(Blogger now has backlinks – very similar to the trackback feature in Movable Type. Many blogs have stopped using trackbacks because…

My son directed me to your post…….and I am so grateful he did. He has heard me quote the first phrase of this poem all his life, as my mother taught it to me when I was a child, and it has been the standard that I have lived by my whole life. Yes, as a little girl and even as an adult, if I am tempted to compromise my actions in any way, I quote this poem to myself, and then am better able to make the right choice. I'm sooooo thrilled to at last read the poem in it's entirety……I never even knew who the poet was, so could never look it up.
I called up my mother, who is now 94, and read it to her. She says she used to know the whole thing, but had forgotten it years ago. Thanks for the memories, and for the opportunity for others to know this wonderful little poem and to perhaps become better people because of its wisdom. Thank you so much for sharing ……..

I hug you, Teacher

Your evident compassion, frankness and love of your people is on display in your blogs to which we are all grateful.

Her memory will live on in you as an example of how you were “raised right.”

My sympathies.

Take care of yourself.

Peace and prayers and light to you and your family.

Also be in communion with nature as much as possible, even if that means sitting in the back yard. Trees, running water, sunshine, physical contact with earth – all of these heal. God works through nature to heal all creatures.

My prayers are with you.

Ironically, I found out last night that my mother has been diagnosed with colon cancer. I was shocked but then again, it runs in our family. My grandmother died of colon cancer last year. My mother will have to get treatment. I am very scared.

My prayers are with you and your family at this hard time.

I honor the reality of your broken heart — it's your mother and that's a hard loss.

Michelle