Child,

Before you were born, I was so afraid.

I had never held a baby before,

Nor did I know how to soothe one when she cried.

But you kicked me to reassure me we would be okay.

Child,

After you were born, I was so afraid.

You seemed so delicate,

Soft and fragile right to the bones!

You gripped my finger to prove how strong you were.

Child,

As I felt confused each step of the way,

I wondered if my mother ever felt this way,

Or my grandmother before her;

For they seemed so sure of themselves always.

Child,

My mother was perfect in every little way,

I felt I might let you down; pale a little in comparison.

But when I held your hand as you took your first steps,

You believed so much in me that I believed in myself too.

Child,

Then you spoke your first word,

Of all the sounds you could’ve made,

You widened your eyes, parted your lips and said, “Mother.”

It was the most beautiful gift ever.

Child,

Now that you’re growing, I’m still afraid,

That someday you might grow distant.

But each time I grow fearful of the future, you look at me with love,

And I learn to enjoy with you, the little moment.