My Insufficient Thank You

Sometimes I seem to know just the words to say

Thank You for all that you've done.

But before I can capture them they grow wings.

They fly up and away as quickly as they'd come.

How could I, a simple man, possibly thank my angel enough?

You are the one that made us whole,

the one to whom I owe my heart, my life, and even my very soul.

In this season of giving thanks for Mothers around the world,

I struggle to find the words strong enough to make my feelings heard.

You are the one that tucked them in and soothed their crying voice.

You sacrificed your life for them and you did it all by choice.

You sent them off to school and spent so many days alone.

Yet magically your smile was there whenever they came home.

You painted the world as a rainbow for them

even when yours was broken dreams.

You explained everything to them so clearly,

even when nothing was as it seemed.

Are there really words for this woman formed so tough?

It doesn't seem to matter what I do,

anything I try to say will never be enough.

What way is there to thank you for your heart, your love, your tears?

The tens of thousands of things you've done for them

over all these many years?

You've stayed strong as they've changed and grown,

guiding them through their flaws.

Not because you had to, you've loved them without pause.

And so I've come to realize the only way to say,

the only thank you that's enough is clear in just this way.

Look at them to see what they'll become.

How clearly I see you in them, 

What a beautiful job you've done.

All your hopes and all your dreams,

your strength, your love, your tears.

The best of you is passed on them

over oh so many years.

Thank you for the gifts you give,

for everything you do.

But thank you dear, most of all,

for making dreams come true.