Some nights I look at old pictures.

She was gorgeous, young and happy.

She's still beautiful and happy, but the smile is different. 

When she had me she gave up her personhood.

Her career, personality and sleep.

She is my mom.

She tells me stories from her college years,

Sneaking out with boys and making questionable choices,

Some choices she knows I will make at some point.

She knows my ins and outs.

She is my mom.

After years of caring for children,

She has finally found a career that she loves.

But first she is our mom.

She leaves work to pick us up when we’re sick,

Calls off when we have doctors appointments ,

Because first she is always the woman

Who gave up her freedom for me.

She is my mom.

She gave me everything. Her eyes,

Her humor, her kindness, her time and love.

She also gave me her late nights, weekends,

Days, weeks, months and years, even her career.

 She gave me her freedom,

She is my mom.

And I don't think I want to be one.