You were there when I took my first breath.
I was there when you took your last.
You were there when my soul came to earth.
I was there when your soul was called home.
How to describe the life in between?
Hugs, tears, laughter, fears, hopes
Caught in a tornado of memories.
Flashing pictures in lightning strikes.
I remember sewing and cooking lessons.
Frustrations of rules and chores.
Home perms and broken arms.
I remember being held when the tears flowed.
I remember laughter and love.
You were the first sight I saw when I opened my eyes.
I was the last you saw when you closed yours.
Did you see me?
Did I make you proud?
Did I learn all you had to teach?
Am I who you imagined I would be
When you first held me?
I remember colors.
Orange and green flowers in the kitchen.
Painted rainbows on my walls.
Black patent shoes and pink dresses.
I remember bikes and trikes and sunburns.
I remember the gifts of reading and learning.
I remember camping and rain and family.
You were protection and safety and shelter.
There were storms and tears.
There were calm blue waters.
There was peace and war.
But you were always the anchor.
You held my hand when I took my first steps.
I held your hand when you couldn’t walk.
You said don’t let me go.
I said I would hold you as long as I could.
I told you it was time to let go.
You were there when I came into the world.
I was there when you God called you to Heaven.
Thank you, Mother, for the Gift of Life.
For the joy of being your daughter.
