At my mother's knee I learned right from wrong,
I learned life sent trials just to make us strong

In some endeavors I learned I may fail,
But I must keep trying, though rough storms assail;

I learned that at times clouds will hide the sun,
When despair surges, it must be outrun;

I learned that kind words when softly spoken
To distraught hearts were a healing token;

I learned sad folks smile when you caress them,
And when all else fails, ask God to bless them;

I learned to forge on, though weary and tired,
For life's a game where much skill is required;

Walking rocky paths I learned I might fall,
But I must go on, though I'm forced to crawl;
I learned how to fend when push comes to shove,
But having to learn to live without love ..........
Now that was the hardest lesson of all!