When I met you, I knew you weren't mine

When I met you for the first time

my heart melted.

You were precious, pure and perfect.

My goals changed when you arrived.

A babysitter would never care for you,

not even grandma would do.

I knew I would stay by your side till you were grown.

When I prayed,

I could never call you my baby

it was our baby.

Something inside me said,

“This child does not belong to you - you have been chosen to nurture him”.

You will remain precious to me your entire life.

Your happiness takes priority over mine – that will always be.

I do not know what is best for you,

only you do.

I will suppress my dreams for you

and nurture your dreams for you.

I do not know what God or the Universe has in-store,

only you hold the key.

The way to unlock each door is for you to remain true to you.

It is my duty to encourage and support you in

being unique,

not to follow the pack – they do not know your chosen path,

to be proud of being different,

to be confident as you stand alone,

to celebrate your differences,

not to shame from errors, but shout them from the roof tops so others can learn.

But most important of all…

I encourage you to take your time,

do not rush through life,

do not hurry to grow up,

follow your heart,

follow your instinct,

and trust that all will be provided as long as you,

are true to you.

You are now venturing into your twenties,

it’s time for you to take care of yourself

but promise me…

you will stop and smell the roses at every opportunity,

you will not take life too serious,

you will love and respect yourself and those around you,

and

each night before you go to sleep,

you will be grateful for your pillow and blanket,

that you are warm and safe,

think of those that aren’t

and understand

you are no more deserving,

they no less…

Love Always,

Mom xoxo