"I can love you and still not like the choices you've made."

Did you know?
Did you know that I didn't understand when you told me these things?
That I was too caught up in teenage angst and feelings?

"You can hate me, that's okay because it isn't my job to be your friend."

Did you know?
Did you know how much it would hurt to learn these lessons?
That though you told me, I would need to live them?

"One day you'll understand, Fire Heart."

You knew.
You knew I wasn't one to take the short cut.
That some things just had to be learned the hard way.

"Life isn't always fair, Fire Heart."

You knew.
You knew how painful those lessons could be.
That's why you tried to give me your hard earned cheat sheet.

"Sometimes you just have to smile until the world is bright again."

Don't worry, Mama.
You did right by me.
You gave me all the tools I ever might need.
Some I used to get to where I am,
Some I use daily to just keep me sane.
Still I know that the rest will have their time and place,
to guide me through life's maze.

"One day you'll have children of your own, you'll thank me then."

So thank you, Mama,
For not being my friend.
For raising me right so I could be the person I am.
Your wisdom is passed on as it's needed,
To the tiny people that I've created.

"You'll never know how strong you truly are until you're faced with the impossible and still refused to give up."

Thank you, Mama,
For your wise, wise words.
For the cheat sheet that you passed on with love and care.
These are the things that helped me survive,
In a world that tries to eat us alive.

"Circumstances don't define you, Fire Heart; your choices do that."