Reliving Motherhood


Mom, you've done so much for me
But how could I have known
How much you really gave me
Till I had children of my own.

I remember when I'd wake you up
From sleeping late at night,
When I would have a nightmare
And be screaming out with fright.
You'd gently rock me back and forth.
 

I liked your being there.
Now I comfort my own children
In that same old rocking chair.
And when I had my tonsils out,
You wouldn't leave my side.
 

Although I was independent
And tried my fears to hide.
You couldn't leave me all alone.
 I slept on unaware.
When I woke up, needing you,
 

You were always there.
When my children have a fever,
I think back to that day.
My body might cry out for sleep,
But my instincts tell me "Stay".
 

How could I be so ignorant
Of how much love you shared?
Why was it only motherhood
That showed me how much you cared?
That overwhelming love I feel,
 

Is that what you felt for me?
I know now that it must have been,
It came so naturally.
"Thank you" seems inadequate
For the loving care you've shown.
 

I'll share the love you gave to me
With children of my own.
I know that they won't thank me now,
Till their own parenthood reveals
How much I've really loved them,
When they know just how it feels.