A Poem for My Child As Mama Graduates

Dear Sweet Child,

It’s been a journey–one I started before you were even a notion.
But halfway through my schooling, you came in to motion.

We were ecstatic when we discovered you.
(But panicked, too.)
How could Mommy balance school, work, and you?

Mama crammed that summer,
to get ahead of her newcomer.

She read, wrote, and listened.
While you squirmed and swelled, waiting to be christened.

The next semester came. You were due in mid-fall.
Mama prayed you’d be tame. So she’d balance it all.

Mommy burned the midnight oil trying to stay ahead.
She didn’t know if your arrival would leave her in bed.

Mama hoped to minimize missed moments.
While still keeping her focus.

But she wasn’t prepared for the cost.
There was still plenty lost.

After you came, Mommy worked while sore, puffy, and sleepy.
Your missed coos and cuddles really made her weepy.

Mama forged on.
But as you grew bigger, it became even harder to be gone.

After a full day apart, Mommy would leave again.
Our frowns full of pain, your tears poured like rain.

Mama kissed your cheeks,
and shushed your shrieks.

She’d close the door and crumble.
This was temporary, but not without grumble.

Mommy missed meals and playtimes,
Songs and story-times,
Baths and bedtimes.

It hurt us both to miss these times during your first year.
But–finally–this chapter is ending. 
We’re almost free and clear.
No more bending! 

Mama will be there night after night.
And it feels perfectly right!

Someday, you might ask was it worth it? The sadness and stress?
And I’ll tell you honestly, “yes.”

I accomplished a goal. We made it through.
I bettered myself for me, but most importantly for you.

I lead by example; to show you what strong women can do.
I hope our story will someday inspire you.

Love, 

Your Mama 

A poem for my child as mama graduates


 

Katie
Katie is a spouse, mother, and professional communicator. She became acquainted with Iowa City as a student at the University of Iowa, earning degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and most recently her MA in Strategic Communication. Katie and her husband met and fell in love in Iowa City, deciding to never leave. Their family can often be found eating their way through downtown, walking their dog in City Park, or cheering on their beloved Hawkeyes at live sporting events.

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