It hung upon a beautiful chain
around her neck as if to proclaim
that she was a lady through and through
and chosen by grandfather, give him his due!

She was a soft and gentle lady so blessed
with grace and beauty and always well dressed
No one knew the hardships she bore
as a farmer's wife, she had them galore.

Four daughters she raised and did her best
Like her, they were always turned-out, well-dressed
She lovingly sewed every fabric by hand
And made the best in an unforging land.

Their fortunes were ravaged by the Depression's black days,
you'd never know they struggled; they had steel in their veins.
They managed to make the best of what they had
and taught generations how to create good from bad.

The cameo was all that remained of a kinder day.
Grandfather forbade her to sell it in hopes that it may
remind them that hard times are only the past;
that one remembers the good that will forever last.