Mom

I have so much to say

I don't know where to start

Do I open with your generosity

Or maybe your good heart?

"Good" isn't really the right word,

Not nearly strong enough,

I need something with real impact,

Like Pulizter Prize winning stuff.

I don't want to be cliche' or corny,

and say all that's been said before

But all of the usual lines are also true

So I want a new way to say them and more.

I guess I could try to create a new language

But that seems sorta slow

Since I don't have the time or the talent

I'll just do my best, so here we go...

You. Are. Amazing.

Those three words are nothing new.

But please believe they have new meaning

As I say them now to about you.

You have shown such love

And such ethereal selfless grace

When my children look at you

You can see it reflected in their face.

That's not to say

That your children don't feel it too

Anything good and decent in us

We know came straight from you.

Bacon frying, coffee brewing,

and peanut butter with tea in a spoon,

No-bake cookies, soft and gooey,

served up with Saturday morning cartoons.

These are some of my favorite memories,

From my childhood and onward,

My favorite person in the world,

You hold that place of honor.

I watch my kids with their Nana

And I briefly catch a chance

To for a moment be that child again,

It's like I get an extra glance.

Saying I am grateful,

Will never fully convey,

How I feel about the things you've done

And still do every day.

You make it look so easy

Though I know that it can't be

And I want to make sure you know,

When I look at you the hero I see.

You should know that

You done me two of life's biggest favors

You might not have given birth to them

But you were there for life's daily labors.

You know who I'm talking about

That playful boy and his beautiful sister,

You were the first to hold and feed Allen,

And with Maddie the first to cradle and kiss her.

I believe it was no coincidence

You were meant to be there when they were born,

All along you were their mom,

And that bond had already formed.

I see myself as their sister,

Siblings with an extra special bond,

I see myself as your surrogate

Cause God knew you weren't done being a mom.

I think I'll end this here

Before I start to cry and break down

But please know that you're amazing,

And no better mother could ever be found.