Nicole

Nicole, 18 today.

T'was only yesterday, I cradled you in my arms.

Baby's breath, God's touch upon my face.

Eyes closed, I pray you'll never know harm.

Joy's tears, God's love upon my face.

You run and laugh, your innocence divine.

You hold my hand, so very much that means to me.

You scrape your knee, the heartache is all mine.

You look at me, and love is all I see.

Your first sister, so gentle when you touch.

I place her in your lap, you smile and hold her close.

God is here. God is love.

Don't forget I love you

Does the good offset the bad?
Does the joy offset the pain?
Would you give up what you've had?
Do you wish you could start again?

They say that even after the darkest night the sun still rises.
How dark is our night? Is it our darkest?

They say God won't give you a cross heavier than you can bear.
How heavy is this cross? Is it our heaviest?

Don't forget who you are, and how much you mean to me.
Don't forget I love you.

Don't forget you are my wife, my friend, my lover and my joy.
Don't forget I love you.

Don't forget you are a mother, which is a sacrifice and a blessing…you have known both.
Don't forget I love you.

Don't forget you are a success. As a wife, as a mother, as a lover, as a friend…as a source of strength and joy.
Don't forget I love you.

Don't forget I share your pain, I cry your tears and I stand by your side…always and in all things.
Don't forget I love you.

Don't forget I will always be there for you, even though I can't always be there with you.
Don't forget I love.

Don't forget to smile with pride, cry tears of joy and to keep building memories.
Don't forget I love you.

Don't forget you mean more to me than you will ever know, and more than I could ever show.
Don't forget I love you.

Please, don't ever forget I love you.

I Am Who I Am

Sometimes I turn in the wrong direction.
Sometimes this puts me in a jam.
You'd think I'd pause for quiet reflection,
but I am who I am and I do what I can.

Sometimes I do what I shouldn't have done.
Sometimes I feel I should be more of a man.
Sometimes I walked when I should have run,
but I am who I am and I do what I can.

A Mother's Patience

The patience of a mother,
the patience of a wife,
is God's sustaining grace
that gives peace to this life.

You're the Mother of our children.
You're my ever loving wife.
You're my gift from Heaven.
You're my peace in life.

Thank you for your patience.
Thank you for your love.
I give to you my heart and soul.
I give to you my love.