Daughter, I Will Always Be Here to Love You

When you were a child,
I was able to hold you close
through illness and heartache.
I could hold your hand as you
faced new experiences,
and my presence and guidance
seemed to assure you
of a certain level of safety.

As you grew,
little by little
I had to let you go
and allow you to make your own way.
So often I wanted to call you back
and have you stay
in the protective circle of my arms.
I never wanted you to have to face
injury or heartache,
yet I knew that you had to
in order to grow.

Now you are all grown up
and making your own decisions
facing life as an adult.
Just remember that no matter what,
I love you.
I could never stop loving you.
You are the hugs and smiles
from my past,
the hopes and dreams of my future.
Take care, my daughter,
and know that you are never alone.
We are connected together by
the strongest bond there is:
the love between a mother and child.

-Poem by Barbara Cage

Happy Mother's Day