My heart on a sleeve. An expression of love for a child, something drastically needed now that we have tasted tragedy in our nation.

Copyright 2001
A Mother's Love letter to her Child
by susie harrison

"Let me tell you a secret Mommy?"
You say as you slide your sweet little lips up to my tender ears as if you are about to whisper sweet nothings to me. But then suddenly a gentle butterfly kiss passes my cheek and you giggle that high pitched laughter.
"Well, I have a secret for you as well my son" So you perch your ear next to my mouth but I grab you with my big warm arms instead and mama bear hug you. I smother your cheeks with kisses of my own and tell you how much you are loved.
I watch you curl up and lay your fluffy, light brown hair onto your plump pillow and sleepily close your eyes, yet a contented smile remains on your face. You know you are loved so immensely.
I catch a glimpse of your kindergarten toes peeking their way out from beneath great-mama's patchwork quilt and I admire your peaceful presence.
Never mind your earlier temper tantrums that had, you hollering because you were to have no cookies before dinner. Nor the kicking and screaming to the bath before bed. Those moments are a forgiven memory now.
Now you lie so still and complacent near my side.
My mind drifts back to a night, now that seems so long ago, when I also sat close by your side. I sobbed ever so quietly at the site of your lifeless body with its translucent skin exposing your veins and frail bones that was a one and a half pound body. I recall watching intently, too intently, the green lines on the black screen of the hospital monitor. Each beat of your struggling heart and every weary breath you fought to breathe were the center of my existence.
A tear slips down my flushed cheek, but not from the fear and prayer to our almighty God to bless us all with your life, but for the one prayer that God answered. The greatest gift that Jesus gave us all....you. To watch you run and play, to see you off to school each day. To be there for you when you through your tantrums because you can't have your way. All, our gift that God was so kind to give to us.
Sleep my Sonny, for God has big plans for you my son, and you need your rest. He will watch over your dreams and your play. And so will I as you grow into adulthood, something at one time I thought might never happen.
I love you my son, you are the light of my life!
Mommy