held my tiny hand in yours
when I was helpless,
alone, and afraid.
made them strong
and capable like your own.
kept your back straight
and chin up even through
all the pain and suffering.
taught me to hold
my head high and never
let them see me sweat.
my eyes are dry now
and voice is steady -
because you showed me how.

you taught me
what mattered
and what didn't.
who was worth
my everything
and who wasn't.
you were my protector
during the bad years,
tutor all through school,
comedian on rainy days,
drill sergeant when I wandered.
but best of all
you were mother and friend
from beginning to end.

wrote this down on a scrap piece of paper today after I found out my aunt (who raised me) has cancer