Wth Arms Open Wide

I wrote this when our daughter was seventeen. As a mom we all wait with arms open wide when our child hurts, no matter what age they are.

I held you in my arms as a newborn babe,

Ready to shelter you from the rain.

How did the years pass by so quickly?

I stand with open arms outside your door,

Willing to help you ease the pain.

What can break a heart at seventeen?

A mother’s love has no boundaries,

Her vision is graced by mercy.

Come into her garden of solace and

Hold her hands of compassion.

My eyes were the first eyes you saw,

My fingers were the first  you touched,

My kiss was the first to caress your cheek,

My arms, your first source of comfort.

Nurtured in spirit and body,

You’ve grown into a woman.

Compassionate and merciful,

Gentle and loving. 

The mystery of the universe

Fills you with awe, not worry.

Yet the mystery of love

Brings a sleepless  night. 

With a heart of love,

I stand and wait,

Does she need me still?

Will she call my name? 

The years may roll by,

But Mom is here

Always waiting near,

Arms wide open still.