Mother of Seven + 2

Amber's favorite Bible story always has been Paul and Silas.  She loved to hear her daddy read the story because he did it with all the dramatic effects.  They would sing and pray while in prison, and the whole bed would shake during the earthquake.  Then Amber would want him to read the story again.   As I reflect back on Amber's life I realize how much she has lived this story.  She had been chained by fear for years...imprisoned in a cell with no bars.  When she was just three years old, I would wake up at night to hear her singing "Jesus Loves Me" in a quavering voice.  She would feel alone, sad, and trapped.  She sang to the one who loved her.  She had many a sleepless night, but she talked to God.  As an older child when her heart was troubled she spent hours outside on her scooter listening to Christian music and singing to God.  Singing and Praying while in prison. We experienced an earthquake last year, but it freed her from the prison.  I see a young

Working in my kitchen Hearing children's voices at play Feet thumping up back steps Door thrown open Four year old palm grasping treasure Plunks it upon the counter A crushed dandelion the first this spring gazes up at me Excited words spoken hurriedly "Hey, mom, I picked this dandelion just for you." Then back out the door he dashes Only an hour later I look upon the bloom Now withered with petals curling inward And it hits me Time is fleeting Little boy today Grown tomorrow and gone Many a dandelion bouquet Handed to me over the years A pure expression of a child's love Laid down to wither Not fully appreciated Put aside thinking there will always be more Wanting to cherish these moments For tomorrow is flying by Let me hold this flower of motherhood And soak up the love it contains For the days of dandelions in grubby hands Are fading as the sun begins to set