This is a corrected version of Bernie Farnam's poem, "Mama's Ring." The complete story can be read in the print edition of the Hutchinson Leader, Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

"Mama's Ring"

By Bernie Farnum, April 2008

She marvels at its beauty and holds it close to her heart.
All seven stones – glistening in their glory.
Mirroring the lives of her seven precious children.
She sits now, in the retirement home, fighting the “Forgetfulness Syndrome”.
Memories are blurred and some are hard to find.
Her crystal blue eyes welling up with tears of joy.
The quivering lip---biting back the wave of love she feels inside.
A timeless portrait of ‘this’ memory will last in her heart forever.
Though the children are grown and families far away…
Just for a moment, they are all with her, in her minds eye.
Once again, she holds them close as she slips the ring onto her finger.
And, like a queen, with hand extended, she admires the precious jewels.
Dignity restored, she lifts her head and squares her shoulders.
Peace settles over her face with love sparkling in her eyes.
Thank-yous accompany mother’s warm embrace.
To her, it was much more than a gift.
It was a reflection of her children’s love, mirrored in the beauty of
“Mama’s Ring”.

(Kay Johnson is a staff writer at the Hutchinson Leader. She can be reached at johnson@hutchinsonleader.com [2]).