You Have Always Been Beautiful

Dear Mom, If I could have drawn your portrait early on in your Bless You journey, I would have shown your bright eyes, watchful for food allergens and sharp enough to read tiny labels. I would have shown your ears, attentive to hearing mention of those nuts in the cookie or any bullying of your precious child. I would have painted your mouth in motion, the corners turned down, explaining again the things to avoid, the things that can’t be done or tasted. I would have shown your heart, soft and breaking, your breast and arms a landing place of frustrated tears, your biceps strong from carrying home food from out of the way aisles in out of the way stores and mixing up some of your own concoctions. A beautiful portrait, of a heroic woman. 

Now, I would change some of the details. Your eyes are still bright, as they watch your child enjoy food safely and they sparkle with grateful tears. Your ears are still listening, now to the giggles of joy as he eats the pizza or she licks the ice cream without worry. Your mouth is speaking, but the corners are turned up since you are sharing once again your success story, and saying “Yes” to your child again and again. Your heart is full and bursting with pride. Your arms still strong with the determination of a long fought battle, and your fists clenched in the joy of victory. Dear Mom, I am glad to see the changes, but know -  you have always been beautiful.