I Love You, Mother

When I look at my son

I think of you , Mother

Of all the times you held me in your arms

And felt the love I feel today

The day my son was born

You were right next to me

Pushing me through the exhaustion

Cheering me on to hang in there

I thought you’d enjoy being there

When your baby was having her baby

But I enjoyed it more

Having my mother near when I was scared

On nights that I’m up with a crying baby

I can barely keep my eyes open

I think of you and the nights you did this for me

And I don’t feel so alone anymore

When I calm Jacob down from a fit

I know my compassion and patience came from you

And when I help him fall asleep in my arms

I learned how to lightly brush the top of his nose to make him sleepy from you

Now that I’m a mother

I can whole-heartedly understand all your sacrifices

I know you’ve done so much for me

But sleepless nights and exhausting days go thankless

When I look at my sleeping baby

I know you gazed at me with the same awe

It’s funny how babies can simplify life

And make you love your own parents so much more

So although it’s taken me 30 years to be grateful:

Thank you for all your sleepless nights

For the pain and exhaustion you felt all those years ago

And for nurturing me so well, that I can nurture my son today

I love you, Mother

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