my life's crossroads,
I can always
see my mother
somewhere nearby.
I can hear myself
call her name
the minute I run in the door
after school every day.
I can feel
her cool hand
on my hot forehead
in the throes of a sick flu.
I can see her
skillful hands
teaching me to make
cinnamon rolls,
and doll clothes,
and a properly made bed.
She's always near
in those memories,
guiding, comforting,
smiling, and singing.
She is part of my
adult crossroads too.
My wedding day....
there she is in her
cheery red dress,
taking care of all
the little details
so I can enjoy the day.
I see her worried look
as I head to the hospital
for the birth of my second child,
a whole month early.
I can feel the
clasp of her hand
as we worry together
over a wayward teenager.
I can see
the warmth in her glance
as we lock eyes
over the tiny bundle
that is my newborn grandson,
and we don't even
need to say a word.
My mother.
Always there.
At every crossroad.
Whenever I need her.
She has set the stage
for the kind of mother
I too hope to be.
Today I will give her
this little gift
to celebrate her
special day.
How could it
possibly be enough?
Happy Birthday Mom!
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