mom e.

it's coconut shampoo and
peanut chicken salad,
the kind with the crunchy Raman noodles
and toasted almonds and sesame seeds
that let me know she loves me.
it's cut up salami and Fuji apples
paired with smeared bleu cheese
that lets me know she hears and speaks my language.
mom english has always been gifted with
hospitality and kindness,
a keen ability to take the time to
know the little wishes of those around her
and serve without question.
never mind she has piercing pain
that shoots up and down her legs,
the age old blight of arthritis.
never mind that her eyes are searing and clouded over
from the past days of pollen
blanketing the air and not enough rain
to drive it out-
she still chooses thoughtfulness and unselfishness
over self.
she works more than one job,
not only just fulfilling the standard requirements,
but going above and beyond what is asked of her
[which can be a lot at times]
she is not just an employee to those 
who are her authorities-
she is family. 
she loves the least of these, 
a voice for those who can't speak. 
she takes time to educate, 
to teach the little ones,
so that they might grow up into 
capable adults. 
i am always learning from her.
how to laugh and not allow life to 
throw my undies in a bunch.
she knows where the sun shines the brightest
and takes me there.
she loves a good tropical drink, 
as well as one[or two or three] glasses
of the choicest of wines. 
she teaches me to love without complaint. 
to take life as it comes and 
serve quietly and graciously. 
whether it is her husband,
[who is respected and honored
beneath her care],
the little girl down the street,
[who although does not speak much, 
her eyes and delight cannot be misunderstood
beneath her care]
or even the student 
[who although does not have an ample amount
of attention span, 
expands beneath her care]
whoever it is,
she will harvest, invest, and pour
knowing well she represents Christ in
all she does, 
and those around her leave feeling more 
loved than when they first
arrived.
i would know.
i now know where all the sunniest spots are.
they are right where 
she is.