Momma's Guidance

The strength of a woman is like a fortress standing tall and true.

She guides us through the storm and rain, sleet and hail!.

Strong and benevolent, her spirit never yells .

Without her guidance to carry me through,

I would trudge and trudge alone until I was through.

Momma is like a brown blackbird protecting her young.

“Momma, will you hold my hand because I am scared.” five year old Tracy whales, frightened by the shadows that cast across her room as she goes to bed at night.

“Momma, I like someone and think they are cute.” fifteen year old Tracy chirps, excited of meeting someone new.

“Momma, I was rejected from another job. Can I come over and talk with you? “ twenty-five year old Tracy cries, feeling helpless as she talks with her Mom over the phone.

My fingers and toes are not enough to count how many times your guidance has helped me.

“Sure, baby I will hold your hand.” Momma cooed, and she would hold Tracy’s hand until she fell asleep every night for a year.

“Baby, I know you are excited. But crushes and love can change with time. Still be careful to protect your heart.” Momma warns, getting ready to wind down after a long day of work.

“Now Tracy, I know this is hard. Rejection is never easy. But you can get through this just like you have gotten through many hard times. “ Momma chats, holding Tracy against her chest as Tracy sobs.

And it is with great pleasure to say, I am, too, a great woman because of what you have instilled in me.

“Confidence is key. Never falter and learn from others around you. Everyone has a story to tell. So make sure you tell yours well. “ Momma’s voice echoes in Tracy’s mind.

But Momma’s guidance never has a definite ending. Every day, in some way, there is a piece of Momma’s guidance that is visible. Moms holding children’s hands to make sure they are safe. People in love sharing a coffee at the nearest café. Comparing and contracting my experiences against someone else’s and seeking to understand their experience through their eyes.

But what saddens me is knowing one she will not be here.

“I want you to take care of your brother when I am gone. All you have is each other.” Momma calmly says.

The thought of her gone makes me shudder. But it is a reminder of the time she has here, and to cherish each moment she has.

“Momma, don’t say these words. You will live a long life.” Tracy reassurances.

“But baby, life is just a sudden breeze. “ Momma coos.

“I love you, Momma.”

“ I love you too, Tracy.”

“Will you hold my hand?”

“Of course. “ Momma begins to hold Tracy’s hand. Tracy then nestles herself against her Mom, letting all the worries wash away.

The strength of a woman is like a fortress standing tall and true.

She guides us through the storm and rain, sleet and hail!.

Strong and benevolent, her spirit never yells .

Without her guidance to carry me through,

I would trudge and trudge alone until I was through.

Dear Momma, your guidance is like a compass, and this life, a road map.

And no matter my age, you will always be needed.

Dear Momma, you have taught me to be like the wall, and stand mighty tall.

Yet, sometimes I fall.

You take your hands and put me back together again, brick by brick. Rain or shine, you are there, and I could not thank you enough for your love and guidance.

Dear Momma, this little brown blackbird has flown the nest. But no matter what, you will always be my home.