Mom And Violets

My Grandma grew African violets,
They were beautiful to see.
Seeing their beauty and Grandma tending them
Was how Mom's interest in them came to be.

She had several violet plants
She tended to with care.
If friends or family had a problem plant,
They'd call Mom for help--her wisdom to share.

Mom had one plant that was difficult--
She couldn't get it to bloom.
She showed it to a lady we took to church,
And said she thought it was doomed.

The lady kept it for a while--
How she helped it we'll never know.
But when Mom got it back,
It continued to bloom and grow.

When my Aunt passed away,
She had violets in her home.
My cousin let Mom take her pick,
My Aunt was like the sister Mom had never known.

Due to Dad's health problems
And her own, she wasn't able
To care for them as needed--
No more plants in the window on a table.

Grandma and Mom's green thumb
Was not passed down to me--
Every plant I've owned has died,
Either from drowning or being dry and thirsty.

Mom has several things she's known for--
Her violets, her cooking, her kindness.
Her love of God and family,  but also
For the lives of people she has blessed.

Though age and health have slowed her down,
She's always willing to send cards, make calls and say prayers.
She wants to be of help to others,
Why?  Because she cares.