A double handful of children you raised
Way back in the olden days
You made their clothes from flour sacks
Did work that'd break a strong man's back
Your husband kept a drink in hand
And gave away food to the band
Of children living down the street
When you could barely make ends meet
You were so talented musically
For any instrument you'd see
You only had to sit a while
And soon your music would cause smiles
You loved to dance the jitterbug
In the parade in the back of a truck
Though some said you were too old
You simply smiled and told them no
I always loved it when we'd fish
And it is my finest wish
To tell you great-grandmother dear
Though you are gone you are still here
I wish I had the talent to really express what an amazing woman my great grandmother, Virginia Cardwell, was. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend quality time with her. She died when I was in my teens. The best I can do is quote Alexandra Ripley in "Scarlett:"
"That's a whole world gone, an era ended."