Misty eyes, chestnut brown hair
I see you sitting over there
Rose red lips, ruby red cheeks
Over your head the fiery sun peaks

So much knowledge in your head
Use it to your advantage to get ahead
No one knows how far you've come
The world is yours; it spins on your thumb

So caring, so pure, so true
There is no one more honest than you
You never cheated, stole, lied, or killed
to make a buck or keep your gut filled

All of these years you've supported your family
You have become all that you can be
Love you provided, courage you showed
That's why we love you more than you'll ever know

People have hurt you and thrown you down hard
Still, you fought back and have come so far
Your family respects you and your friends do as well
Your exterior is tough like a turtle's shell

All of these years you've watched me grow
So many more years you'll be here; believe me, I know
'Education is the key,'� you told me. 'Don't throw it away.'�
'I won't, I promise,'� I said. 'I'll work hard each and every day.'�

So many obstacles we've overcome
Too many times we've had to run
Now I feel we can be at peace
Let us sit down and enjoy the breeze

We've never been rich and we've never been poor
Sure, I thought some of your life stories were a bore
But now that I'm older and more interested in your life
I can appreciate all you've done to squash the strife

Our family's not perfect and they never will be
but what family is perfect? Do you think you can show me?
I still love them and want them to see me
when I walk down the aisle and receive my college degree

Life has its ups, as well as its downs
but as long as I have my family, there will be fewer frowns
So now it's time for me to close and say
'Mommy, I love you. You've helped me go the right w

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