Since Mother’s Day is just around the corner, I would like to share a lovely piece of poetry my youngest daughter Donna wrote for me at 2 a.m. the morning of Jan. 3.

As the years have passed, our lives have once again become intertwined. I was once the strict do-as-I -say parent, with house rules for all my children, who at times did not like me too well. A smack on the backside once in a while got a point across.

Don and I had always backed each other up. When they were teens, it was, “As long as you are under this roof, you will still abide by our rules until you leave. Grumble all you want.”

Now they are all older and, having raised families of their own, understand, having lived through some of the same problems we had managed.

Age has brought closeness. In these later years, I have been blessed with love, respect and true caring from all of them.

A mother could not ask for more.

Momma, what time is it?

You will always be my mother

The way it’s supposed to be.

Though as I’ve grown much older,

You’re my best friend and I can see

The things you taught me as I grew,

And the lessons I had to learn

Brought me to a higher level

And a friend in you I’ve earned.

The memories we’ve had throughout the years,

And the more that will be made,

Makes me know that time ages fast

And time cannot be delayed.

The thoughts and words that can be spoken

From the heart so true and deep

Should never be a secret

That we hide and never seek.

For again time it passes quickly,

And we never want to say,

I should have done it; I should have said it,

It was a perfect time that day.

We never want to have to think

I should have done it then.

Because we knew that special moment,

Will never come again.

Mama I love my time with you,

The fun and special thoughts we share.

It is the only way that I can show you momma

How deeply I love and care.

For when you get to be this age

And time you cannot bend

It is best to tell the one you love

You are my mom, my mentor, my secret keeper,

But you are also my best friend.

I love you momma.

I wish all you mothers a “Happy Mother’s Day” — especially you young moms raising little ones.  Time does pass quickly. Enjoy them while you can.

— Jacque Thornton is a longtime columnist for Kingston Community News. Contact her at jacquejt@centurytel.net.