inspired by huffington post's recent publishing of ken heyman's photographs of mothers. an idea like this had been in my brain-idea-bin for a while, and this finally gave me the motivation to follow through with it.
Dear mama and mama-figures (whoever you may be),
Thank you for your hips...
... your cheeks,
... your forearms and the crook above your elbow.
Thank you for your time,
... (your night-time
... and your day-time) -- for a lifetime.
Thank you for monster socks,
for lots of yummy yogurt because it's my favorite and makes me nice and chubby,
... and for your patience.
Thank you for loving me even more now than you did then...
Thank you for calm,
and for your exhausted,
for your proud,
and for all that you've memorized; for all only you know.
Thank you for confidence,
thank you for fluffy towels,
and thank you for being so brave.
Thank you for sharing your house with me,
...your humor with me,
...your body with me.
Thank you for helping me learn life basics,
keeping me safe,
and also clean (the best you can).
You are comfort.
You are the last of the day.
You are where I say good-bye.
You are a queen without a crown.
You are reinforcement, "You can do it!," and proof that: your joy is my joy.
You make me feel like I am the apple of your eye.
You are "I will never let you go"...
... and a shoulder to rest on.
All the "up-up!"s, "hold you?"s, "one more story?"...
... and attention to little and long ideas don't go forgotten. Maybe unnoticed, but never forgotten.
You are beauty. (And a total weirdo)
You are strong. (And you cry the best sadness.)
You are hope. (Even when I'm not with you.)
Thank you for every wrinkle, ache, heartburn, cramp, nap, car ride, prenatal vitamin, hug, lunch, tear, vote of confidence, high-five, eye-contact, long night, laugh, iPhone picture, cheer from the stand, Christmas gift, stretch mark, sip of water after bedtime, coupon-cut, back rub, conversation and moment.
With as much heart as you've given me,
Your cub.