for all the times your words cloaked my fear
like a fresh coat of snow in Nov
on a morning when school had been canceled
and you made magic mini waffles
and let me pretend my hot chocolate was coffee

this is where I start to tell you that you're beautiful
that I'll never forget how they laid themselves at our doorstep
wanting to be your husband
wishing they were my father
how their diamonds and pearls
never quite shined bright enough for you
how the memory of my father
was sunlight
starlight
moonlight
first star you saw at night
how you wished
for him
and on him
for me...

this is where I remind you that you're special
that every kid thinks there Mom is great
but many adults forfeit that thought at this age

this is where I confess
I may still have the spirit of my adolescent innocence
when it comes to you
I just might still believe you're superwoman
that you can fly
see through walls
and hear me from miles away

this is where I say I love you
for making all my dreams come true
through the sacrifice of your life

this is where I thank you
for putting me first
for being an example
for  not letting the world have me
keeping my influence good
and leading me in the right direction

this is where I say I'm sorry
that I can't make life any easier yet
that your bills aren't in my name
that the debt of raising a family by yourself
is one too big for my budget

this is where I promise
that I will bring you flowers
before I am Married
After I am a Mom
and for the rest of my life
not for any reason except
they're the first thing earth ever offered me
that made me as happy as your smile
planted deeply in your southern roots
I dont know how you stay so gentle in this rigid world
I only know you are worth more then any words

This is where I try to  stop writing
because words will never really be good enough
its hard to describe the beauty of another realm
when you only know this one
my language is limited here
I dont know the notes to sing
the melody of your love
keeps me alive
keeps me dancing
while the whole world is still

This is where I say I love you Mom
from the deepest parts of me
forever and a day
love your baby girl ;-)
xoxo