My earliest memory, of you,
Mom,
is an illuminating smile that reminds me,
of a white lilac.

Of memories, innocence, youthfulness.

As I pranced around in a fluffy tutu
that sparkled beneath the beating sun,
you stood by my side and encouraged me, to be anything, even- as silly as it sounds,
a mermaid.

Despite the fact that reality bore on your shoulders, you protected those silly, abysmal dreams, and held them close to your heart.
You treasured those dreams.

The best memories of you,
were warm hugs that I treasure till this day,
I never wanted to let go, even if you only needed to go to the store, or work, or even a walk.

Those hugs grounded me,
enveloped me with pure happiness,
something as simple as a hug,
will always mean more to me,
than photographs, or birthday cards.

The best thing I learned to carry with me, is you.

You made sure that my youth carried an air,
of happiness,, sunny days filled with sore cheeks from laughter, or tummies wracked with snorts.

You always found a way to make me laugh,
even though some days were grey and morose.
We made our world, happy and bright,
filled to the brim with,
sparkles, fairies, magic.

Our world was magic.

My eyes filled with scrawled tales of princesses,
my heart soared with tales of dragons,
my hands gripped a sword, ready to battle any demons that threatened you or me.

With you, soft, fuzzy horses came to life,
prancing, dancing and trotting with the sound of my laughter.
When bathtime eventually neared, I could see the ducks quacking excitedly or the red-striped boat honked its horn loudly and rushed through the bubbly water.

I will never forget how,
you have given me this wondrous life, and I would have it no other way.

Mom,

hero,

They are one and the same.