To Mom

You have watched me grow.
You made me the person I am today.

You fed me,
held me when I cried,
made me laugh 
until we both had tears in our eyes.

As long as you have
watched me grow up,
I have watched you
grow as well.

I have been there
when you felt like
there was no hope.

I have been there
when you couldn't
see the light of day.

But I was also there
when you found
God again, and your
hope was restored.

I was there when you
said "I do" to the man
that helped carry you through.

You have grown to be
such a beautiful woman,
a light in the darkness,
most importantly, a woman of God.

I have been here
beside you for
eighteen years, and hopefully
eighteen more.

I love you mom.
Happy Birthday,
you are all I could ask for
and more.