When I was young and just turned twenty

My Mother gave to me

A beautiful cross and chain of gold

I'll tell you how it came to be.

In 1945, 'twas many years ago

That January 8th was a beautiful day

I was so happy and really "giddy"

'Cause it was my 20th birthday.

I worked on Main St. Downtown Dallas

To 1st National Bank, I reported each day

Posting checks to people's bank statements

A job I liked for it seemed more like play.

I insisted on Mother coming to town

To lunch together, I'd be all-aglow

When the hour approached, Mother was there

My friend Edna had been invited to go.

Located on Ervay Street, just north of Elm

In the middle of the block was a tearoom

The Magnolia Tearoom was very elegant

A wonderful lunch we did consume.

As we waited for our order

With love, my Mother gave to me

A small little box:  A big Surprise!

I removed the lid, but what could it be?

A beautiful golden cross with a chain

To wear 'round my neck, but wait!

My Mother told me to take it to Linz

To get engraved, "B M C" and the "date".

Four or five years later

A small diamond was given to me

I had it mounted in the center of my cross

It looked just perfect, as you can see.

I just turned another year older

Seventy-Six to be exact

I've already worn out 3 or 4 chains

But I still have it, all intact.

The cross my Mother gave to me

In remembrance of her, I'll proudly wear

An all the happy memories we have made

I'll treasure them all and gladly share.

Bessie MelVina Carathers

January 8-11, 2001

When Bessie passed away in 2021, this cross was placed around her neck.

She will now charish this cross for enternity and remember her memories since 1945.

Her Mother always called her "Sister".  When she was younger, they all called her "Little Sister".  Her cousins on the Colwell side of her family always called her

"Little Bessie" for you see, her Mother's name was "Bessie" too.