My Whole Life

It took my whole life,
But finally, I've begun to understand
the depths of your love for me.

It took my whole life,
And I think maybe now I
see what you gave up for me.

It took my whole life,
to realize that so much of what is good in me,
is but a reflection of the good in you.

It took my whole life,
to see that one person can be a hero, can make
a difference, and

It took my whole life,
to see you as the person you really are, outside
the context of "my Mom."

It took my whole life,
to feel such love for you, such pride in all you've
accomplished, and to try to find the words to say so.

If ever in my life,
I accomplish even a fraction what you have,
my successes will be great and my life a good thing.

Many can claim to know you, some can claim your friendship;
but only one can call you "Mother."
I owe everything to you: all that I have, all that I am.
I owe you... my whole life.