I had a marvelous mother who loved me, sacrificed for me and helped me in every

way possible. In all of my growing up, through college and eventually marriage, my

mother was always at my side. And when I needed help with my little ones, she was

there for me. Today, we buried that wonderful woman. Can you imagine how I felt

when I returned from the services and found this poem in her desk drawer?

If you are ever going to love me

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 chiseled in marble

Sweet words on ice cold stone

If you have tender thoughts of me

Please tell me now

If you wait until I am sleeping

Never will be death between us

And I won't 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 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 he

times I cut her off. I remember too, the times I could have included her and

didn't. Our children loved Grandma from the times they were babies. They

often turn to her for comfort and advice. She understood them. I realize now that

I was too critical, too short-tempered, too stingy with praise. Grandma gave them

unconditional love. The world is filled with sons and daughters like me. I hope they

see themselves in this letter and profit from it. It's too late for me and I am sick