Adults I Hold Dear: A Mother’s Poem to Her Kids

By: June Owens

Thirty -five years ago today I was preparing to begin a new chapter of my life

See, for the past thirty-four years I had been only a daughter and a wife

I was six months pregnant and was feeling many flutters from within

Giving new perspective on the life-changing journey I was about to begin

Nine months of planning for her, this sweet daughter of mine

We headed to the hospital; I remember the exact moment in time

Pain led to joy that was overwhelming and certainly like no other

When my husband said your blue-eyed girl is here and congratulations, you’re a mother

A piece of my heart as a mother was left available for more joy

The precious one delivered two years later was my dear baby boy

Unlike his big sis who was stubborn and arrived exactly two weeks late

His hazel eyes were ready to greet me and did so right on his due date

Many years have passed as I reflect this Mother’s Day

Though times have been challenging, I’d have it no other way

See, my kids think I’m the one who is always teaching and assisting them

But when it comes to helping me learn, they both deserve a ten out of ten

I’ve learned to be patient, forgive quickly, laugh often and then some more

That some of life’s best moment are spent with your kids on the floor

I’ve learned it’s okay to disagree, but that honesty is always the best

That love is action and yet those three simple words still aid a good night’s rest

I’ve learned to be content in this life with little or much

To be humble and not look for wealth in money or such

Most of all through these years I’ve learned that change doesn’t have to cause fear

For I’m proud of my ever-growing children, the two adults I hold dear

As you can tell by the poem I penned, Mother’s Day is more about the gift these kids are in my life than about who I am as their mother. However, becoming an empty nester was one of the hardest seasons of my life. My most important title seemed no longer needed. My children had spread their wings and were in full flight. Yet, it did not take long for me to become aware that God had simply re-written my job description. In fact, it often seems that many extra details have been added. And as I reflect today, this Mother’s Day, my one and only desire is that both my kiddos choose to spend time celebrating the day (or any day, really) alongside me. Their laughter together is the music to my ears that puts the song in my heart. This year, I encourage you to try writing about the kids you are raising and how you felt on that first Mother’s Day you celebrated with the new title you earned. It truly is a promotion with a lifetime of benefits!