for all the loving mothers

This is for you

the mothers who strive each day

to nourish

to embrace

to be healthy

to be whole

to raise children

with compassion

with grace

with insight

with humility

This is for my mother-in-law

daughter of a mother who has just left this world

this is for the nurture she did not receive from her mother

this is for the nurture she tried to give my husband

this is for the nurture she gives to me

This is for my friend

daughter of a narcissistic father

daughter of a deceased mother

this is for the mothering she gives to me

this is for the nourishment she gives to her children

this is for the honesty she gives to herself

This is for you

daughters of the self-absorbed

this is for the women you strive to be

this is for the mothers you may become

May you always be willing

to look into your own soul

May you always be ready

to extend empathy to your children

May you receive love

from those who mother you.