“Mama, make a wish.”
Sweet child, years ago, I made a wish and it came true when I had you. And now, my wishes for you are endless.
I wish you could remember how I looked at you when you were born; my soul knew yours and it was if we were finally reunited.
I hope you always know that no matter what, I will always hold your hand. Any day, any time, reach for me and I will be there.
When bad things happen, as they will in this beautiful world, I hope you are one of the workers who help either by your words or deeds.
I wish for you to know how to turn things over. It’s hard but learning to be still is what has given me strength.
I hope you never lose your sense of astonishment at the beauty of the world. Day after day, you show me the way and make me stop to enjoy the beauty of the everyday.
When people say your name, I wish for them to think of kindness and strength, bravery and courage, empathy and hard work. I hope you are a grown-up of your word.
I hope you never forget where you came from but that you seek out new places and people and adventures. It will be hard for me to watch you set sail in the world, so I wish for the strength to give you the wings to fly.
I wish I could carry you in my arms forever and hold you there, but you’re getting very heavy and my arms are growing tired. But no matter what, I hope you know I carry you in my heart. Always.
And someday, I hope you, too, know the love of a small child with eyes that catch the sun, making them look like the ocean on a stormy day. There is no greater blessing than seeing God in the face of a child.
Thanks for Mothering the Divide here tonight, my friends, and may all of your own wishes come true.