The Truth Is I’m A Mother Hen

The truth is, I’m a mother hen. I never feel better than when all my chicks are safely tucked in at night. I kiss four warm foreheads and my heart prays a prayer that doesn’t need any words because God already knows. I love watching them there in the stillness, wrapped in blankets, and breathing deep, long, peaceful breaths. Tonight they’re safe.

I know I can’t keep them here forever. I know that as each year goes by they grow and become the people they’re meant to be. I know it and it gives me so much joy to watch it, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s hard.

It’s the most wonderful, hard thing I’ve ever done.

It’s hard to let them go little by little, day by day. It’s hard to let them go from my belly, then my chest, then my hand, then my table, then my house.

As each year goes by they need me a little less. They get bigger and I get smaller.

I let them go, little by little, day by day. I know it’s my job to protect them, but it’s also my job to let them fly.

So for now I will cherish these nights with all of them sleeping under my roof and all the pieces of my heart in one place. I will cherish it because I know that these days are numbered.

I’m just a mother hen, that’s the truth.

*via Wonderoak by Jess Johnston