I know I say it a lot, “I love you.” Sometimes I say it numerous times throughout the day. Some people will say it loses value if you speak it too much, but I think those people don’t know why I say it.
I say “I love you” because I’m your mother, and for me the words just come. In fact, I don’t think I could stop them if I tried. When I look at your beautiful face the phrase just falls out, and it’s as natural to me as inhaling my required life’s breath.
When I watch you run, when I watch you play, when I watch you sleep; I say it. When I watch you grow taller and more lovely before my very eyes, I say it. And even when you can’t hear me, I say then too. I have to say it. As your mom I have to say it.
As your mom I am your biggest cheerleader and most loyal supporter. Even when you fail I root for you. Then I show you how to not fall quite so hard the next time.
As your mom I would lay down my life to protect you from harm, and I would go to any length to defend you when you’re wrongfully accused. But when you are wrong I’ll let you know about it first. You might not like me then, but still I will say, even as you glare at me, “I love you baby.”
As your mom I will sacrifice my time, my body, and any semblance of a normal life that I once held. I will exchange it for a life with you. Gladly.
As your mom I will get angry sometimes, and occasionally I will say something I don’t really mean. But it will never carry the same weight of my other words. My every action will tell you how I feel. I will say, “I’m sorry,” and I will also proclaim, “I love you.”
As your mom I will lead you, guide you, and protect you, but I will also teach you that although you can depend on me, your true strength is found in The Lord.
As your mom I will always, and I mean always, hold you when you are hurt. I will wipe away every tear, and I will feel it like it is my own. I honestly won’t be able to fix everything that causes you pain, but I will say, “I love you.”
And although my words won’t move mountains or make your life instantly better, they will carry a weight of truth that you will never know or understand. Until you become a mother, that is. Because when I say “I love you” it’s not just a phrase, and it’s not a compilation of empty words. When I say it, as your mother, I am simply speaking the volumes that my heart holds.
You see, I could write on for years how much you mean to me, and my hand would never stop making the words to describe what lengths I would go to for you. But instead I say what just comes natural to my mommy heart when I think about you.
I say, “I love you.”
And that is why.