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Martha Velia Watson
1920 - 2006 |
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1925
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1938
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1940
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2001
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During World War ll, Martha worked in Cincinnati, Ohio, sanding molds for airplane parts. She married in 1944 and moved to New Albany, Indiana. Martha was a compassionate listener and one who forgave easily. She was also slow to criticize, yet quick to encourage.
In 1993, the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest was established in her name to give kids the opportunity to express their appreciation for their own moms. Since then, the contest has positively touched millions of people.
Martha will always be known as the first mother to inspire this legendary contest.
Then adventure burned my soul
To search for distant lands
She spoke three things before I left
I held her wrinkling hands
Remember that I love you
And before I closed the door
Remember to love others
And there was just one more
Remember that I chose you
To be my very own
Now my dear adopted son
Into a man you’ve grown
The tears I cry are from joy
For my mom will never die
Because she’ll live within my heart
As long as I’m alive
Now in every face I meet
My mom smiles back at me
Her priceless gift was her flame
Of blinding Light, you see
Through every desert I may walk
My soul will never thirst
I learned to love you and myself
Because she loved me first
© 2006 Michael C. Watson
And readied me for school
Speak kind words to everyone
Obey the Golden Rule
With a gentle hug and kiss
She handed me a sack
Potato sticks, with snacks and fruits
Were very neatly packed
Her endless love embraced me
Even while at play
She was the warm sun glowing
As I ran throughout the day
“I hope you like my art,” I said
"I made it just for you"
My mom was always proud of me
Despite the smears of blue
Although I’d drawn outside the lines
She praised me anyway
And on the table by the door
She framed it for display
With open ears she sat to hear
My worries of the day
The problems seemed to disappear
With caring words to say