I hold you for the first time in the hospital
I smile for the first picture
When I look back,
You are 4 years old, riding your tricycle
I turn to get your helmet
When I turn around
You are 6
Starting your first day of kindergarten
I meet your teacher
I feel you hugging my leg
Asking me to stay
When I look down
You are 10
Finishing in 2nd place in the science fair
I take a picture
When I pull the camera away from my face
You are 13
begging for the latest fashion to fit in
I agree to one shirt
I pull out my wallet, look up, and
You are 14
Starting your first year of high school
I drop you off
After wiping a tear, I open my eyes and
You are 16
Going on your first date
I wave goodbye as you walk out the door
Your father and I exchange worried glances
When I look out the window,
You are 18
It is graduation day
I close my eyes and hug you tight
I open my eyes and
You are 23
In Chicago
It is your first day working for Microsoft
I turn around to congratulate you and
You are 28
It is your wedding day
I catch the bouquet
Through the flowers I see you sitting in a hospital bed
Holding your first child
I am the first to hold her after you
I stare into her eyes with affection
When I look up
I am in a hospital bed
Your father is holding you
The doctor greets me from my nap
and congratulates me on my new baby girl
I whisper to you,
"Never grow up"