Precious Memories

By Fay Foster

This collection of poems include some from the author's first book
Poems From The Heart. These were included because they fitted in with the theme of the second book. Unlike the first book all the episodes
deal with "memories' that are indeed precious. Hence the title: Precious
Memories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456880415

Fay Foster

Ms. Foster is the mother of six grown children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She currently lives with her husband in Florida.

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by Fay Foster.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2011903505

ISBN: Hardcover    978-1-4568-8040-8

ISBN: Softcover      978-1-4568-8039-2

ISBN: Ebook          978-1-4568-8041-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

93525

Contents

IN THE BEGINNING

THE YOUNG ONES

LOVE IN ACTION

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

GETTING TOGETHER

DREAMS REALIZED

BLACK HISTORY IN THE MAKING

MEMORIES, MEMORIES, MEMORIES

WEATHER RELATED

LESSONS ARE LEARNED

FUN TIMES

This book is dedicated to my dear friend Terry O’ Brien, who

fought the good fight, but lost the battle to cancer.

And to my mother Ethel Carr who missed

seeing her daughter grow up.

And to the grandchildren who have provided some of the

memories I write about.

And to our precious children and their spouses whose love I can

always count on. Their memories help fill the pages of this book.

And to my husband Ransford whose love and support I can depend on. He is the wind beneath my wings.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express a very heartfelt thanks to Susan Rockwell, who read the poems, edited them, offered feed back, and support throughout this entire journey. Susan I couldn’t have done this without you. Rob Rockwell, I know that you helped in some way. Thank you!

I must also say a big thank you to Maxine Guthrie, who although very busy found time to read some of the poems.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the invaluable help that you, Norma Hendricks gave on the occasion of your visit.

Thank you Sylvia Swaby, for helping to read the poems and offering advice and suggestions.

The book would certainly not be the same without the photographs which my talented husband, Ransford Foster snapped. Kudos to you!

IN THE BEGINNING

Mother

My Mama

I Wish I Knew The Whole Story

Tweaking My Memory

Recollections Elude Me

Childhood Memories

I Remember When . . .

Mother

Myriad memories of you I’ll keep in my heart

Of your love for me and others, as well as

The examples you set by the life you lived; always

Helpful, gentle, generous, and gracious. Beloved of

Everyone who knew you. I trust that you are

Resting in the arms of Jesus.

My Mama

My Mama was such a quiet person

She didn’t do much talking

But she taught me by example

She was kind, and generous

She had no qualms about sharing the little she had

With someone who was needy

I’d often ask how can you give of the little you have

And she’d say, "Cast your bread upon the waters

And after many days you’ll find it."

That was jargon to me then.

If she had two of anything

She’d gladly give away the other

She exhibited quiet strength, and faith.

She was so caring and thoughtful.

If she knew a friend was in need

She didn’t wait to be asked for help.

My Mama showed love and kindness

To those who crossed her path

To whoever was in need.

I Wish I Knew The Whole Story

My parents Ethlyn and Elijah

Had seven children altogether.

Our family consisted of an older girl

Followed by brothers numbering three,

Next came my twin brother and me

Then to the family was born another little girl

When my twin and I were three years old.

My mother then departed this earth

I’m not sure how soon after my sister’s birth.

What caused her demise I haven’t a clue

My Dad didn’t enlighten me at all

My older sister I suspect doesn’t know

I believe if she did she’d be the first to let go

Of information I’ve always wanted to know.

The Lord took my twin home at the age of ten

I didn’t get a chance to know him before then

My younger sister accompanied him too

I’m sure God knows why He took those two.

It was a hurricane that took the children away

Leaving my dad broken, and sad for many days.

I’d been adopted by my dad’s cousin at the age of three

Who was childless, and lonely before she got me

My biological mother couldn’t have done a better job

Of loving and raising me to be

The finest individual that a person could be.

I am so sorry my second mother didn’t live to see

The kind of individual her daughter turned out to be.

I know she’s looking on from wherever she is

And applauding that she got a chance

To make a difference in a little girl’s life

Who no doubt wouldn’t have made it this far

Hadn’t it been for a cousin who had so much love to give,

And wasn’t content to bottle it up