The Perfect Moment

I look at you

and I remember 16.

I remember a raspberry kiss

and the sun on my shoulders

and the smell of cinnamon gum.

I remember long walks

down uneven small-town sidewalks

with stops on Main Street
for root beer floats.

I remember bare dusty feet
and shiny toe nail polish 

and everything being perfect.

I remember when everything new

was exciting.

Everything was pregnant with potential.

Every beginning was freshest spring air.

Happy M.D.!

These roses in my garden today as I write this are for all the mothers who tried hard to get it right and somehow feel they failed.  These roses are for all the children of mothers who never understood the old gal, but tried to love her anyway.  This is for all those who know how complicated being a mother can be and gave up on perfection a long time ago and now concentrate on forgiveness and patience.  And for all the rest of you who have perfect relationships with your children and mother...Happy Mother's Day!  Please pass it on to those who need this message.  I love roses and I rarely ever got them for Mother's Day, so now I grow my own and cannot blame anyone but me if I don't get any!