Ilene

Oldest of ten, you were built to be strong

A no-nonsense heart where we all could belong

I was eight months old when you took me right in

And raised me as yours through the thick and the thin

You made a solemn promise to Mickey that day

To love me forever and show me the way

To keep me secure, unconditionally

The sweetest protector that I'd ever see

Oh, Ilene, you shielded me safe from the world

With your bright green eyes and a love to behold

Kim, Lisa, Renea will carry your light

You taught us to treat people right and to fight

A provider, protector, the roots of our tree

Dear mama, we'll cherish your sweet legacy

We miss your warm smile and the strength that you gave

And the way you expected us all to be brave

You made us do everything, guided our hands

With the loving support that a heart understands

Three grandchildren growing, three great-grandkids too

A lifetime of memories pointing to you

You gave us the courage to stand on our own

The most giving provider that we've ever known

Oh, Ilene, you shielded me safe from the world

With your bright green eyes and a love to behold

Kim, Lisa, Renea will carry your light

You taught us to treat people right and to fight

A provider, protector, the roots of our tree

Dear mama, we'll cherish your sweet legacy

We'll always celebrate the lessons you taught

The wisdom you shared and the battles you fought

How to fight for ourselves and to claim our own space

While treating the people around us with grace

We miss you, dear mama, we send you our love

We feel your sweet guidance from somewhere above

Oh, Ilene, you shielded me safe from the world

With your bright green eyes and a love to behold

Kim, Lisa, Renea will carry your light

You taught us to treat people right and to fight

A provider, protector, the roots of our tree

Dear mama, we'll cherish your sweet legacy