if in this world I would grow:

How to protect myself from dirty old men,

you even made me learn to swim.

Doing dishes was a "must"

and to sweep & mop & even dust

were things you thought I ought to learn

if my allowance I was to earn.

Budgeting money I learned to do

and reading well you taught me too.

You raised me right from the start

and when someday we live apart

I'll think of you with loving thoughts

forgetting all those fights we fought.

You're a wonderful mother that's perfectly clear

and to me you are very dear!

Karen L. Durbin