Carmen

We gathered 'round the table, praying the rosary before we ate

Working two jobs just to hold us, carrying all the weight

Six children in the house, remembering the sister we lost

You kept our family standing, no matter what it cost

When the Air Force called him to New York, and I was only three

You stayed behind to care for us, and fell down on your knees

Oh, Carmen, you’re the stronghold that the Lord provided

Through every heavy trial, your faith was undivided

You told us, "Put Him first, without God we are nothing at all"

You didn't harbor anger, you answered to a higher call

You said, "I'll leave it up to God," and let His grace shine through

We thank the Father every day He chose a mother like you

When Susie took that tragic fall, and everything went gray

Grandpa knew we couldn't travel, he told us we should stay

Our father left us far behind, we never heard a word

But you didn't chase the child support, you trusted in the Lord

When we got sick, you’d boil the water, put the towel on our head

Breathing in the Vicks vapor, resting in our bed

With healing plants and praying hands, you chased the cold away

Oh, Carmen, you’re the stronghold that the Lord provided

Through every heavy trial, your faith was undivided

You told us, "Put Him first, without God we are nothing at all"

You didn't harbor anger, you answered to a higher call

You said, "I'll leave it up to God," and let His grace shine through

We thank the Father every day He chose a mother like you

You walked for miles to pick the vegetables in the heat

Selling cans of fruit for five dollars, just to make ends meet

You could only buy one gift for six of us to share

But we never felt the poverty, because we felt your care

You taught us right from wrong, you showed us how to pray

And all the sacrifices that you made have led us to today

Oh, Carmen, you’re the stronghold that the Lord provided

Through every heavy trial, your faith was undivided

You told us, "Put Him first, without God we are nothing at all"

You didn't harbor anger, you answered to a higher call

You said, "I'll leave it up to God," and let His grace shine through

We thank the Father every day He chose a mother like you