Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 07:22 AM

As a tribute to Mother's Day, I am posting my most favorite poem in the world, written by my mother when I was four years old and my brother was two. Every time I read it my eyes fill up. It is a real-life glimpse into how my beautiful young mother (only 23 at the time) felt about my brother and I. I hang it in my house and read it when I'm feeling disconnected. It brings me right back to where I came from and who I am now as a mother myself.

Though times change, it is a true testament to all mothers past and future:

FALL 1969

I watched my children play in leaves today.
Rosy cheeks, eyes of blue
jumping, rolling, laughing
Wind tugging at their backs, joining in the fun!

Rake, jump, rake, jump -
How uncomplicated are their needs.
How little it takes to make them happy:
Love, trust, consideration, appreciation, being fair.
How often am I too "busy" to fill these needs?
Ironing, washing, telephone, vacuum cleaner,
These take priority over shaping a human life?
God, how I love them and how deeply it hurts when I think of my selfish desires
interfering, when I want to do my best as their mother.

Time flies so - I want to hold back the clock, not because I don't want them to grow, but I don't want to miss their growing!

The days come and go, we get in our rut and forget the special privilege we have as parents. We are entrusted with a new being, untouched, waiting to be given and taught the ingredients for a happy and productive life.

Impatience, sophistication, "busyness", selfishness all create roadblocks.

Please help them understand that though we make mistakes, we are doing our best, and we love them in spite of it all.