Masks of a Single Mom Sun is setting - scurry to close up the day's labor General leading the troops to the homeward front Taking the prisoners to their cells One, two, locked away safely One, two, they take their masks off One, two, they hang their masks upon the posts These are not prisoners - criminals These are just two beautiful children Rebellious at times - now slumbering angels Sigh The general leaves the bedroom of the children Such a hard and weary day - keeping a control Making decisions - disciplined lives - driven within Walking down the hallway removes the first mask Hangs it on the nail on the wall This is not a barking general at all A hard working daddy is revealed Walking through the house, locking doors and windows Turning off the lights - closing it down for the day Headed for the kitchen - one last cup of tea in peace Sigh Such a hard and weary day - work and figuring bills Making ends meet where there is no way Readying for bed - bath - takes off this mask Hangs it on the rack by the towels This is not a daddy, but only a weary single mom Finally - house all secure, kids asleep, ready for bed She, to her own bed goes, Kicks off her slippers and takes off this mask Not a mom at all...merely a broken little child Surviving in the arms of God Picks up her teddy bear, prays and cries herself to sleep Peace comes finally in her rest As God watches over and gives comfort No more masks only one little child of God asleep. Written originally about 1993 - lost manuscript - rewritten March 31, 1998  To My Friend Every night I lie in bed This little prayer inside my head God bless my home, the Center, and bless my little girl, and take care of my wife; she brings me so much joy.. And God there's just one more thing I wish that you would do If you don't mind me asking Could you bless my  puter  too? Now, I know that it's not normal to bless a small machine but listen just a second, and I'll try to explain... you see, that little metal box holds more than odds, and ends. inside those small components rest a hundred loving friends. Some its true I've never seen, and most I've never met -- we've never shaken hands, or ever truly hugged, and yet.. I know for sure they love me by the kindness that they give, and this little scrap of metal is how I get to where they live - by faith  is how I know them much the same as I know you. I share in what life brings them So, if it's ok with you.. just take an extra minute from your duties up above.. to bless this little hunk of steel that's filled with so much love.   - Tuesday - 6:50 a.m. - by Gail Batton