I see your self assurance
I recognize your natural arrogance
Your natural strenghth is shining through
I recognize your efforts
I recognize your gains
Your preparing every day, now
Your world kissed expressions
Are driving me insane
As you start driving your own train
But I now, remember you crawling
I remember the diapers I have changed
And holding you so gentle,
as you finally learned your name
I remember your first birthday
I remember your first cold
And wiping dripping nostrils;
you were never really sold
I remember your first words
I remember funny names
Talking’s such a bore;
how we played so many games.
I remember potty training
I remember just how stubborn
you really were
Until you saw the toy bowl
I had placed upon the tank
I remember you turning four
I remember pre-school
our lunches on a rug
Every day was magic
and sandboxes to be dug!
I remember Kindergarten
I remember the little suit you wore
You wanted to be just like Daddy,
as he’s coming through the door.
I remember third grade boy scouts
I remember just how proud you were
The day you earned your camping badge;
how handsome you really were!
I remember sixth grade science camp
I remember you came home
You simply were not ready,
to sleep there, all alone.
I remember eigth grade graduation
I remember you were the best
on the honor roll
You didn’t make the field trip
to celebrate that feat
I remember tenth grade changes
I remember we argued a lot that year
Puberty had claimed you.
It was pretty clear
Now here you are before me
Ready to walk right out my door
Taking my soul with you,
and my identity for sure.
In all of this remembering,
I can’t remember me.
Who am I without you
What is left of me?
I must rediscover
the person I now am
The middle aged mother
Who raised a perfect man
Travel well, my child
Find the world you crave
But always remember,
you still have a loving home!
I love you so much
I am so proud of you!
Go claim your piece of the world!
