For Alyssa Poem by Pearl L Johns

Just yesterday you were an imp of a girl
Then I blinked and I turned around
And that little imp of a girl was all grown.
A beautiful woman with children of her own.

Treasure each day with these children of yours
Play Glenda to Chelsea’s Dorothy as you play pretend Wizard of Oz.
Embrace every sticky handed hug and peanut butter and jelly kisses.
Listen to their hopes, their dreams, their fears and their wishes.

Throw off your shoes and dance in the rain
Then chase for the rainbow that comes out with the sun again.
Lay on your back and make shapes out of the clouds up above.
Feel your heart fill with joy at the gift of a child’s love.

Life isn’t easy when you have to be the grownup.
It can be hard, full of hurt; it can be full of pain.
Take happiness where you find it in the littlest of places
Such as looks of wonder upon your little children’s faces.

Never doubt that you have courage even when you feel fear.
For only a fool never feels fear.
True courage is doing what you must to keep moving along
Having faith that God above will help you be strong.

You have great strength flowing through the blood in your veins.
Call on that strength when you fill overwhelmed with pain.
If you ever feel like you’ve hit the bottom of the well of despair
Then pick yourself up and start off anew with a prayer.

Treasure your parents; tell them you love them every day.
No matter how old you are, you are still one of their babies even today.
Bring your mom flowers, even if it’s just a wild one out of the yard.
To show her you care cause you know her life is sometimes hard.

And as you lay your children down to sleep at the end of the day
Count all the blessings that have come your way.
Make each day special; find something to be thankful for
And tomorrow will bring you blessings even more.