Bill and Doris Wheeler as newlyweds in 1954 |
This photo was taken shortly after my parents were married, on the steps of the duplex they shared in Berkeley, California for a few months before purchasing their own house. Today, Mom is celebrating her 93rd birthday, and I would like to share this poem in her honor.
A Prayer for a Mother's Birthday
by Henry Van Dyke
Lord Jesus, Thou hast known
A mother's love and tender care:
And Thou wilt hear, while for my own
Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer.
Protect her life, I pray,
Who gave the gift of life to me;
And may she know, from day to day,
The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee.
As once upon her breast
Fearless and well content I lay,
So let her heart, on Thee at rest,
Feel fears depart and troubles fade away.
Her every wish fulfill;
And even if Thou must refuse
In anything, let Thy wise will
A comfort bring such as kind mothers use.
Ah, hold her by the hand,
As once her hand held mine;
And though she may not understand
Life's winding way, lead her in peace divine.
I cannot pay my debt
For all the love that she has given;
But Thou, love's Lord, wilt not forget
Her due reward,--bless her in earth and heaven.
2 comments:
Chery -
What a wonderful way to honor your mother on this special day. I know your mother is as special to you, as mine is to me.
I recently saw this sentiment and I think your mother would express this and I bet she does in her own way.
"Dear Daughter,
If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes. Only then would you realize how special you are to me. xoxo Mom"
LjBJ
Thank you, Luci... that is a truly beautiful sentiment.
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