Ave Maria      She said: "My daughter, I beg of you   I have a wish that must come true   The last thing you can do for Mama   Please promise me that you will stay   And take my place while I'm away   And give the children love each day"   I had to cry, what could I say?      How hard I tried to find the words   I prayed she wouldn't see me cry   So much to say that should be heard   But only time to say goodbye to Mama.      They say in time that you'll forget   Yet still today my eyes are wet   I tell myself to smile for Mama   Now soon there'll be another spring   And I will start remembering   The way she loved to hear me sing   Her favorite song, "Ave Maria."      Ave Maria      The children have all grown up now   I kept my promise to Mama   I can not guide them anymore   I've done my best all for Mama.      Ave Maria      But still it seems so very small   For all she did for me...