I See You Mumma

I see you Mumma.

Laden with bags - groceries, parcels, school bags and the ever overflowing bag you carry filled with everything the kids might need, someday.

I see the never ending thoughts, the planning: what's for lunch? What's for dinner? What time do we need to leave for school? Who's birthday party is this weekend?

I see the juggle: how many days do I work? Who do I trust with my kids? What do they need from me? Do I care for myself or love them?

I see you Mumma.

The days are long but the years are short.

Time seems to be passing too quick, and they are growing too fast.

All I want for mother's day is to stop and adore you, hold you, love you.

Make it stop, the spinning and never ending to-do-list -- just so I can be with you, and be.

I see you Mumma.

No one could prepare you for how being a mother changed you.

The protectiveness. You're now mumma lion, protecting her cub.

The love. Unlike anything you've ever felt.

The light in their eyes that awakens your soul to be more alive.

The joy that hearing their voice brings.

I see you Mumma.

You don't notice, but you're changing the world, one nappy change at a time, one broken sleep at a time.

You're instilling strength, courage, tenacity, love and joy into the world.

What you reap you will sow.

I know you feel no one sees you Mumma.

But I do.

I see you.

Your generosity. Your selflessness. Your sacrifices.

You make the world a better place by just being in it.

You make this place home.

I know you think you're not enough.

You think you should do more, give more, provide more, love more, be more.

I know you think someone else could do better.

Whatever you have to give each day is always more than enough.

You are everything they need.

You are who they need.

You are who they love.

Cling to them. Let them show you this truth. Breathe it in. Believe me.

All strength and power to you Mumma.

Your bravery and beauty outshine them all.

May you know your worth, today and always.

Mumma bear. Tower of strength. Our refuge. Arms always open. Heart always ready to welcome them in.

I see you Mumma.

I see you.

Emily is a renowned community connector, advocate for women, Asset Based Community Development advocate and leader in her local community, recognised for her work as the Local Woman of the Year in New South Wales in 2016. She has delivered training and workshops all around Australia, empowering communities to address gender based violence and discover the inherent dignity and worth in everyone. See all previous articles and poems by Emily Messieh