She held my hand before my fingers were fully formed, cradling me in her hidden embrace. With each early breath, my body inhaled and exhaled the lifeline which only she could give. Inhale love. Exhale. Inhale life. Exhale. She was the first to share one flesh, the first to share true love.
She anticipated my movements and adjusted her life to satisfy my greatest needs. Sacrificing self, body, mind, and most importantly heart, she poured out love like a patient gardener watering, nurturing, and awaiting the harvest. Feed and water. Wait and hope. She was the first to know my touch, the first to know my heart.
She walked with me, talked with me, and held my hand even as so often I tried to pull away. If I left the safety of her home to venture out on my own, she was there to catch me, protect me, and draw me back into her warm embrace. Pull and push. Watch me grow. She was the first to teach me how, the first to let me go.
Unwavering, her love remained a constant as my life blossomed into one that reproduced love of its own. Steadfast and sure, she watched me grow, knowing all along the goal to let me go.
Her hand guided me in my youth, and still today I look for the steady assurance of her outstretched hand. My needs greater than flesh can fulfill. I’m confident she’d understand, and if not she’d point me to the One who could. With scars deeper than skinned knees, I long for the healing balm of her embrace. She’s the voice I long to hear. The love I hold so dear.
She’s my one flesh, my first love, my mother, and my friend!
To all the mothers who only got to hold their little one in a hidden embrace,
To the mothers who never fully experienced the harvest of their sacrifice because their little ones left too soon,
To all the daughters who wish they could multiply their love with offspring of their own,
And to all the daughters who long to hear their mother’s voice, but know they sing today with heavenly choirs.
You are seen. You are known, and you are not alone.
May your heart know you are loved, may hope embrace your pain, and may your soul hear the songs of angels on this Mother’s Day!
Written in honor of my mother, who left this world too soon. I love you, Mom! Happy heavenly Mother’s Day!
