The Girl Born at the End of Winter

I'm thankful of a day that happened many years ago,
when winter was about to end and then appeared a miracle:
a baby girl born to her parents, both upon whom awe had struck.
Now 60 years on down the line I write about such perfect luck.

This baby girl born at the end of winter is my mom
and how she changed my life would fill a book, the story is quite long
- but on the celebration of this day, I truly feel compelled
to show some thanks and give appreciation that I've always held.

You see, there aren't too many people with a brilliant mom like mine
(And no, that's not the sort of thing I'm saying only to be kind).
My work ethic, the way I think, both traits instilled by such a gem
who busts her butt for all her family: we're the bud, and she's the stem.

That little girl, she had it rough, but through it she prevailed
and grew into this smart, kind woman where most others would have failed.
Fast forward through some decades where she finally met her match
and to her lover she got married - but there's more to this than that.

Her marriage taught her empathy, of love through strength and truth
and though there had been many trials, she excelled - and she's the proof.
Now a wife, she and my father thought that they should have a kid
and then set out to change a life, which is exactly what they did.

A boy, of 5 years old, sought a "forever family";
he had been left to fend for himself as a ward in custody
and he lived at a children's hospital, afraid and so alone,
until one Easter, these two heroes swooped in to give him a home.

The purest act of kindness that I ever could conceive
is that of all the children in the world, my parents had picked me -
and it is this I owe my life to, for no doubt what would unfold
was just a boy lost in a system with no one to guide his soul.

Writing decades later, I reflect this very day
upon a woman I admire whom I very proudly say:
That's my mother, and she raised me as a child from her womb
and is a woman I will worship 'til the day I'm in my tomb.

This girl born at the end of winter blossomed in the spring
and it's an honor now to be the son taken under her wing.
Here on this day I write to tell you so that you'll forever know
that I am lucky you were born and thank you for the chance to grow.

~

Happy Birthday, Mom