Happy Mother's Day!

This story is dedicated to all mothers, my mom Sandy, my mother-in-law Marty, and most importantly to my bride and mother of our 4 beautiful babies. I love you Teresa!

I was away at school when I got the call,
"Are you sitting down?...We’re going to have a baby," she said.
I knew then and there she would be the perfect mom.
Her belly grew, she went to the classes, I shared from afar.
She got sick, read all the books, and prepared.
There were days that she didn't like the way she looked,
But to me she was more beautiful than ever and I knew she was the perfect mom.

I was there for the birth of our baby boy, but gone soon again,
And several more times over the next two years.
She played games, taught him to read, and made him laugh.
I marveled at what a natural she was, and held back the tears.
Soon our second child was conceived and we could not wait,
To see what special gift God would soon bring.
She was alone again as I went out to sea.
Soon a second child she would bear, a lullaby she would sing.

For the next three years I watched and I learned.
She took them on walks, bathed them, read them books,
Patched up their knees, dried their tears, baked them cakes.
She held them during the storm, sewed them costumes,
Played trucks in the sand, and watched their favorite movies.
She was a nurse, a teacher, and a protector.
She was their guide, their conscience, and their confidant.

Son number three came along and she did not skip a beat.
Though I was there to help, she was already a seasoned pro.
She taught them to ride bikes, signed them up for sports,
Volunteered in their classrooms, always, always on the go.
She cleaned up their messes, went to their baseball games,
Played in the rain, took them to the beach, and taught them to fish.
I left her to fend for herself and the babies yet again,
And yet she did not complain.

I was away on deployment when I got the call,
"Are you sitting down?...We’re going to have a baby ," she said.
I knew then and there she was the perfect mom.
Her belly grew, she went to the appointments, I shared from afar.
She got sick, still took care of the kids, and prepared.
There were days that she didn't like the way she looked,
But to me she was more beautiful than ever and I knew she was the perfect mom.

I was there for the birth of our baby girl, but gone soon again,
And several more times over the years.
She has been on the PTA, served on the school board,
She was VP of their soccer club, and coached their teams.
She's been the Team Manager, the Class Mom, and volunteered for everything under the sun.

Her love for them is unconditional, unbounded, and unwavering.
Over the years I have watched and admired her.
I have seen first hand the magic and joy she brings to their hearts.
I hope they know just how lucky they are,
How lucky they are to have the "perfect mom."

Happy Mother’s Day my love.