Orphan No More

“There have been times when you didn’t have any time, and yet you took the time. There have been times when you had enough cares of your own, and yet you cared. There have been times when you had given all you had to give, and yet you kept on giving. Thank you.”

Orphan No More

During my quiet time, my thoughts frequently turn to you
and I realize how unselfish you are.
You have such a generous and kind heart
that it is in your nature to give, yet
you ask for nothing in return.

The demands on such an individual are great,
while the rewards seem so diminutive,
often it requires giving much more than you receive -
meeting the needs of others, generally before your own.

Yet, because of your wonderful personality
there is not a life that comes in contact with your own
that will not be touched,
a heart that will not be moved -
no soul left uninspired.
You give hope to the hopeless,
comfort to the brokenhearted,
and guidance to the lost.

As I gaze back to when I first met you,
I was a depressed, defeated, orphan teenager.
Yet, even then, I recall thinking you were special.
You were the first who truly cared,
the first, to listen to my stories of broken homes, and broken dreams, and broken bones.
Yet, even then,
I could never have imagined the extent of the love, splendor, and brilliance
behind the woman who stood before me.

When I am hurt,
my heart broken into pieces,
I come to you,
and you piece them back together.

When I am happy,
and all seems to be going my way,
I come to you,
for I know you will be happy also.

When I am puzzled,
perplexed by the world around me,
I come to you,
and you make the world make sense.

When I am lonely,
unable to shake my orphan, abusive past,
I come to you,
and you welcome me into your arms.

I do not think you will ever realize
how extraordinary you are in my eyes,
or how very much I love you.
(It is you who taught me how to love)

My love, however, is of no surprise.
The world is overcome with people
who could love a person as remarkable as you.

What is amazing, however,
is that you love me in return.
Perhaps what touches my heart the most
is that you took a broken, orphaned girl
and accepted her as your own.

Thank you.
Thank you for the wonderful way your heart touches mine.
Thank you.
Thank you for being the mother I always wanted,
but never had.
Thank you.
Thank you for CHOOSING to be my mom!
Thank you,
Mom.