To My Children

Someday, when I'm gone,

I hope you'll remember me on my best days

I hope you'll remember when we laughed, shared a joke and smiled.

I hope you'll remember me loving you fiercely,  and hugging you tightly 

Letting you go just enough to respect you as a full grown person

But holding on enough to always be there for you

I hope you'll remember me wishing the best for you and wanting to help you

Trying so hard to step back, to let you find your way and solve your own challenges 

But wanting to take away the pain

I hope you'll remember me feeling so proud

And loving you so strong 

Someday when I'm gone, I hope you'll keep me with you

I hope you'll take me along with you

Wherever your journey through life takes you

Someday when I'm gone, I hope you'll remember that I've always been by your side

And that I still am

Someday when I'm gone, if you can remember how much I've loved you

I'll never truly be gone.