I’ve known I wanted to be
A mommy
Since before I was three
And it’s because of you.
I wanted to be for my dolls—
And later my boys—
What you were for me.
And I thank you
For putting so much
Of yourself
Into me
And for making it look easy.
But most of all
I thank you
For letting
My late-thirties me
Fall apart
In your arms
Over the phone
And for refusing to allow
Me to measure myself
Against the mommy
I thought you were
When I was three
And insisting I see myself
The way you say
You have always, always
Seen me: as a miracle
And to love
Myself at least that much
Because that’s how mommies love.
And that’s how mommies see.
A mommy
Since before I was three
And it’s because of you.
I wanted to be for my dolls—
And later my boys—
What you were for me.
And I thank you
For putting so much
Of yourself
Into me
And for making it look easy.
But most of all
I thank you
For letting
My late-thirties me
Fall apart
In your arms
Over the phone
And for refusing to allow
Me to measure myself
Against the mommy
I thought you were
When I was three
And insisting I see myself
The way you say
You have always, always
Seen me: as a miracle
And to love
Myself at least that much
Because that’s how mommies love.
And that’s how mommies see.
So sweet, Erin.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! I am going to send it to my mum because I couldn't have said it any better myself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Lydia and Tina. What a beautiful mother you have. Those of us who have been blessed with mothers of this ilk are so incredibly lucky. I'm quite sure your Mom is right -- you are a miracle.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Erin. I am coming late, happy Thanksgiving! xoxo
ReplyDelete