The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. — Nicholas Sparks, American novelist
Missing you…
The scent of baby —
Fresh powder and soft skin,
Cuddly blue blankets,
Onesies with cars on the tummy,
Rattles and teething rings,
Bottles and even clean diapers.
Late nights recounting toes
To assure myself you’re perfectly whole.
Missing you…
The boy years —
When the light bulb goes off
And shows you understand a concept.
An impromptu hug that’s fiercely returned,
Fresh dandelions presented with pride,
A myriad of rocks in your pockets.
Late nights stepping on Legos and toy cars
As I tiptoe in the dark to tuck you into bed.
Missing you…
The college student —
Off on your own to grow and learn,
Juggling studies and activities,
Blossoming from boy to young man
With confidence, kindness, and unselfishness.
Unashamed to show emotion or help a friend.
Evening phone calls to catch up with
Everything you’re doing and thinking.
Missing you…
The young professional —
Working and handling life on your own.
Brief visits over the holidays
Just don’t feel long enough now,
And you’re moving in circles I’m not.
Still we stay in touch, connected by
More than technology and obligation.
Heartstrings wrapped invisibly for all time.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Oh, my. What poignant poetry. It very nearly brought tears to my eyes,and, strangely enough, made me wish I’d been more sensitive to my mom’s feelings a time or two. Well done!
Delighted to hear it evoked just the response I was hoping for, Linda!! I think one of the harder things about being a mom is knowing you have to let the kids go eventually. We only think it’s hard when they’re in diapers and have colic!!
Aw. I love that so much.
Thank you for dropping by, Professor. Glad you approved of my efforts!
How beautiful this is. I find this is often a time of year for missing special times and special people.
Thank you, Lucy. Yes, the holidays do make us more nostalgic. It might be fairly obvious, but this one came to me after Domer’s visit over Thanksgiving. Even though he’s closer distance-wise, he’s not HERE, if you know what I mean. And ’tis easy to miss his wit!!
I got that immediately! There is nothing like having your loved ones close and it is always so hard when they go again.
Amen!! I think it’s easier for dogs, who seem not to understand the concept of time. They’re as happy to see you after an hour as they are after three days, ha!!
Dogs are such incredible beasts – as long as their basic needs are met and they have lots of love they are happy. We could all learn from dogs!
Tearing up over here. Having two sons of my own – I know those heartstrings. What a beautiful poem and tribute to the love between a mother and her son.
Why, thank you, Barb. Sorry about the tears, but I know just what you mean. There’s something awfully special about the love between a mother and her kids.
Lovely, Debbie! So evocative! Hopefully you’ll be getting to spend more time together over Christmas?
Thanks, FF — indeed, we are, and I can hardly wait! His schedule now is lots different from when he was at university. Then, we got together, on average, every month! Guess I got a bit spoiled, huh?!!
Beautiful. You captured the parent feeling perfectly.
Thank you, John. Maybe only a parent can truly feel like this??
I think so.
Debbie, as so many others have shared in their comments, this post made my eyes tear up, and I’m not even a parent. However, I have always been able to feel and identify with how a parent (especially a mother) must feel towards their children when the time comes for them to leave home and go out on their own. It’s such a bitter sweet moment because on one hand you’re happy for your child, but on the other hand you’re incredible sad to see them leave.
What a BEAUTIFULLY written piece, my friend. Your words went right to the heart and soul!
LOVE that quote from Nickolas Sparks!
Thanks, Ron. I think I was remiss in my comment to John that only parents can feel this way. I imagine any FEELING person can empathize, as you have! After all, missing somebody we love isn’t just the prerogative of parents; it’s a feeling common to the entire human race.
I’m sorry for bringing a tear to your eyes, but I’m glad my poem hit the mark. I’ve always gravitated to greeting cards that evoke so much feeling that tears well up. I must confess, it sometimes scares me to be this open and vulnerable on the page/screen, but perhaps that’s what writers are called to do.
You love Sparks’ quote, too? I thought it was beautifully said! So much wisdom in only a few words.
Happy rest-of-the-week, my friend!
~~~~Lovely.
I so identify w/ every word, darling. xx
Thanks for telling me so, dear Kim!! Glad to receive such a lovely compliment!! xoxo
Esquisite, Debbie. It reminds me of the delicate dance of motherhood and makes me miss my own son and daughter, too.
Thanks, Pat, glad you enjoyed it! What is they say about being a parent? Something like by the time you’re experienced, you’re unemployed?!!
This is a wonderful poem. A little bit sad though, because no matter what, they grow up. My kids aren’t fully grown, but while I am amazed by how they are changing, sometimes I do miss their younger selves.
If I can offer any advice, Janna, it’s to enjoy every stage. They fly through them so fast (especially compared to how long it feels like they’re infants, ha!)