Mother's Day Poem

How much do I love you and do You Know Why?

How many prayers did you give to bring me here?
How many trials did you have to endure?
How many tears when you first held me near?
How much sacrifice I want to be clear?
How many times have you hugged me so tight?
How many times have you taught me the right?
How many times checking on me in the night?
How many times pulling the covers up tight?
How many stories have you told...
Or turned up the heat when I was cold?
How many bedtime songs have you sung...
Or turned brushing my teeth into fun?

Mother I love you the width of the sky,
How much do I love you and do you know why?

How many goodnight kisses on my cheek?
How many, add ‘em up, each and every week.
How many bad dreams have you made disappear?
How much do I love you, it soon will be clear.
How many ‘owies’ have you healed with your touch?
How in the world do you do so much?
How many times have you taken me potty?
Or been so kind and loving when I was naughty?
How many times have you wiped my baby bum?
How many times, I’m so sorry I run?
How many diapers, again how many wipes?
How many times have you earned golden stripes?

Mother I love you the width of the sky,
How much do I love you and do you know why?

How much laundry Momma, yes, how many loads?
Folding the towels and all of the clothes.
How many times filling the sink with dishes?
How do you do it, your hands turned into fishes?
How many meals, yes, how many dinners?
How do yo do it being skinny and getting thinner?
How many times have you picked up my toys?
How many times with two Lil girls and one Lil boys?
How many times have you gone without?
How many times with ne’er a complaint or even a pout?
How many times have you washed my face?
How many times have you cleaned up this place?

Mother I love you the width of the sky,
How much do I love you and do you know why?

How many times have you brushed my hair?
How many times have you told Dad, please don’t swear?
How many times have you come in the night?
How many times put me back in bed or turned off a light?
How many times with us did you stay?
While Dad had to work and be far away?
How many Sacraments alone on the bench?
How many times have you worked in what seemed like a trench?
How many lessons or Family Home Evenings?
How many examples of being Christ’s teachings?
How many times have I used what you’ve taught?
How many times your advice have I sought?

Mother I love you the width of the sky,
How much do I love you and do you know why?

How many times have you worn an old dress?
How much you have given me whilst you took less.
How many times nursed me when I was sick?
How many times when I had a sliver, scratch or a nick?
How many times have you comforted me in faithful loving arms?
How much my life with You, seems to be charmed?
How many times have we gone for walks?
How many times when I just needed a talk?
How many of my faults you look pass and erase,
how many faults with just your warm embrace?
How many times when I have been gone?
O’ How many times have I just needed my Mom?

Momma I love you the width of the sky,
That much do I love you and now you know why?

-Dan Dannehl
Mother’s Day 2008