The connection was where folks speak
developing the art week by week
a woman of strength and vitality
her skill and faith helped me see
opportunities, and doubts reject
friendship was apparent, I suspect
even my mother normally humdrum
conceded that dear Val was my 'Aussie' mum
if I talked to her, Mum stayed way
knowing sound advice would make my day

Life had not been easy cloaked in poverty
she mentioned her Saviour repeatedly
we were advised in a letter showing detail
the reason why she was in jail
only for a month the judge was kind
her health and protection in mind
yet two others who had gone astray
learned of Jesus' love Val's way

Coming home one night with a friend
a car accident heralded the end
the number of mourners had me in tears
loved by so many over the years
a photograph and memories remain
my cheeks are tear-stained
but there is joy yet to come
when l, too, am called to my Heavenly home