I am a parent,

I look forward to days it feels an achievement,

And cherish the moments it is an achievement.

Days it doesn't feel like it,

Like I am in over my head,

Those days feel like an unending chasm.

No matter how much I prepared for this, sometimes I feel like I'm failing.

I am a parent,

Your light and happiness and laughter make these choices worth it,

You are my responsibility, never a burden.

And I choose everyday to give life in every way to the life I've birthed.

Oh some days be harder than others,

But we live to fight another day,

I do hope we don't fight again.

I am a parent,

I was once a child (I am still someone's)

for many years like you are.

I did have parents too,

Grandma and Grandpa.

They didn't understand me either,

or so I thought.

And so I don't understand you too,

Half of the time, I really don't.

Though the times are different and the struggles not exactly the same,

I know you, I know the pain and its feeling.

I am your parent,

My love for you transcends biology and blood,

A bond of provision and protection and peace.

Whether you've come by DNA or by signature or by circumstance;

Whether you go by ‘middle’, ‘first’, ‘last’, ‘second’, ‘only’ or ‘second to’;

There's no difference in its intensity

Yes, its expression may vary.

I am a parent,

I'm learning to be one,

I have never been your parent at this exact time,

Nor at your age now,

And never in this sphere of situations we are in now;

So while you shouldn't excuse my shortcomings,

Please forgive them,

‘Cos this ‘doings’ is from a place of love.

You are my child, my Love.

©Chesed