I'm shopping now for presents mom,
For loved ones dear to me....
But there will be one gift missing
From beneath the Christmas tree.
It seems that only yesterday
I held your soft warm hand,
And prayed with you a little prayer..
And tried to understand....
Why God would want to take you mom,
Away from those you love.
Your children were your very life.
You treasured them above.....
All the very little things
This world could give to you.
Dear mama, how am I to fare.....
No Mom to see me through?
It will be a lonely Christmas
Without you mama dear.
The first one out of many,
That you shared with us while here
I'm thinking, since I can not buy
A gift for you from me,
I'll spread a little extra love
Around the Christmas tree.....
And when you gaze upon us mom,
From Heavens Holy Place.
I think you'll like your present,
And a smile will light your face
By Carol Bouche' Ottlinger
Christmas 1977
Mama left us on May 12, 1977
At age 69