She was a seed of hope, planted in faith,

She enlarged my heart, opened me up to more of love,

She birthed new life in me.

Her cry birthed my compassion

her smile, my delight.

My baby taught me that to be fed and clothed and loved

was all that was truly needed in this world.

And to be loved…oh, to be loved!

She needed my arms around her

and her soft hand in my own taught me

the beauty of depending on another.

My baby taught me that water and light and stars

 and flowers and animals and people

are absolutely fascinating, incredible creations

worth reveling in for hours.

My baby taught me that its therapeutic to color outside the lines

and to hug stuffed animals.

My baby taught me that she doesn’t really need toys to be happy.

She taught me that 4 a.m. wake up calls

can be made sweet

by the softness of her hair against my face,

her lingering scent on my clothes.

My baby taught me that I can be wholly responsible

for another human being

without losing myself in the process.

My baby taught me that it’s okay to cry

but its better to laugh!

Most of all, my baby taught me

that by giving of myself, I will find myself

that with sacrifice comes joy

and that love really is the greatest thing of all.