MOM's Poem (via a great mom, and good friend)

So many feelings in my head today




you seem so young to be on your way



but with tearful eyes and a smiling face



I sent you off with a long embrace.



I hid my tears as you were leaving



for fear you'd see how my heart was grieving.



I whispered to you "Be brave and strong,



Mommy will be back before too long."



As I looked into your eyes, I knew



it was me who needed those words, not you!



Has it really been five years gone by?



Since first I sang that lullaby



to a tiny baby, so soft and round,



calmed only by my heart's sound?



The years rushed by so quickly dear



and now each moment seems so clear;



first steps, first words, first secret whispers,



first time you held your baby sisters.



Your best friend is a brown stuffed bunny.



You take him everywhere, but itsn't it funny,



today he sits on your favorite chair,



I watched you as you placed him there.



"I go to school today", you said



and gently, patting him on his head,



assured him you'd be back soon



and off you skipped, out of the room.



I stayed there with Bunny, for just a while.



It gave me comfort and made me smile.



Being alone with him, your well worn friend,



as your babyhood days came to an end.



"Mommy, Hurry!" you called to me,



"There's something you just have to see!"



"I drew this picture all my myself,



I cut it out and it's on the shelf.



It's a caterpillar and a butterfly.



I drew it for you, do you know why?"



You placed the picture in my hand.



"Come on Mom, don't you understand?"



"This is just like me today!



I've changed, like him and can fly away!"



My eyes welled up with pride and tears.



You're wise, my child, beyond your years.



I knew it then, you were truly ready.



So with newfound strength and hands more steady,



off we went to a brand new start



with only happiness in my heart.



We walked together up the hall,



your hand in mine, still so small.



Your teacher was wiating there at the door,



so I knelt down then, just one thing more.



In your ear I whispered, "fly my child."

You knew my meaning and you smiled.


So many feelings in my head today.



But I know you are ready to be on your way.