Borrowed Sons

I thought this was appropriate for how I've been feeling lately. With each year the time grows shorter with my boys, and it becomes more obvious that they will eventually leave the nest we've built for them. And now that they have a baby sister to protect, they feel even more like "big boys".

I've had four precious gifts from God, four tiny little sons.

and when my eyes first met them each, my heart was truly won.

They were perfect little miracles sent down from God above,

and given unto my care to cherish and to love.

Their first smiles were treasures to store away and keep,

along with other benefits which motherhood will reap.

I still feel quite elated with all my little boys,

and realize there is present the gift from God of joy.

I knelt down for my blessings before each babe did come,

and promised to my Mother that if I had a son,

much as I'd try to love him he'd really not be mine,

but to take him unto thy heart, the pleasure to be thine.

It's enough for me to have them, I need nothing in return,

I give them to their Mother for whom their hearts will burn.

I try to guide all their ways, to love Her all the more,

for her First Son loved her immensely, of that we can be sure.

I'm a temporary mother for all their worldly days.

and I hope they'll not forget me in all their holy ways.

For I know I'll need their prayers as I'm but a simple wife,

and I know I'll surely get them if their Mother is their life.

Modified from a poem by Pat Kafel, who asks for prayers for her son, Joe.