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The Ballad of Joseyphine
On a hot and sultry Kansas night
two parents reveled in the scene
of their happy newborn baby girl
They named her Josephine.
A joyous sight in rocky times
when they had many mouths to feed
They would gladly sacrifice their meal
so that the little girl could eat.
She grew up smart and grew up fast
until she felt the urge to leave
to seek out sunny California
where a young navy man she'd meet.
That man saw something special
as he gazed into her eyes.
He swore to self and God above
he would take her as his wife.
They joined in loving union,
and three children they would bear.
Two daughters and a bouncing boy
to one of which I am an heir.
I knew her just as Mor Mor
The Swedish term for mother's mom
But I loved her like a mother,
and she never did me wrong.
Whatever path I chose in life
she'd support me all the way,
and she never called me quitter
when I changed it the next day.
Whether cooking up a smorgasbord
or a fat Thanksgiving feast
she would smile and tell us stories
as she moved lightly on her feet.
I knew her as my grandma.
To me she was a queen,
but to the lucky folks she met in life
she was known as many things.
To her kids she was a mother.
To her husband, a loving wife.
To her students she was a teacher.
To her church a shining light.
To her friends a friendly voice
to help them pass away the time
To us all she was the beacon
that brightened up our dreary lives.
Now she's passed on through this world
to greet the ones who passed before.
She sits inside the gates of heaven
telling stories to our Lord.
And though we wish we had more time
to sit with her and speak.
And though the days we live from now
will never seem so sweet
As the time we spent with Josephine.
We may have cause to weep.
But remember all those happy times
when Jo was at her peak
And hold those memories to your hearts.
Those thoughts are ours to keep.
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