TO my mother, Margaret Swan, MBE

From your son, Sir John Swan, KBE

Mother your love

Has taught me to be

Strong, wise, humble

And fearless.

Mother the truth is plain to see

You have had a special plan for me

Which showed me how to be me.

Mother I am the creation of God's love

And through you it has given me the strength

Even during my weakest moments.

Mother in your heart everyone is equal

You taught me not to make

Black or white the focus of my sight

But to do what is right.

Mother when we have often spoken heart to heart

You made me realise what the essence of life is all about

Which is to serve humanity the best I can.

Mother you have taught me to be strong

Even in the face of adversity

And to give more when I fell like giving up.

Mother with your wisdom and love

I have learned to see the future

By reflecting on who I am

And what I am yet striving to be,

Mother a very special thank you

For your encouragement,

Your support,

Your pride in my accomplishments

And most of all for your very special love.

Happy 90th birthday

December 22, 2005