Before I had you, I didn’t know.
I didn’t know that the first time I held you—and every time after that—a piece of my heart would settle into place.
I didn’t know answering “yes” to the question “are you mom?” would always be one of my greatest privileges.
I didn’t know you would almost always be ready for a new season before I was and that if only one of us was going to be ready, I’d be glad it was you.
I didn’t know watching any of your dreams come true would be a dream come true for me, too.
I didn’t know that seeing the words “Love you, mama” on my phone would be a gift, every time.
I didn’t know that the first time I got into a car you were driving, I’d wonder how you could possibly know what you were doing since “just yesterday,” I was buckling you into a car seat.
I didn’t know that waking up on any morning you were coming home would be better than being a kid and waking up and remembering it was Christmas.
I didn’t know that part of my heart would always be where you are.
Before I had you, I didn’t know love could have a name I chose.
But now I know, because I have you, and that name is yours.
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