(16 Nov. 2010, 7:48pm)
(A mother’s part of a colloquy with her teen-age kids)

Did I tell you
That when I knew I was going to have you,
I was so scared cuz I did not know
How it would be to take care of you?

Did I tell you
That when you started growing inside me
I talked to you every day
Hoping you would answer and say,
“I will be with you all the way” ?

Did I tell you
That when I was in labor
I thought I could not go on with the endeavor
But the thought of how beautiful you would be
Brought me the strength to fight all the pain that came to me?

Did I tell you
That on the very first time I laid my eyes on you
I couldn’t open my mouth in awe
Cuz you were too lovely
I did not know how my heart would overflow?

Did I tell you
That each day that came through
The things that you wanted to do
Brought smile to me more than you’d ever know?

Did I tell you
That now that you are starting to grow
I feel the fear that someday
I will be losing you?

And, did I tell you, too
That no matter what happens, be it white or be it blue,
When friends will be many or few,
When love may be false or true
When, even my last breath will be though
I will still hang around to soothe you
Because, my children,
I LOVE YOU?

(This is for you Yesh and Mary… and soon for Jee and Jaming.)