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Iris's Chapter · August 13, 2001

A Prayer to Make a Difference

told by Helen Bush

The poem “I’D LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” expresses a wish to bring smiles, ease others' lives, bless strangers, help children, and give generously within one's means. It closes with the hope that someone will remember the speaker as having made a difference.

In the family's own words

I’d like to be remembered for my floral work and decorating at our little white Congregational church in Roscoe, Illinois. I’m known as The Flower Lady there and it makes me very happy. I’d like to be remembered by my children and grandchildren with love. I’d like to be remembered by Bill, my husband of over fifty years, the very same way.

I’D LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

God has given me a place on earth To be here for a while. I hope that as I’m passing through I will make somebody smile. I want to make life easier For all the ones I meet. I ask God his blessings To the stranger on the street. I hope I’ll never fail a child If I can help somehow. I want to be as generous As my sources will allow. A when life on earth is done It will be my final plea: Let someone, somewhere think or say, “You made a difference to me.”

—Helen Bush August 13, 2001

Referenced in

Iris's Chapter, told by Iris Lee Guild Retzlaff

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