I clearly remember the moment Of our very first embrace, Tears began to swell up As I gazed upon your face. The minutes became hours. The days then turned to years. You brought me so much laughter, But also a few tears. You helped me with the baking, By eating the cookie dough, Or simply watching the pie in the oven, Or the fudge in the back porch window. And then the terrible school years began And the kids there called you names. You cried and you said that you'd never go back, Face down in your pillow, in shame. Eventually Junior high rolled around, Oh those dreaded early teens. I drove you to the mall and dropped you off a block early Because I wasn't allowed to be seen. Now it's Senior Prom Night A fancy dinner and a rented tux. You came to me for help with the flowers, But I sent you to Paul to ask for the bucks. Years further on down the road, Grandkids start to come around In what always used to be a full cookie jar, Now only a few crumbs can ever be found. I slowly became "Grandma" to all of your friends, The Hugs and the Cookies made it certain. Like that little boy Justin from just down the street, He'll always be a Burton. At last, Dad and I are retired, Finally, some time to relax! We wanted to RV all across America, We wound up at the senior center with our lunch-sacks. The latter years unfortunately Had not taken perfect form. However, God does help us, In weathering our storms. Now a challenge has been posed And an answer you must give: Do you Stop, Hang your head and throw in the towel? Or let me help you continue to live. I am a Mother, a Grandmother, An Aunt, Sister and Wife. But my role in this world is simply To improve your quality of life. In a sense, I will never retire, I will just go on playing my part. For now I just continue to water the seed That has been planted in your heart. So lift up your eyes, and open your hearts, And don't cry because I have left. Simply smile and say a quick little prayer For the person I'm going to help next.