A Mother's Manifesto

[This was written shortly after my children were born, and revised not too long ago]

I will not encumber the garden of creativity that blossoms inside you. You are a creation of wonder and joy.

I will not scar you with my own failures, or weigh you down with unfulfilled dreams. You are a being unblemished by experience.

I will not take you for granted or slight you in anyway. You are a miracle of hope and chance.

I will listen and learn and grow with you. You teach me to be a better person.

I will help you affect change in yourself and the world. You have changed me for the better.

I will guide you with kind discipline and sincerity. You see the world with innocence and wonder.

I will instill morals and honesty in you, but still gift you with choice and free will. You have taught me to be kind and generous to others.

I will encourage you and promote you in your endeavors and relationships. You make me laugh with joy.

I will walk beside you on your journeys, never ahead or behind. Your unmarred love for me lifts me up.

I will open doors for you, whether they are seen or implied. Your sense of wonder and admiration is inspiring. I will ensure that your existence is never compromised. You are loved and wanted.

I will keep my promises at all costs. Your passionate nature warms my heart.

I will help to make sure your loyalties are never divided. Your independence is amazing.

I will protect you from seen and unseen evils. You are good and pure.

I will surround you with kind and caring environments. Your imagination is a thing of wonder.

I will be as honest with you as I am with myself. Your openness delights me.

I will open my heart, arms and home to you always, without judgment or conditions. Your thoughtfulness is admirable.

I will stand back and let you make your own mistakes. You have given me the gift of happiness.

I will be by your side when you need to right your wrongs. You are a strong person.

I will show you by example that it’s okay to be wrong. Because of you, I know how to fail.

I will teach you to dance instead of walk, to sing instead of talk, to radiate instead of be. You changed my world forever the day you were born.

I will be your best friend, even when you think you don’t need me anymore. You are capable and necessary in my life.

I will be your mother, even when you think you don’t need me anymore. You are the sun and moon.

I will love you freely, unconditionally, without question or censure. You are everything.