The Mother (on Mother’s Day)

Adapted by Dani for Ellie, from Brandi Carlile’s beautiful song, The Mother (video below, please watch and enjoy).

Welcome to the start of being alone inside your mind
You’re tethered to another and you’re worried all the time
You always knew the melody but you never heard it rhyme
Hope renewed when you see the sun begin to shine.

She’s strong and she is striking, Lord, she really looks like me
She made me love the morning, she’s a fire in the sea
Life around us busy, as it always used to be
But when will things come back around to me?

The first things that she took from me were selfishness and sleep
She broke a thousand heirlooms I was never meant to keep
She filled my life with color, canceled plans, and placed the stars
But none of that was ever who we are

Outside of my window is the breeze amongst the trees
I’ll hold you while you’re sleeping and I wish that I could leave
The day goes on forever, but I know it’s just a ploy
I am the Mother of Elliott Joy.

They’ve still got their lazy mornings and their coffee and their time
And they still enjoy their evenings with their city and their wine
Oh, but all the wonders I have seen, I will see a second time
From inside of the ages through your eyes

You are not an accident where no one thought it through
The world has stood beside us, made us strong to fight for you
And when we chose your name we knew that you were chosen too.

You’re nothing short of magical and beautiful to me
Oh, I’ll never hit the big time without you
So they can keep their treasure for their lonely selves enjoy
For I am the Mother of Elliott Joy.

As I reflect on Motherhood, so much floods past me, yet most of it is actually unspeakable. It’s a magnificent, reverent mouthpiece that has oh so much to say, yet barely the energy to say it all. Without hesitation though, I can say that I am better for being her Mother than if I were to have missed the chance. For me, that’s enough.

To all of the Mothers who nurtured, guided, loved, reached out, supported and gave me life when I felt I had lost, thank you. Your grace astounds me. To my own Mother, thank you will never ever be enough. I love you.

With Peace,

the Mother of Elliott Joy.