Could you tell me what month's publication it's likely to be in? My 88-year-old sister Sue Reeder, in Kelowna, is a subscriber to Downhome and is anxiously wondering.

A Tribute To Our Mom

Beatrice (Whalen) Penney [Deceased Dec. 12, 2002]

I feel there's so much to my mother I owe
But how do I start to repay
It can only be words and kind thoughts from the heart
And deeds that I do day by day
In all that I do she'll be at the core
That's where inspiration will lie
I've learned from the kindest examples she set
Her influence comes from on high
The grave has not robbed me of closeness to her
Her memories daily abound
No reason to grieve because I believe I see love and her warmth still around.
My attachment began at conception I know
And continued from there without bounds
And to this very day I'm so happy to say
She worked hard for her spiritual crown
A servant of man and a servant of God
She never complained of her lot
She just gave all she had and never felt bad
But gave thanks for the little she got.
Her children, all seven, she raised in her day
And all was not sunshine and joy
Though she managed our needs and still did good deeds
The worst ever heard was a sigh
In time there came change and our momma grew old
Her children had gone their own ways
But she still carried on at a slower pace then
Still caring, though counting her days
There were so many nights that she sat all alone
And pondered where each one had gone
She'd write those long letters and wait for some news
And try to pass time with her song
She knew many hymns in the Methodist book
And each tune would just naturally flow
Her hymns and her prayers gave her comfort and will
Her faith led her where she would go
Time never stands still and the years take a toll
Age has its own way of showing
The things that must change can cross a broad range
And the mind has no way of knowing.
Her soul mate passed on to his eternal rest
And she had to rethink a new plan
To deal with the lonelier days up ahead
An uncharted time-ocean to span
That challenge she took with chin held high
A different approach it would be
An old urge to travel, to visit her kids
From now on that's where she would be.
Kelowna and Calgary points in between
She spent some time with them all
Her schedules weren't rigid; she went at her will
Just made sure she was home by the fall
In time she grew weary and traveled no more
She did what she once had in mind
She was satisfied then to recline in her chair
She sat mused, relaxed and sublime
Things happen in time and the picture gets changed
Two daughters, a son passed away
Death had taken its toll, fate had played a mean role
On her countenance sadness would stay.
Her own health was failing, things happened so fast
Her mind was not what it had been
Those left could but wonder how long she would last
Before God would call from within
In her ninety-eight years no faltering came
She was mother and mentor to all
A shining example of motherly love
She did more than deserved for us all

A tribute by son George on behalf of her four daughters and three sons.

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