I hope you remember…
The feeling of your hands in the soil
and the pride of growing food from seeds.
I hope you remember…
The way the waves rolled and sparkled in the sun
and finding treasures in tide pools.
I hope you remember…
The smell of freshly baked bread
and your hands covered in flour.
I hope you remember…
The way your sister looked at you,
her blue eyes fixed on your every move.
I hope you remember…
Your dog snuggled next to you while you slept
and all the nights we snuck into your bed to ward off bad dreams.
I hope you remember…
Your teachers and how they showed up (virtually) over and over
to read you a story or tell you they loved you.
I hope you remember…
Family dinners, impromptu dance parties
and car rides for donuts.
I hope you remember…
Watching caterpillars become butterflies
and releasing them on a perfect spring day.
I hope you remember…
Walls of our house covered in your art
and that amidst the mess was cozy love.
I hope you remember…
Who the real heroes were
and that your family was full of them.
I hope you remember…
Random acts of kindness that you showed to others
and that others showed to you.
I hope you remember…
Bike rides and hikes, sunsets and the cool grass on your feet,
swinging for hours and blowing bubbles.
I hope you remember…
Feeling safe and happy
and loved.
I hope you remember…
Stories and songs, phone calls with family,
waving through windows and cards in the mail.
I hope you remember…
Hugs and kisses
and I love yous.
I hope you remember…
Money and possessions can never take the place
of family, love and compassion.
I hope you remember…
All we ever needed was our home, Mother Earth,
and each other.
I hope you remember…
I love you and will always protect you
from the storm.
XO, Mom