Momma,

I want to thank you
For the little things
That you may not realize
That made such a difference
In my life

Like the way..
You looked at me
You saw, Me
Without judgment
Unconditionally
You could look
Right through me
And you knew my heart
You handled my feelings
So carefully...

I could hide
And you would let me
Whether in my room
All alone
Or behind you
I could cling
You were my protector
My courage, my strength
Until I could face the world
Until I could stand alone
Brave and strong...

You had ways..
Of making me think
Just by saying nothing
And simply listening
When I would fail
When I would fall
Your arms were around me
All along
You'd pick me up
And dust me off
And send me back
Into the world....

You always offered a smile...
Even on the darkest of days
Your eyes would cry
And then
You'd find a reason
To be happy
Because, you said
Of me...
You were so loving...

Nothing went past you...
From coloring books
To my first dance
You awarded me with pride
And you gave me every chance
To prove myself
To be myself
To experience life
To fail
But never in your eyes...

You gave me a gift..
A private secret
A priceless lesson
That I will forever
Hold close
To my heart
To be a woman, a person
A lady, a wife, a mother
You are always human first...

You were all these things..
Elegantly
Beautifully
Tenderly
Bravely
You were everything
It took to be
My mother
And I thank you for making me
The reason for any
And every smile
You ever had...

You honored me..
While raising me
Simply,
With your smile
The greatest accomplishment
In my life
The greatest reward
Of a child
I thank God for you
And all that you are