Dorothy Hoeping

She always has been my big sister

The one who always was there

Never to coddle nor excuse you

But seeming always to care

And listen to all of your troubles

Though she had enough of her own

Then tell you that life's never easy

But none of us face it alone

Her own life was never that easy

Yet she managed to weather each storm

And make a good life for her children

A beacon when dark clouds would form

Through the bad times she never once faltered

Though her burdens were far from the norm

She learned there was always a rainbow

After the thunder and storm

Her life changed much for the better

When she found her only true love

And though it ended far too soon

It was truly a blessing from above

The years they had together

Were the best she'd ever known

And though it was a crushing blow

She settled into a new life alone

She moved back to familiar surroundings

With her children ever near

Until heartbreak paid a second call

Twas a mother's greatest fear

Her son was taken from her

After a long and valiant fight

Once again her life was shattered

With each day turned into night

Yet she still had family near her

And had to carry on

To be the voice of reason

To those who's hope was gone

Most things returned to normal

As the days and years flew past

Through the good times and the bad times

Life passes by so fast

GWNixon 12/16/21