Unselfish Love

I was blessed to know a woman in my life Who faced hard times, struggle, and strife. A Chinese immigrant, she came from a poor town Lost her husband, was kept from her daughter, but not kept down. She had three other children who were born here Getting them a better life was her biggest fear. She had to fend for herself and them alone you see, Speaking little of the language in this foreign country. But, she had always lived a determined life So she fought back...with a fork and a knife. She opened a restaurant in a small community Where her gracious manner made her friends instantly. Her children would grow up in town with new friends The restaurant she opened was the mean to her ends. She worked very hard...sometimes eighteen hours a day She never complained because that was her way. Her life's expectations knew more successes sublime The restaurant grew...one egg roll at a time. She once told me of the anxiety she felt at the money she'd spent... Laughing said, "My uncle said sell 2 qts of Chop Suey/Day...you've got the rent." She was a woman who chose kindness as she felt had to her been shown To people far and near her generosity was known. She was thankful that she had the opportunity To give back with love rather than animosity. I first met her over some 30 years back She struck me from the that moment as a person who had the knack To make others feel at home though strangers they be She certainly did, because she did it to me. I still remember her caring for me...it was shown Once caught in a blizzard, she opened her home. So often was there a path to this woman's door Though she stood, less than 5 foot 4. Her heart was as big and wonderful as one would want An earthly angel, she was heaven sent. Though her health began to wane later in life She never gave in to that world of strife. Her eyesight began to fail and it was difficult for her to see But that didn't stop her or her generosity. She loved people and filled everyone with cheer Ever thankful that she had had a life here. Though she is gone I'll never forget her face Or her love of life, devotion to family, and unstoppable pace. To me I'll ever be thankful to have had the joy Of calling her "Ma" ... ONE IN A MILLION~was Connie Moy! 1st Place Winner - "One in a Million" Poetry Contest