And now my darling daughter, I respond to you.
So many memories arose to the surface as I read your tribute. It brought tears to my eyes. Tears to know that you love me so much, and tears at what we went through in those days.
How did I do it? I had to. I had no husband and you and your baby brother were the most important things in my life.
That's why I tell you, you are not alone, you have me. Let me help you. Use your resources.
You and your brother do me proud. I watch you as you raise your family and now I watch Frank as he is about to get married. I remember how I cried at your wedding. My little girl was all grown up. What will I do at your brother's wedding? Heaven only knows. Emotion already overtakes my soul as I write this and already the tears stream down my face.
My job is done. It has taken me six years to become accustomed to having you and Frank on your own. Well, not quite, I will never get used to it. Now is the time that I am your support and your brother's support. I am Grandma. Now I love you, your husband and your children. And I love Frank, his new wife and the children that are now a mere sparkle in their eyes.
The following song has come to my mind quite a few times in the past few weeks....
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he get to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears . . .
I would do it all over again . . .
I love you
Mommy