Mom, I'm sending this small memento,
 At making speeches I'm not very good,
But I still remember the one and only, Mom.
 I've not forgotten, you know I never could.
I'm sending you roses for the precious memories
 Savor the aroma as you count each one,
I haven't forgotten the sad years, and bitter tears
 Nor all the foolish things I done.
One, is for the many times I forgot to call
 When I was so far away,
Two, is for the many humble prayers
 I know you prayed for me each day.
Three, is for the many tears you've shed
 When I strayed from the path where I belonged,
Four, is because you held me up in prayer
 Though in your heart you knew I was doing wrong.
Five, is for the spankings you gave me 
 While trying to raise me right,
Six, is for the times you went without sleep
 When I stayed out too late at night.
Seven, is for you're sweet forgiveness
 The many times I broke your heart in two,
Eight, is for your tender loving touch 
 The many times you held me close to you.
Nine, is for the times you dried my eyes
 When my life was over run with sin,
Ten, is for the calmness you displayed
 When I came home not knowing where I'd been.
Eleven, is because you're the dearest Mother
 To me, there's no sweeter anywhere,
Twelve, is to say I miss you, Mom,
 Please don't forget me in your prayer.
There's a dozen fine red roses, Mom,
 To express how I feel today,
They're just a token payment on a lifelong debt
 This poor child can never, never pay.
 

                                             Carl L. Hempen, 1978