I learned a lesson early one July

About the depth of a mother’s love.

So sadly then I saw it fly,

On the wings of an evening dove.

The youngest born,

I always thought I’d won my mother’s heart.

Would I be shattered when I discovered

I only had a part?

My brother and my sister,

They surely must of known

She loved me more than anyone,

Thank God she told me so.

She never uttered those words I must admit,

But I felt them all the same,

For in pain or joy I always called

Her sweet and loving name.

When death drew near,

We found in mom the truest love of all,

Each child discovered that our mother

Knew love’s secret, she knew all.

You see she never used a mold

To treat each one the same,

But rather found a special way

To play the loving game.

Not one yardstick, but three

She used to measure up each child.

It never really mattered,

Who was timid, who was wild.

She loved each in a special way,

Giving all to each as one,

Never a doubt in anyone’s mind,

He was the chosen one.

So gather up your children,

But treat them not like sheep.

Feed each your love with tenderness

And each you’ll surely keep.

And when your flock does gather,

They’ll love you evermore.

For when you love each different,

You help each open up his door.

I learned a lesson early one July

And now I pass it on to you.

Treat each child as special,

And to each child be true.

When death drew near,

We found in mom the truest love of all,

Each child whom she had held so dear

Now knew, she loved us all!