As I did a little more genealogy work this afternoon, I recalled some poetry that Mom included in a family history booklet she put together some years ago, a treasure now in my possession. She included poems that she and her mother wrote decades ago for some of life’s special occasions. I’m pleased to share two poems penned by my mother, Carrol Pfeiffer. The first, called TIMES THREE, describes her longing for a daughter, a longing fulfilled when I was born. This photo of Mom and I with my dad, Robert Pfeiffer, is from 1960. The photo that follows her poem is from 1965.
TIMES THREE
When I was just a young girl, with husband and a home,
I prayed that I might have a child, a daughter of my own.
A tiny fair-haired angel to bathe and clothe and feed.
I was sure that I could give her all that she might need.
When autumn turned the leaves to gold, my fondest dream came true.
God gave me one sweet baby girl, fair-haired and eyes of blue.
Little did I know then, what life would hold in store.
For in about three years or so, he gave me just two more.
Now as the mother of three girls, I soon discovered this. T
hey need a lot more than a Smile, A Hug, a Kiss.
Each one of them is different. Their needs are not the same.
And I find that I’m quite busy in this Mother-Daughter game.
But daughters are quite special. I’m sure you’ll all agree.
And all the love that’s given mine is returned to me
Times Three.
Ann (2) holding onto me (5) with Elaine (4) on other tricycle
At the time this photo was taken, Mom and Dad were in the process of building a major addition onto our tiny home. My baby brother Glen completed the family in 1969. This second poem was written by Mom for my baby shower prior to the birth of our firstborn, Eric, in 1986.
FEED THE BABY
To be a Mom is such great fun.
Now Lisa, you’re the lucky one.
You get to stay up night and day.
Feed the baby. Watch him play.
Walk the floor when baby cries.
Hold him close till tears are dried.
Change the diaper. Wash the clothes.
Clean the nursery. That’s the way it goes.
Bathe him. Dress him. Change his bed.
Don’t forget. Dave needs to be fed.
Wash the dishes. Cook the food.
Bet you never had it so good.
Nothing much to do all day.
Feed the baby. Watch him play.
1986 by Carrol Pfeiffer
A favorite photo of me between Eric and Kyle at the Frisch Fish Fry on May 23, 2019