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A year ago, my oldest son said,"Mom, I have a goal."
I want to teach the gospel and maybe save a soul.
I said,"But son, our money's gone. We hardly pay our bills.
The thought of this commitment really gives me chills
He said,"I know it's scary, mom, but I will find a job.
I'll save my every penny. This problem I will solve.
I went to bed with thoughtful heart and asked for guidance, too.
I pondered how to aid my boy and just what I should do.
I know the nature of my son. Discouragement's been his friend.
If climbing mountains takes too long, his goal my have an end.
I thought about my second son still in the tender years.
To leave my home with him alone had always been a fear.
Yet he was strong and confident. Success had been his name.
The deck of cards life dealt the boys had never been the same.
I felt impressed to ask this son how much he could endure.
He looked me squarely in the eyes and said, "Help him for sure."
"I know I can take care of me and help around here too.
So go to work if that's your charge. But, mom, what can you do?"
I looked into the mirror then and bowed my head in shame.
True, I was not prepared for this. I wondered much the same.
That very day a friend came by. I told him what'd been asked.
He winked and with a cheery smile said, "I know just the task."
I found myself at interview, experience seemed low then--
But pass the test I must have done because I heard, "You're in."
I set about to learn the job helped by some special ones.
But at that time, I did not know a lesson was to come.
'Twas many stops on down the road that I began to see--
The master teacher who would teach me "Golden Quality."
The first time I observed it, I did not understand.
The setting was another school--another's lesson plan.
We'd gone there as observers. We were the teacher's guests.
That meant to me that we should see the teacher's very "Bests."
Yet, negative was present and pointed out to me--
While only very positive was placed where she could see.
Another time, another place--the pattern was the same.
The bad was never cited. What a dishonest game.
From time to time it was my turn, and I just knew for sure.
The things I wasn't doing right would be there by the score.
But almost if by miracle, bad never filled my ear--
She never once imposed on me that I did not compare.
Each time we'd meet, some words exchanged. My spirits seem to soar.
The master teacher seemed to feel I'd given all, and more.
I found her visits lifted me and kindled such desire--
To put again new energy and try to soar much higher.
As time went on the job increased, the problems were intense.
The master teacher gave support and "pushed me" in a sense.
Then on a designated day, inservice she had planned--
She'd rearranged a special time to give me helping hands.
And I in turn was to attend--convenient to my day--
The rearranged commitment with others on their way.
That afternoon I sat alone. I had much work to do.
I wanted to be up on things. I stayed till all was through.
The following week the trainer came as cheerful as before.
She had some things she thought I'd like. My mind closed as before.
When free time entered in that day, reflection hit a blow.
She'd brought to me what I had missed the day I was to go.
Oh horror to all horrors, on that day it fell my lot--
To let it slip from in my mind. I simply just forgot.
Six days between the time elapsed from when this plight occurred.
And I complacent in myself thought not a single word.
'Twas then I guess I understood,"...need not apologize."
The image of pure teachership was right before my eyes.
I now know deeply when a soul has failure to his shame--
To look another way and praise. It's a rewarding game.
My son writes often of success. He's learned to use his tool.
My younger son has met the test. For him, it's been a school.
But I, I feel, have gained the most. To me, it'd clearly shown.
Exampled by my trainer--a pattern I can own.
The shaft of message finally scored, a message very grand.
Though pure disgust deserved at times, it never makes a fan.
No condemnation, reprimand, no negativity.
No sarcasm, no complaint. Just "Golden Quality"
(This poem was inspired by the patience and example of my mentor in the migrant program, Kathy Hansen.)