Grandma's Birthday poem

Grandma’s Birthday Poem As I grew from a baby to a man Long before I could even stand Grandma always always lived right  next door When things went dark she was my light I couldn’t understand she made things right If I didn’t have enough she would give me more Grew up poor, but she made the most of what she had Never got past the fourth grade, helped her mom and dad It’s how it was and she said she didn’t really know too many things But let me tell you that woman knew more than any scholar Never wasted words or time and she saved every dollar Not to spend on her, but to share and enjoy the smile it brings She taught me to show love and to hold your tongue What I worried about she laughed and said boy you’re young When you once get to be my age Timmy then you’ll know I’m not even close yet, she had so many more years than I But I’m starting to understand what she said and then I start to cry She was more than just my grandma, she was a safe place to go I was lost and needed hope she showed me how to love and care for plants Given attention, water and sunlight they’ll flower if you give them a chance The lesson wasn’t lost on pots of African violets, I could understand her care Wasn’t just for the beauty that they displayed, there was something more Every time we played cards, every dice game every meal after The hollering about who won, from disappointment to laughter All those moments I spent with my grandma taught me what life has in store If I fell down she was there to wipe away my tears and set me on the mend Taught me if she only had ten dollars, then she had ten that she could lend It was never about her, it was about all of us cause that was what made her whole Today she would be 125, I can hear her laughing at how old she was Probably say she was 130, I’m crying but I’m smiling at the idea because All she ever wanted was to teach me love,  grandma you accomplished your goal I learned well I love you Happy birthday! Tim Windisch 11/1/2021