I love thee

I have been meaning to write this post for some time. Since tomorrow is Mother's Day, I thought it was about time I got down to it. A friend came over dinner with her daugther a month or so ago. She brought a DVD that included classic poems narrated by famous actors that involved illustrations for children. She insisted we watch one of the poems, which she said made her cry earlier. I, of course, agreed to watch it and prior to watching thought to myself, this will be nice but probably not as impactful enough to make me cry (I mean come on that takes a lot). I did not cry but was blown away. (Thanks Erin for making me watch it).

I can say with certainity (this is no indication of how much I love Pearson) that the poem, How Do I Love Thee?, didn't resonate as deeply or purely with me until I had Mae. And I don't believe that I have heard it since having Mae. The poem has taken on an entirely new meaning after becoming a mom. I think there really are no words to explain it so I will just let the poem speak for itself.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning