Ode to my Mother

Ode to my Mother

Ode to my mom:
you never baked cakes or cookies,
you didn't attend our concerts and games,
you didn't sit up with us late into the night,
you didn't give kisses to our bruised knees
or egos,
you didn't tell us you loved us
until late in life;

BUT

you courageously crossed two oceans
to bring us to new life,
you left behind all you knew
so we could know another way, 
you held it together 
when life fell apart, 
you took on challenges 
that no other would have, 
you paved the way 
in a unique manner 

AND 
that is why I am proud 
to call you 
my mother. 

Happy Mother's Day 
to all those women 
who have paved 
the way for others.

written May 2011