A Birthday Poem for My Mom

Happy birthday, Mom! Gosh, where do I start,

Do I talk about the present or go back to the top?

Do I talk about all you’ve done for me, or do I leave that part out,

But how do I do that when that’s what you’re all about?

I can’t even begin to count all the ways,

You’ve shown that you’ve loved me, this poem could take days!

The countless back tickles at night and soothing of tears,

The endless hours shopping during all those high school years.

You listened to every whine and celebrated every cheer,

You helped me get through college without owing my rear.

You fell in love with my husband in a motherly kind of way,

Do you know how much that brightens my life each and every day?

You woke up in the dark and drove hours to be by my side,

When your first grand baby was scheduled to arrive.

Ah shit, now I’m crying, look at what I’ve done,

Oh screw it…let the tears take off and run.

Each and every tear I am so grateful for,

Whether happy or sad, it’s just part of our lore.

Over the years as I watch all the sacrifices you make,

It breaks my heart at the burdens you carry, which are so very great.

No matter the time, you come when we call,

Recitals, games, babysitting; you’ve been there for it all.

You’ve loved my kids with all of your heart,

I’m so happy their lives you’ve been a big part.

Because I don’t call much doesn’t mean there’s something wrong,

It’s just that you have raised me to be who I am, independent and strong.

You are always with me in every inch of my heart,

Just like you’ve been from the very, very start.

On this birthday I celebrate your life,

You as a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife.

This poem is almost done! No more dilly dally!

I love you a bushel and a peck,

From your baby girl,

Hallie

(The night before my wedding)