I’m turning into my mother…

….and I’m happy about it.

For Mother

Cheeks soft from years of tears
The rolling drops, relieving fears
Tired eyes, creased with pain
Giving much with naught to gain.
Body weak, from running too fast
Your own welfare, you put last.
A life you wished for, you made sure I had
My thanks was indifference, your soul became sad.
Oh mother forgive my iniquitous slack.
Forgive me for pointing out all that you lack.
I hope it’s not too late to show that I care,
To walk in your footsteps, your mantle to wear.
To show I am grateful for all that you do,
To learn how to be a great mother like you.

* Thank you for hauling 5 children to church with you every Sunday, even when dad didn’t come. You taught me how important God and church were to you.

* Thank you for assigning me daily chores without pay and showing me how to do them. I learned how to work hard without promise of reward.

* Thank you for making cookies with me, and for letting me accompany you to take christmas cookies to neighbors every year. You taught me the value of service and how happy it makes not only the receiver, but the giver.

*Thank you for expressing your belief in my abilities when I was down on myself. Children have a way of knowing what you think them capable of and fulfilling those expectations to that degree. Thank you for helping me to exceed my own expectations of myself.

* Thank you for knowing how to balance your calling as mother and your desire to also be my friend. I want my children to be able to confide in me as I did in you.

This post was written as part of the MamaBlogga.com July group writing project

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July 27, 2007 | Filed Under Gratitude, Group Writing Projects

Comments

17 Responses to “I’m turning into my mother…”

Deb on July 27th, 2007 9:00 am

What a beautiful poem and a lovely tribute to your mother.
Mama Zen on July 27th, 2007 9:41 am

This is gorgeous! I think we all look back on our (usually adolescent) lack of appreciation with some regret. Of course, our turn will come!
julie@lovelaughter&laundry on July 27th, 2007 12:14 pm

This was a beautiful post.

Congrats! You won my drawing for the Bath and Body Works products.

Please email me your address and I will send them out to you next week.

Hope you enjoy!

Julie
movingmama on July 27th, 2007 2:15 pm

What an awesome post - I love my mother so much, and have seen her battle cancer 3x’s - so I know of what you speak. I love that she instilled a love of Jesus in me, I love that she gave me structure, I love that she taught me how to cook, and I appreciate the love she showed for me even when I told her how much I didn’t appreciate her insight.
mommyzabs on July 28th, 2007 4:08 pm

Oh Summer, this is so beautiful. You are such a great poet! I think this was one of my favorites from the project so far.
Christine on July 29th, 2007 12:12 am

That is a beautiful poem! Your title fits perfectly! Now that I have a teenage daughter, I know the feeling.
Jordan (MamaBlogga) on July 29th, 2007 10:52 pm

What a lovely poem! Thank you so much for sharing and participating!
July GWP Days Four and Five | MamaBlogga on July 29th, 2007 11:35 pm

[...] I’m turning into my mother… by Summer [...]
bellevelma on July 30th, 2007 7:23 am

Beautiful! I enjoyed reading this.
Lisa on July 30th, 2007 10:39 am

Wow, I could have written those same thanks to my mother. How lovely!
Mama Bloggas July Group Writing Project Links. at Mommy Zabs on July 30th, 2007 4:28 pm

[...] I’m turning into my mother… by Summer [...]
Mama Bloggas July Group Writing Project Links. « homeschooling diva on July 30th, 2007 8:45 pm

[...] I’m turning into my mother… by Summer [...]
MamaBlogga's Group Writing Project on July 30th, 2007 8:46 pm

[...] I’m turning into my mother… by Summer [...]
Spreading the love « Musings of a southern girl at heart on July 30th, 2007 11:20 pm

[...] I’m turning into my mother… by Summer [...]
July Group Writing Project Finale | MamaBlogga on July 31st, 2007 10:39 am

[...] I’m turning into my mother… by Summer [...]
Links You Should Read :: Mommy Babble on July 31st, 2007 11:13 am

[...] I’m turning into my mother… by Summer [...]
July Group Writing Project « Raising boys - and how they raise me! on July 31st, 2007 6:29 pm

[...] I’m turning into my mother… by Summer [...]

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