The College Experience

**You are more beautiful than a rose, but just as a flower blooms, so shall you.**
(Written on my daughter’s first day of school)

My little one is off to college…or so it seems.

Making new friends and exploring new environments, not a single glance back as she runs off into her new world.

The thought that it’s just the first year settles my soul, but not for long.

I’m reminded of how fast the years pass and how quickly our children grow. My eldest, not far from an adult; when, just yesterday, he was 3…or so it seems.

Now she will learn to read and write, and she will grow her own mind. She will, as my others have, need me less each day. There will be times she may even pull away. Through it all, my heart she’ll have.

Friendships made and hardships fought, throughout her life. Hearts once fallen into delight, shall sometimes break. Through it all, I’ll be there.

For, no matter how old my children get, Mamí is the one person they can count on. Count on for support, encouragement, or any other help. Most of all, though, they can count on me to love them and accept them unconditionally and always.

Left alone…or so it seems…hugs and kisses, until you’re in my arms again.

Snowbird

Over the years, I have written many poems for friends, family, and other loved ones. Some celebrate special occasions or love; while others, are just because. Here is another birthday poem:

How wonderful the sounds of laughter are, that I may compare them to a snowbird’s song.

Love to sing, love to hop, and dance the light of day away.

“Come and play”, “Tickle my back”, and “Scratch my belly”, too.

The heart as pure as snow, comes with a smile to warm your heart, and a touch to melt it.

The winter months bring these delights, as they brought you to me.

Just one hug, one more kiss, to never let you go.

For as you grow, so smart and beautiful, I will miss these days so.

Everyday, you get older; but, once a year, I realize just how old you are.

If only I could keep you small, for every day to come.

Yet, age will never end the love I have for you; for, I could only love you more with time.

And, every day I have you, I celebrate with pride. But, once again, this time a year, I get to share my Snowbird’s special day with others.

So, call out the snow, because…

When winter is near, I know your birthday is here.

My First Breath

*Being a mother and an aunt are the most rewarding titles I have*.

When I started my blog, I started it with a poem I wrote for one of my nephews. Today, I dedicate this birthday poem to all of my nieces and nephews, but I have wrote it for the birthday boy, another of my nephews. In it, his name. Happy Birthday, Babys! (This is not a spelling error: it is what I call them individually and as a whole)

My First Breath

A simple heart that touched my soul…

Nephews and nieces are the breath that first gave me life.

To know my smile, is to know them.

Hours of pain wiped away with one moment with them.

On this day, one celebrates his birth.

Nothing more to say, except: I am who I am, thanks to…

YOU!

For the Love of a Seabee

No matter how far the waves carry you, no matter where the sea may take you, I will always be with you. My love, my guidance, and my prayers will be carried by the winds. Whenever you need a gentle touch of comfort, let the sea breeze touch you and the ocean waters soothe you, there I’ll be.

May the sands beneath your feet always be warm, that you may walk your path in peace. May the seas be plentiful with life, that you may always have food, friends, and love to sustain you. May your ship be strong enough to withstand any storm, that nothing is allowed to sink you. May your swim be swift and strong, that you never drown in any sorrows. And, may you always sail home safely to those who await your every return with open arms.

As you sail through life, watch every sunrise with new hope; every sunset, be grateful; and remember to capture every moment in your mind, and in your heart; then, bring back the stories for us to share.

Now, venture onto the wild seas of life…

Pave your own ways to victory!

This poem was written for my nephew, who joined the Navy and became a Seabee. I thought it would be fitting to start The Rebel Bee with a poem…from a Bee to a Seabee.