Because you are My First-born

Dear Emily…

Because you are my first-born

You introduce me

To new-found wonders of love’s joys and grief

And I am learning

Love’s flip-side of holding

Is its tender, bitter-sweet release

But I would not change it

For Time, in its wisdom

Has taken a beautiful little girl

And turned her into

A compassionate woman

No, I would not trade it for the world

But, because you are my first-born

I must learn the art, dear

Of holding you close as you slip from my hand

Of saying, I’m sorry

When I disappoint you

And hoping that someday you will understand

Because you are my first-born

You blaze the trail, dear

For siblings that watch and follow behind

And my precious daughter

I wish you God’s blessing

As you turn the page love’s new mysteries to find

Dear first-born daughter

I pray God will keep you

And that you will keep Him first in your heart

Then no matter

Where life’s highways may lead you

We will never be very far apart

Love, Mom