So many times I've seen my mother,
Sit and sew at night.
She always made our clothes,
And they fit us all just right.

We could not afford the things that some had,
But we managed things just fine.
Daddy often worked at least two jobs,
But he never complained one time.

Mother made them all,
Our dresses and undies too,
But we had more than some did,
Getting ahead back then was hard to do.

She also pieced together quilts,
As beautiful as you could find,
It was a hobby of hers she loved,
And helped to ease her mind.

It's important to keep ourselves busy,
As it will strengthen our minds,
And keep our thoughts from wondering,
On worries of all kinds.

There was the time of depression,
No jobs then to be had,
Whatever work you could find,
Would make you awfully glad.

The Government made some jobs,
It was called the WPA,
Not exactly the job you'd choose for sure,
But at least you got a little pay.

They had cooking schools back then,
I can remember it lasted for an hour.
They'd draw a number and if you're lucky,
You'd win a sack of flour.

I can't remember ever winning one,
But we went to every class.
Many still remember these times,
But many years have passed.

We were taught to never waste a thing,
For some had less than we,
But we were abundantly blessed,
We had a roof over our head and food to eat.

We should thank the Lord for our blessings,
And thank Him for our trials.
For with trials and tribulations,
It's just our faith being tried.

Faye Reyenga © 10 / 24 / 2008
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