Poems to Appreciate the Parents Out There – Mothers and Fathers

December 8, 2014

Parents, I want to applaud you!  We all do our own personal best in raising our children and, if you’re already a parent of more than one child, you know that anything you may have learned with the first born may or may not apply to the second or any others that follow.  They do not come with instructions and, even if we are told, we really have no idea how parenthood will change our lives or relationships.  Parenthood changes our views of the world, our priorities, our relationship with our significant other . . . and countless other ways as we learn to parent along the way.

I came across a poem for men that I just love and wanted to share it with you.  For the men out there that this applies to, thank you for being you.

“The Strength of a Man”

The strength of a man isn’t seen in the width of his shoulders.
It’s seen in the width of his arms that circle you.

The strength of a man isn’t in the deep tone of his voice.
It’s in the gentle words he whispers.

The strength of a man isn’t how many buddies he has.
It’s how good a buddy he is with his kids.

The strength of a man isn’t in how respected he is at work.
It’s in how respected he is at home.

The strength of a man isn’t in how hard he hits.
It’s in how tender he touches.

The strength of a man isn’t in the hair on his chest.
It’s in his Heart … that lies within his chest.

The strength of a man isn’t how many women he’s loved.
It’s in how he can be true to one woman.

The strength of a man isn’t in the weight he can lift.
It’s in the burdens he can carry.

Jacqueline Marie Griffiths
(Written for H. Rochon)

For the mothers out there, I wanted to share a poem that I wrote for myself.  I searched and searched for a poem about Mothers for a scrapbook page I was working on but could not find one that felt right.  So, I wrote my own!

“The Art of Being a Mother”

Being a mother is more than bearing a child,

     it’s understanding the beauty of life.

Being a mother is more than being a parent,

     it’s patience, wisdom, and love.

Being a mother is more than raising a child,

     it’s giving them wings.

Being a mother is more than having hopes and dreams for your child,

     but setting them free to follow their own.

Being a mother is more than holding his hand,

     it’s holding his heart forever.

Being a mother is more than listening to her child,

     it’s understanding the unspoken word.

Being a mother is more than loving a child,

     it’s love beyond measure with your heart and soul.

                                                                                 – Nicole Custer Tindell, 2003

I cherish my time with my children as a stay-at-home mom.  Especially now that my oldest is a teenager!  Time flies by so hold them as close as you can for as long as they’ll let you.  It’s a fine line loving and encouraging them but letting them be independent to make their own mistakes.  Cheers to all of you that are raising your children – it doesn’t matter how old they get, they will always be your children.