Treasure

The days were not easy,
the nights sometimes long,
’till I glimpsed you one day,
simply walking along,
head high on your shoulders -
no longer an infant…
Though I swore it would not,
time went by in an instant.

An instant that stretched
as you learned and you grew,
and challenged everything
I thought I knew.

A moment that lingered
as we cooked and we and ate,
as we argued and made up -
Time sure didn’t wait.

It flew by
as you ran and you skipped and explored;
It didn’t pause
though I may have begged and implored.

Now I look toward you
as you look back at me,
open to my guidance,
yet strong-willed and free;

I look on, as you make
your inevitable mistakes,
and as you deal with those too,
because you have what it takes.

I watch proudly as you step
into the shoes of your life;
as you dance with your destiny
and shine your light.

I observe as you walk
with your own guiding star;
I look in awe, as the world
receives all that you are.

I look at you,
and I couldn’t ask for more -
so I step lightly back
and I stare, as you soar.

And I sway between gratitude
for having you near,
and heartache at releasing
one whom I hold so dear.

I thought you’d never grow up,
but hey - never say never.

I can only thank life
for bringing us together;
for the laughs and the hugs
and the storms that we’ve weathered;
for the sweet, simple moments
I’ll cherish forever.

I would not change a thing;
I would not wish it better.
I embrace all you are -
An immeasurable treasure.