Mother

Love was a hand

so much bigger than mine

gently guiding my first steps alone.

Love was a smile,

tender, patient and kind

as I learned to do things on my own.

Love was a story read "just one more time"

as that late bedtime hour ticked away.

Love was the pride

with which my first scribbles

were honored and put on display.

Love was a hug that I knew would be there

the day of my first broken heart.

Love was a gentle example

that taught me the values I learned

from the start.

Love was my strength, my foundation in life

and to this day, words cannot show

how deep that love went, how much it has meant,

or the depth of the thanks that I owe.

Ellen Brenneman

This page is dedicated to my mom, Smudgelady. :o)