By Jessica Urlichs
I get it. I get all of it.
The screams, the tears, the tantrums.
Your bottom lip drops and your eyes brim with emotions.
Sometimes you even turn away from me.
That one rips my heart in two.
Then the sun will peek through and the smiles will come for Daddy and I’ll be left here in the storm puddles.
I feel your pain because I’m also tired and torn, but I get it now.
I’m that place for you.
When you have a scary dream and you call “Mummy’ because my hugs and the sound of my voice breathes confidence into you.
The one that always has its lights on with the open sign hanging in the window.
Yes, you can air your laundry here.
You can come in and forget to wipe your feet on the mat.
I’m the place where you can scatter your feelings about all over the floor and know that I won’t sweep them under the rug.
I know at times you try to hold it all together.
But you can unravel here, and I won’t judge you.
I’ll open my arms to you.
You can fall into them when you are ready.
You’ve just come from a place where your only expectation was to be.
Suspended in warmth and safety.
Your beautiful rhythmic heartbeat mixing in with my own.
Out here it’s different, and not everyone will look at you how I do.
Expectations will be thrown at you unfairly and at such a young age.
Not everyone will encourage you to take your time, and knowing this makes my heartache.
But I promise you this...I will.
When you lock eyes with me in the midst of the chaos, I hope you see my love.
Acceptance, familiarity, and security.
I am a safe place for you to feel.
The one whose shoulder fits your head just right.
Love is unconditional here.
Your key will always fit and I don’t keep receipts.
You’re not at your worst, you’re at your limit.
And my love for you is limitless.
I am your home.
Always know, you are safe with me.
