Many years ago on the day of my birth,

your hands first held me here on earth.

You counted my fingers and piggy toes,

cleaned my bottom and wiped my nose.

I tipped my cup spilling milk in my chair

and sometimes managed to get food in my hair.

But you wiped me up and said “thats ok,

you’ll be doing this all by yourself one day”.

Your fingers tied bows and sewed up my dresses.

They brushed my teeth and untangled my tresses.

You kept the house tidy, the floors sparkled with a sheen.

Your hands were two busy cleaning machines!

When I was sick, you sat by my side.

You bandaged my boo-boos, and hugged me when I cried.

Beside you in church I was shown how to pray.

But with head bowed and hands clasped, I didn’t always know what to say.

Over 5 decades past and the roles now have changed.

The duties of our hands are forever rearranged.

Now I’m the one who must help you along

and the prayers you once taught me, now keep me strong.

Now with my head bowed I know what to say:

“Dear Lord please help me help Mommy today.”

“May her clothes keep her warm, and her hair look nice.

She’s so thin and frail, her fingers feel like ice.

When I visit I hold them, warm cream I rub on

the old, loving hands that she worked to the bone.”

“Miles she pushed my stroller so I’d have sun and fresh air

Now I slowly stroll the halls pushing Mom’s wheelchair.

God help her know that my wish is to see

her always treated with respect and dignity.”

“She was always so modest and I pray that she knows

she can’t help it now that she soils her clothes

I understand, and wish she had a memory

Now I care for her the way she cared for me.”

“Most of all, Dear Lord, keep her safe and pain free

And let her rest calmly knowing she’ll always have me.

For I’ll never leave her I’m part of her heart

And your hands will be holding her, when finally we part.”

I write this in honor of you, Mom, today

for 56 years ago was my birthday.

You always asked what flavor of cake

and if I wanted a store-bought or home baked?

You took pride in wrapping my gift and a card.

Remembering those times makes me swallow hard.

You always made efforts to make sure I heard

how special I was, and those three little words

“I Love You” you wrote on each card every year

Those memories and traditions are priceless and dear.

In just a few minutes, I’ll get in the car

to drive to see you.  It isn’t too far.

Many remembered with calls, cards and online posts,

But the one who I wanted to remember the most

doesn’t always know who I am, or my name

Now birthdays are simply just not the same.

I will give you a hug and a kiss, but not tell

you why tears in my eyes will be starting to swell.

You’d never on purpose want things this way

it would hurt you so badly to have forgotten my day.

I will take a photo of us together

to keep as a record of this day forever.

The balloons are all deflated and gone

But memories you gave me will always live on.

They are clear and vivid as your mind used to be

and I’ll hold tightly to them as your hands once held me.