Be Mindful of the Other Mothers

We are thankful for mothers who
allow sticky fingers and fistfuls of clover
let chocolate fingers go everywhere
celebrate beating on pots and pans
tickle and encourage puddle jumping

We are mindful for mothers who
look at photographers behind barbed wire,
can’t buy their children new shoes
have nightmares in the daytime
who are not spoiled by anyone

We are thankful for mothers who
have endless supplies of Band-aids
handle tantrums with grace
give gentle reminders that dirty clothes do not go under the bed
always have time for an extra hug and kiss

We are mindful for mothers who
live in an X-rated world
don’t have rooms to tidy up
live with real monsters
will eat anything

We are thankful for mothers who
endure homework and deadlines
spend frugally
dry tears and make us laugh
make even the smallest things seem special

We are mindful for mothers who
have never seen the dentist
go to bed hungry
cry themselves to sleep
inhale and exhale, numb the whole time

We are thankful for mothers who
read to us in silly voices
sing loudly and off key
carry us when we are tired
protect us from strangers

We are mindful for mothers who
don’t have a place to call home
can’t buy their daughter a prom dress
walk or ride the bus every day to get to work
are born in places where conditions are tragic

We are thankful for mothers who
teach us that our body is a temple
give us freedom to express ourselves
help us see that death is the other side of life
allow us to absorb gratitude as a habit

We are mindful for mothers who
never give up, no matter what
hold their own hands when there is nothing else
don’t get a second chance
hold their heads higher to be closer to heaven


I came across this poem here.