This poem about my life was written by youngest daughter and emailed to me on January 5, 2013. This timely poem written when our nation is so divided encourages and inspires me to continue to have HOPE and FAITH in life and America.

Mom--
An original in all of your ways.
Your life is a story of prayers and history,
converging to birth one of a kind.

The outhouses of Quincy were supposed to shackle you.
You were supposed to settle with scraps
wallow in ignorance,
strive for nothing,

A migrant worker's trip to Brockport
supposed to solidify your inferiority--
Instead it released a wave of hope
a wave of determination

Faith.

And though this faith has been tried
And though your path has languished in the unknown
This hope, this determination, this faith still beckons

There is pride in your children
There is pride in your feats.
But the past shall not keep you.
You must continue to journey on.

Some of your steps will be in the dark.
The path will narrow,
leaving room only enough for one.
Fear not, turn away never.

An original in all of your ways.

I am so grateful that God blessed me with a loving and caring family. I am also thankful that Obama’s Presidency will inspire and provide other poor and disadvantaged children equal opportunity to achieve their education and employment goals.

NOTE: I-Report accidental filed under this assignment topic. I am a heterosexual female.

Vera Richardson