Compassion

You never knew my mother, the way I did
The woman who gardened, and cooked
and baked a great apple pie

You never knew she was a wife, a mother and friend
She volunteered most of her life helping others
Helping those in need

You never knew my mother the way I did
She was a woman who cared and shared and had energy
To change things around her for the better

You never know my mother the way I did
A woman who has been awarded with plaques
and medals and flowers, a Member of the Order of Canada

You never knew my mother the way I did
She loved to sing and dance and tell jokes
and give parties and dress up on Halloween

You never knew my mother the way I did
She had compassion, just as you do
For those who cannot look after themselves

You never knew my mother the way I did
She cared for those less fortunate
Just as you do here, looking after her, with love

My mother would have been proud of you all
For keeping compassion alive, for loving those
That people have long forgotten

She would have compared you to Jean Vainer a true man of love
Who understood that love is in all of us
My mother would thank you for your tender care

If she could, so I will for her
Thank you for your tenderness, and love
For your compassion for my mother who you
Never really knew but who I hope you will never forget

May 11th 2007
To the Nurses and Aides on the 2nd floor of my mothers nursing home. For all of your wonderful care then and now!