In my mother's day

In my mother's day
She lived for her little family
Mum treasured each and every day
Relished her work as cook and carer
Took pride in providing everything
That she possibly could
For her little family...

In Moorook she got up at 5:30 am
Lit that old wood stove
So she could cook
Our favourite breakfast
Creamed rice or semolina
Before we walked to primary school
A couple of miles away
While she and dad left for work

Mum made my dresses by hand
Knitted jumpers by hand
Baked all sorts of cakes for us
Cooked and cleaned for us
That was her joy
Doing everything for us

Raised chickens in the Hen house
From chicks they bought from Felixstowe
Sh killed them and made soup
Of all their bits and pieces
Every part was used
Eggs; we ate raw with a little sugar
Whipped up in a Vegemite glass

She and dad killed the pigs 
Which she turned into sausages
White pudding; all cuts of meat
Lard; tupertu, and aspic
Nothing was wasted
We ate the crunchy tail and ears 
And all the tender morsels
Cooked up just for us

When dad and Uncle Alec Steczina
Caught hundreds of Redfin
Everyone came to share in the catch
Stored in our old tin bath tub
They just had to clean their own
We ate those delicious fish
Dipped in flour and paprika

We planted tomato plants
Acres and acres of them
Backs bent over in our work
All our friends assisting
Both on our property 
And down by the River Murray 
At Mundoo Flats

Apricot cutting in Kingston-on-Murray
Mum was up at 5:30 am again
Making thermos' full of tea
Cutting sandwiches and packing 
Biscuits she had baked herself
Into the baskets for the workers
Cheese and Vegemite
Or Tomato, onion and capsicum
Hot black tea and sugar
These were all enjoyed...

When grandchildren came
She welcomed them
With open arms
Knitted and crocheted for them
Made clothes for them
For the great grandchildren also
They still wear these clothes to this day
Knitting from over 30 years ago
Are still in use today
Much loved and enjoyed

Mum; I miss you
Mum; I admire your strength
You left your family in Hungary
To migrate to this lucky country
At the age of 19
Pregnant and already a mother

Thank you for giving me life! 
I love you! 

12th May 2019 
Mother's Day