Pe pere, Me mere

Once upon a Chicago byway
       Near the yards were cattle came
A young man did love a lady
       And from this they drew their fame.

Their children were thirteen in number
       Needing much in every way
But love was never to be rationed
       To anyone, on any day.

Their house was small, and needs were plenty
       But the lady drove away the pains
With a smile so soft and loving
       That in our memory it still remains

How this couple raised such a fold
       In times so hard is a mystery
Yet from this ground that they provided
       Grew the strongest family tree.

And so the man, a smith by trade
       Taking work from whence it came
Gave his children a truth to live by
       Then said go forth and do the same.

Now each of these thirteen children
       Made their way on life's rough road
Knowing that no matter how bumpy
       They had each other to share the load.

God blessed some with spouse and children
       And to others a ministry
On they forged with love and sharing
       passing all to such as me.

The hardships of that meek beginning
       Time and distance has tried to buffer
Yet inside their children's children
       Remains that stuff, in those who suffer.

Even all the worldly goods
       Big house, cars, and golden threads
Have not removed that spark of goodness
       That strength of love, that evil dreads.

Let other people bring remorse
       And sadness to the happy heart
This family will always go forth
       Knowing we are not apart.

As we help and thank each other
       With the little joys we give
Thank the Lord, and our parents
       For showing us how we must live.

And when you have a little time
       On some extra special day
Say thanks to that man and lady
       We once called Pe pere, Me mere.

AFS