Dear Mum,

There is so much I didn’t understand back then, but now I do.

I never understood why sometimes you would look at me for the longest time.

Now I know, you were wanting time to stand still.

I never understood why sometimes you would sit with your head in your hands.

Now I understand, you were hiding your tears.

I never understood why you always told me I could do anything.

Now I do, you were the first person who believed in me.

I never understood why I missed you for what felt like days.

Now I understand, you were working around the clock just to keep us afloat.

I never understood why when I was hurt I only wanted you.

Now I do, you’re the safest place I’ve ever known.

I never understood why in so many photos your dressy outfit was always the same.

Now I know, because ours were always different.

I never understood why you cried on my first overseas trip alone.

Now I know, I was yours but never yours to keep.

I never understood why you stayed up at night waiting for me to come home.

Now I know, the worry never stops.

I never understood why you would say, “one day you’ll see”.

I see now, you only wanted what was best for me.

I never understood why sometimes your hugs lasted that little bit longer.

Now I know, you needed one more than me.

I didn’t understand so much back then, but now I do.

I love you.

I understand everything now.

~

Published in poetry book 'From One Mom to a Mother'

Printable poem available here