I had a marvellous mother, who loved me, Sacrificed for me and helped me in every way possible… In all of my growing up from childhood through School and eventually marriage. My mother was always at my side. And when I needed help with my little ones, she was there for me. A few years ago, we buried this wonderful woman. Can you imagine how I felt when I returned home and found poem in her drawer written by my mom.

The time is now

If you are ever going to love

Love me now while I can know

The sweet and tender feelings

Which from true affection flow

Love me now while I am living

Do not wait until I am gone

And then have it chiselled in marble

Sweet words on ice-cold stone

If you have tender thoughts of me

Please let me know now

If you wait until I am sleeping

There will be death between us

And I will not hear you then

So if you love me, even a little bit

Let me know while I am living

So that I can treasure it

Now she is gone and I am sick with guilt, because I never told her what she meant to me. Worse yet, I did not treat her as she deserved to be treated. I found time for everyone and everything else but I never made time for her. It would have been easy to drop in for a cup of tea and a hug but my friends came first. Would any of them have done for me what my mother did, I know the answer.

When I called mom on the phone, I was always in a hurry. I feel ashamed when I think of the times I cut her off. I remember too, the times I could have included her and did not.

Our children loved Grandma from the times they were babies. They often turn to her for comfort and advice. She understood them. I realise now that I was too critical, too short-tempered, and too stingy with praise. Grandma gave them unconditional love. The world is filled with sons, daughters and a child like me. I hope they see themselves in this letter and realise from it.

If this has touched you, please pass it on to all the sons and Daughters who have to praise their mom for everything they are today.