, he told me he was going to write something for his mom for Mother’s Day. He wouldn’t send a card this year. He was going to “be” her card this year. I thought that was wonderful and asked if he would let me run it in this space.

He agreed.

So here it is for his mom in Texas.

And for all of you.

“On May 10th, we gave (and give) thanks to all the Mothers on their special day.

To my mother and wife, I would like to say ‘Thank You’ for each and every day of love and joy

you give me every day.

Your job is truly never done,

like your caring when a child is sick and

being there for falls, first steps, and all first days of school.

We all know their work is never done.

But anyway, on this day, we take time and give them thanks for being a mother;

for being your mother, ours, mine.

For she gave you the greatest gift of all, your life.

Make sure she takes the time today to enjoy herself as well.

Today, and tomorrow, and the next day too, she will still be doing

what she’s always done the best,                            

Being my (and your) mother; and my (and your) best friend.

So Happy Mother’s Day to my mother and all mothers everywhere.

And God bless all the mothers!

What a lovely poem, Willie, and thank you.

Like they say, “This one’s a keeper.”

Happy Mother’s Day, Dear Willie’s Mom in Texas!

From him, and all of us in Vicksburg.

“God could not be everywhere,” said Kipling, “and therefore he made mothers.”

I’ve always liked that line.

 

Yolande Robbins is a community columnist for The Vicksburg Post.