This Past weekend I had the honor of watching my sister Graduate from college. I am so very proud of her and her accomplishment. It was amazing to see her cross that stage and to watch the eyes of her children glimmer with pride. I wrote this poem for her when her daughter was born and I think it resonates today as she shows her children what a strong woman and wonderful mother that she is. Congratulations on your graduation Dear Sister!
A Strong Woman Some Day
I’m having a girl, are you sure? Check again;
I said to the doctor one day.
Whatever am I to do with a girl;
I understand boys and their play.
I don’t understand dresses and curls,
Dolls and things that are pink.
Or what to do when my daughter’s makeup,
Takes up the whole bathroom sink.
I don’t fix cute hair with ribbons or bows,
Or even ponytail curls.
I don’t wear eyeliner or stuff on my lips,
I just don’t understand this about girls.
I know I’m a girl and I should understand,
But these things are not quite me.
If I raise a girl and she learns what I know,
These are the things she will be.
She will always be strong and stand up for herself
no matter what the price.
She will make others laugh and have their back
And will always have plenty of “spice”.
She’ll fix her own walls, and tires and doors and,
Won’t have to ask for a hand.
She’ll depend on herself and she’ll do just fine
She won’t have to rely on a man.
She’ll believe she is strong and that she has worth,
In everything just because.
And sometimes she won’t and I’ll catch her fall,
See, that’s what a mother does.
She’ll know how to laugh and smile with joy,
And I’ll hug her and hold her each day.
So when she is older and these times are gone,
I will know that she heard me say:
I love you, my darling, my baby, my girl,
Thank you for choosing me.
You knew when I didn’t, how great I could be
Thanks for believing in your Mommy!
For you and your brother are my greatest gifts,
The blessing I feel every hour.
And to teach you to be a woman who’s strong,
I am your mother and I have that power.