You can only have one mother

Patient kind and true;

No other friend in all the world,

Will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you,

To mother you will return,

For all her loving kindness,

She asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture,

Sweet memories we recall,

Of a face so full of sunshine,

And a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus, take this message,

To our dear mother up above;

Tell her how we miss her,

And give her all our love.

She will be missed by all, but her memory will live on in us.

Ecclesiastes 3. 1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 

My lasting memories of Mum are simple: a hard-working, passionate person who never waned in her support or love of her family. My mother was a warm, compassionate and vibrant woman who always went out of her way to help others—no matter what. She was a simple and dignified woman who had a passion for life. In my mind I remember a face - one of beauty both outside and inside. One with rarely a frown, and almost always a smile, never a harsh word - just a kind gentle smile. I hear her voice as she says kind words to all who she knew. The words were always soft and gentle.

Much of her early marriage life was spent moving around with family from one posting to another, and she saw much of India and could speak many languages. Where ever we traveled and went, my parents were called an "ideal couple". 

Our mother taught us many things as young kids that hold us in good stead today—good manners, respect and sound moral values. These values have made me who I am today. As an adult she became my best friend, advisor and confidante. Her greatest quality was to encourage me to make the best of everything and to face problems head on. She taught us that- Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 

Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.