I celebrated the day,

God brought you into this world,

giving me new meaning,

with the gift of your own precious life,

my most special, my fragile, first born daughter,

a fragile gift from God above.

I celebrated your first step,

so insecure, but exciting,

with the sparkle in your eyes,

gleaming all the possibilities

of your newly discovered

freedom and exploration.

With contentment in my heart,

while watching in awe,

seeing the smile on your delicate face,

beaming so proudly,

of your very first accomplishment.

All the while, you were so confident

mommy was there, ready

to share your proud moment,

and catch you if you fell.

I celebrated your first words,

innocently spoken, so sweetly,

your arms stretching out to me--

while holding my breath

waiting in anticipation,

to hear ‘mommy'

for the very first time,

eternally echoes,

in loving memories.

I celebrated your first day of school,

when I had to let go of your tiny hand,

for the very first time.

While watching from afar,

not knowing if you needed me,

or if you could fly on your own,

you soared so independently, and proud.

I celebrated your joys and sorrows,

the ups and downs, the highs and lows,

of your yesterdays and tomorrows.

Sharing in your broken-hearted times,

and the bliss of your good times,

all the while, you were becoming

grown-up; your own woman.

I celebrated your motherhood,

coming about full-circle,

of your giving the most precious of all,

the wondrous part of you--

another gift from God above;

your children; my beloved grandchildren;

the essence of you.

I celebrated your heritage,

the miracle of your grandchildren,

given you, by God's grace and blessing,

to your own tribute,

that we lovingly shared in awe,

and will continue, by all that will follow.

I celebrated the woman,

the mother, the grandmother;

the precious daughter,

a gift from God, His ever-lasting blessing.

With all the hopes and dreams

a mother prays will come true,

for my most special, fragile, first born daughter,

to give the legacy of life and eternal tranquility,

now, so vulnerable and frail.

I celebrate the too-short time,

that God gave me with you,

and celebrate, rejoicing in your memories,

long after you have gone to a new life.

I celebrate your laughter,

the smile on your face,

the light you brought to life,

with all your vibrant colors,

the love you shared,

fulfilling everyone you touched,

and knowing your pain

that you unselfishly hid,

has been lifted off your heart

and freed you to fly once again.

I celebrate everyday,

the treasured memories,

that you lived amidst,

and tell you again,

how much I love you,

how proud I am

of the gift you gave me....

You.