Simply Sunday

Morning Observation

You walked the perimeter
in slow, cautious steps-
Overhanging branches
providing protection, along
with the morning mist-
I felt fortunate to see you,
to once again witness
your grace and beauty –
I wonder if your babies
are sleeping nearby, or
If you are on a survey mission,
assessing whether or not
It is safe for them
to hop, jump, and play
in the damp green grass-
Safety is always a
concern, I suppose-
Even when children are
grown, it isn’t easy
not to continue feeling
the need to keep walking
along the perimeter

Simply Sunday

I have been living with this poem for weeks, questioning my words. Are they too sentimental, too emotional, or too serious? Finally, I decided they were not too anything. They are my thoughts. Maybe some of you can relate. 🩷

A Mom’s Thoughts

-For my children

Should the time come
That our roles reverse
And my need for care from you
Outweighs my ability to care for you-
Know that I love you
I will always love you
More than I have ever been able
To completely and fully express –
From the day you were born
No-from the moment I knew you existed
I loved you-
Looking back and looking forward
Must only be done in small amounts
While standing firmly in the present-
I know this is true-
Giving yourself to each day
As each day gives itself to you
Is the wiser of choices-
So, I will not linger on the thought of that day-
Only to say this- I am thankful
We are pieces of the same puzzle

Happy Mother’s Day! šŸ’

Simply Sunday

We teach by example
Intentioned or not
They learn from the example
Intentioned or not
Little eyes watching
Little ears listening
Little hands reaching
Little souls speaking-
If I look long enough
Glimpses of my actions
Will be seen in
The hearts of those I love
There is no avoiding-
Praying I give more thought
To the intention
And reflections seen
Give cause to smile

Only Then

After all the leaves have fallen
And bare branches
Are covered in snow
Only then can we see
The precious homes left behind-
Homes constructed using
Carefully gathered materials
Perfectly woven in preparation
For a season of life
Lived in the trees –
A temporary season
Filled with holding
And protecting precious cargo-
Fragile eggs and then tiny birds
Chirping and eating
Sleeping and growing
Until all are ready to fly off
Into their next adventure
Leaving their home behind-
Providing an opportunity
Within their leaving
For us to wonder, reflect,
And possibly even relate

Fill in the Blank

World’s Greatest ___________
Chocolate comes to mind
Though I’m not sure that contest
Will ever have a unanimous winner
And it’s certainly not one I can enter-
Let’s keep brainstorming
Mom? Wife? Daughter? Friend?
Each of these is a tall order
And let’s face it, any trophy awarded
Can be instantly taken away
Over one sideways look-
I suppose some things should
Not be a competition
But, instead, a journey
Filled with love, joy, regrets, mistakes,
Forgiveness, grace, dirty diapers, and sleepless nights-
The list and the lessons are endless

A Little Math

When I taught elementary school, one question from students always made for interesting conversations.

How old are you, Mrs. Morris?

I would walk to the whiteboard and write a math problem. The current year minus my birth year. Once they solved the problem, they had their answer.

I’m no longer teaching, but it feels like a new math problem is in order this year. 

Our oldest son, Robert, was born on my twenty-seventh birthday. As of today, we’ve shared thirty birthdays.

Simple addition, perhaps. But an answer accompanied by exponential joy.

Happy Birthday to us!

Simply Sunday

Yesterday, we celebrated the marriage of our daughter, Rachel, and her fiance, Austen. Surrounded by family and friends, they promised to love and care for each other, no matter what.

Their smiles spoke as strongly as their words.

It was a beautifully perfect day, covered in clear blue skies, heartfelt vows, and love expressed for the happy couple.

So many emotions were felt and memories made. This mom needs time to reflect. But one thing is for certain, the Father of the Bride and I could not be happier. 

More to comeā€¦ā¤ļø

Simply Sunday

We celebrated our girl with a beautiful bridal shower this weekend! Her Aunt Paula transformed our home into boho sunflower magic! And her Aunt Andrea and Cousin Hannah made sure we had lots of tasty treats. The coffee punch was especially yummy!

Watching my daughter open gifts, and listening to sweet conversations was surreal. Impossible to take it all in. Another reminder of the joyful steps on this journey.

The image in my mind is clear
Not even this misty morning
Can push it away-
You are standing
In the living room
Wearing your new
Purpley-pink cape
A crown and plastic heels-
Your precious curls
And sweet smile
Posing for a picture
But I see more than a picture
I’m suddenly back in time
Sitting on the couch
Smiling back at my sweet girl-
Another shift, and I am
Once again seated
Watching you in amazement
Precious curls and a sweet smile
No longer wearing dress-up clothes
Now, standing in your wedding dress
A beautiful bride, always my sweet girl

Toward Home


Brave steps
Only a few
Before glancing
Back toward home-
Home, that place
Of security
Holding and pushing
A beautiful ebb and flow-
You are seeking
Freedom
Independence
While she watches
Searching for the balance
Between protecting
And letting go
It’s not an easy trek
But wrapped in love
The path will show itself-
Your head tilts slightly
Curiosity taking its
Rightful Place
In your thoughts
She smiles curiously
Joy taking its
Rightful Place
In her heart

What is Love?

It begins
With a clear
Statement
Of rules and
Regulations-
Wait.
Is that right?
I don’t think
That sounds right

A newborn baby
Senses it
Responds to it
Before comprehending
The security
That will grow
From a foundation
Built on trust

Parents express it
With gestures
And words
Unconditional
Yet, still growing
In their understanding
Of its power
As it is received
Without question-

What is love?
It is a commitment
To the messy
And the beautiful
The Unexpected
And the routine
As simple as your smile
And the light in your eyes
Washing away my fears