You celebrate the beating heart
And I cry when I see the bulging head.
You are wheeled out draped in flowers & balloons
And I sit vigil as the beeping continues through the night
You cheer the stumbling steps
And I drive to another therapy appointment
You wave goodbye at the bus stop
And I sit through a meeting of “nevers”
You buy beer for the BIG game
And I buy a new TV to replace the smashed one.
You punish the backtalk
And I longingly wish for words
You order IKEA for a dorm room
And I order a bigger size adult brief
You sign papers for a lake house
And I sign papers for an adult foster care home
You pay for a wedding
And I pay for 24/7 care.
You set up a will
And I set up a trust
Your neck is squeezed tightly
And I feel the bristle of rejection
You wine and dine with friends
And I intersect calls from case managers
You cradle a grand baby
And I vet a new roommate
You travel the world
And I continue to hold my vigil.
Your days are long & your years are short
But my days are long & so are my years.
We both are “mom”
But I am a forever caregiver.
Just keep livin ❤️
