Welcome back to Member Monday! It’s a pleasure to continue our series on mothers by featuring first time contributor and Writers Forum member Janice Austin Bates.
Mother of the Bride
by Janice Austin Bates
Yesterday my infant lay upon my arm and slept.
Today I realized she was gone, and silently I wept.
Yesterday she drooled and cooed as she crawled ‘round the floor.
Today I knew that I would never see that anymore.
Yesterday she laughed and played with children on our street.
Today, her place at the table bare, I couldn’t even eat.
Yesterday her piano playing drove me up the wall.
Today the silence deafened me so, I couldn’t hear at all.
Yesterday when she was sick, I tired playing nurse.
Today I cannot play that role, and I feel so much worse.
Yesterday I worried as she went out on her first date.
Today I’d love to sit and watch for her to come home late.
Yesterday she graduated high school with straight “A”s.
Today I browsed her yearbook, and my mind was in a haze.
Yesterday she said she’d met the boy of her dreams.
Today I can’t believe how very long ago that seems.
Yesterday she showed her ring, and said that she would marry.
Today the thought of losing her is oh so very scary.
Today her father walked her down the aisle, and gave her away.
I lost my child as she became a lovely woman today.
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sad, yet true… heartfelt…