It seems like only days ago 
a stranger walked into my life... 
Blue eyes filled with fear and doubt; 
afraid to meet her father's "wife". 

But then, to both of our surprise, 
the walls just seemed to melt away... 
Replaced by deepening bonds of trust 
and love that brightened each new day. 

The time we spent together seemed 
to fly away so rapidly, 
That when we had to let you go, 
I said "good-bye" to a part of me... 

And since that time I've often thought 
and wished you mine so selfishly, 
And dreamed the dreams most mothers do 
that slip beyond reality. 

For you have truly graced my life 
as gently as the light of dawn. 
And so your shadow haunts this place 
Those many months when you are gone. 

If I could give you just one thing 
to help you through the maze of years- 
To find the path that suits you best 
and keep you safe from hurts and fears- 

It would be this...and this I'll say, 
"In years to come, I hope you see 
To take as yours the smallest bit 
of all the joy you've given me." 

For richness lies within the heart, 
As true gifts do upon this earth... 
So hold them dear, as I do you - 
As if you'd been my own, from birth... 

Poem by Roxanne Tracey