Being a mother is the most rewarding, yet the hardest, heart wrenching thing in the world. This job brings you so much joy, yet you also have many heartaches. I believe in focusing on the joy my children have brought me. It makes being a mother worth it all. I started writing this poem about 5 years ago, and finished it today.

A Cold Drink on a Hot Summer Day

By Lois Wauson

Joy is what I live for
And hope keeps me going
Joy lifts me up when I am down
It’s sunshine after a long dark night
Joy is a cold drink on a hot summer day
It’s a smile and a wink across the room
From someone I care deeply for
Joy is a baby’s laughter after a scary illness
It’s the smell of coffee brewing on
A cold winter morning
Joy is the doctor’s smile coming out of surgery
That tells me it’s going to be all right
After I have prayed so long and hard
Joy is the opening of her eyes after sleeping
So long in a deep coma
Joy is the sound of his voice
After he has been gone so long
And not knowing if he was dead or alive
Joy is the sound of a daughter’s lilting voice
When I know she is smiling as she says
“Mom, guess what?”
Joy is hearing from the one who used
To be so close to me
And he says, “Mom, I am okay”
Joy is in the words I hear
"Thanks, Mom for all you do"
Or "I love you, Mom. I miss you."
Joy is looking into their eyes
And seeing light and joy
And not death and sadness
Joy is a voice on the phone
Saying “Mom, we found an awesome church!”
Joy is hearing that one say
"I am so happy!"
Joy is getting a big bear hug
From a grown man I used to
Rock to sleep at night
Joy is going to bed at night
Knowing they are all okay.
And waking each morning
Believing God is good!