We are thankful for mothers who
allow sticky fingers and fistfuls of clover
let chocolate fingers go everywhere
celebrate beating on pots and pans
tickle and encourage puddle jumping
We are mindful for mothers who
look at photographers behind barbed wire,
can’t buy their children new shoes
have nightmares in the daytime
who are not spoiled by anyone
We are thankful for mothers who
have endless supplies of Band-aids
handle tantrums with grace
give gentle reminders that dirty clothes do not go under the bed
always have time for an extra hug and kiss
We are mindful for mothers who
live in an X-rated world
don’t have rooms to tidy up
live with real monsters
will eat anything
We are thankful for mothers who
endure homework and deadlines
spend frugally
dry tears and make us laugh
make even the smallest things seem special
We are mindful for mothers who
have never seen the dentist
go to bed hungry
cry themselves to sleep
inhale and exhale, numb the whole time
We are thankful for mothers who
read to us in silly voices
sing loudly and off key
carry us when we are tired
protect us from strangers
We are mindful for mothers who
don’t have a place to call home
can’t buy their daughter a prom dress
walk or ride the bus every day to get to work
are born in places where conditions are tragic
We are thankful for mothers who
teach us that our body is a temple
give us freedom to express ourselves
help us see that death is the other side of life
allow us to absorb gratitude as a habit
We are mindful for mothers who
never give up, no matter what
hold their own hands when there is nothing else
don’t get a second chance
hold their heads higher to be closer to heaven
We are thankful for ALL mothers, because their breath gave us life.
Happy Mother’s Day to every mother and to every daughter who might some day be a mother.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I am thankful for you . You truly are a beautiful soul and I’ve been glad we met since the day our words first found a home in each other’s hearts. Holding another mum’s hand for support is sometimes all we need to keep on going when times get difficult although, thank God, my tough times never get as rough as those you embraced in your beautiful tribute.
I love your illustration, too; the kids and I bathe our hands in any rainbows we find. We like to believe my mum sends them to say hello, take care, don’t be scared, I’m proud, I love you.
I wish you and all of your family a beautiful day on Sunday. My mum would be smiling in heaven to know we’d met. My children will benefit because we have.
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I knew this was going to be a weepy read for me, just by reading the title and looking at the picture. I had to pause and let the photo soak in. Very evocative.
Your weaving of thankful for/ mindful of was powerful. It made me ask myself many questions. How can I truly BE mindful of the mother who will eat anything? What does it mean to be mindful of the mother who cries herself to sleep? Where is the mother who can’t buy her children new shoes? Is she around my corner? Is she a stranger? Do I know her already and have ignored or been blinded to her need?
Can I read this and not be affected? Can I plead ignorance when you have now opened my eyes to things I may have forgotten? Can I promise to be the kind of mother that others are thankful for, and not have to be mindful of?
Wow, Daisy. You have just given me a plethora of ideas for things I want to do this Mother’s Day. When I can stop crying.
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This is a beautifully written poem- straight from the heart. I enjoyed reading it- and have shared it with a few of my friends who are mothers.
AH! This is SO beautiful, and every word has such power! I always strive to keep things in perspective, but this deepened my perspective even more. I LOVE YOUR WORDS!
As you feel any void on mother’s day, there is a mommy in Missouri that Loves you VERY much and is as grateful for you as I!
We Love you!
Wow. Very powerful. I liked seeing motherhood through your eyes.
We are thankful for you as well. Miss Phoebe was already a bright, shining light. But you brought a prism that expanded her into a broad array of intricate colors. For that, we will always be blessed, thanks to you and your family.
Happy Mother’s Day!
My mother is the most loving person on the earth. I miss her a lot. If there is one person who gives me courage in despair she is the one.
Thanks for reminding me of my mother!
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Happy Mother’s Day to an amazing mother to outstanding children. Embrace each moment! Thank you for sharing your words. Wishing you a wonderful day.
Happy Mother’s Day to an amazing mother to outstanding children. Embrace each moment! Thank you for sharing your words. Wishing you a wonderful day, Mother’s day and everyday.
Janice: Our mums are having tea and smiling many shades of light on our lives. Thank you for taking my hand.
Randi: Your presence in the lives of many lends itself to being mindful. You embrace the goodness that many aspire to be.
Karen: You re so generous with your compliments and gratitude. My #1 Cheerleader.
Teena: The wind beneath my wings. You’re always present in my heart and thoughts without fail.
Lori: This feels like the ultimate compliment. My admiration for you runs deep. By the way your name is the same as my Mom’s. Her Fillipino name was Leonilla, but she changed it to Lori when she moved to the United States.
Matt: Blush. Teaching your Phoebe was one of the greatest gifts and honors. I was the fortunate one to have her presence in my daily life. Missing her madly.
Katie: Thank you for visiting and your compliments. We are grateful we had the opportunity to be part of Alex’s life.
Oh…..my……goodness. What a great post. This one left me speechless. What an incredible, incredible read. Thank you so much for this wonderful poem. You have a gift; you are a gift!