I don't have children or really plan to, but this made me incredibly emotional. Spent probably ten minutes just crying and re-reading. The honesty, the direct address to the child, the slow unfolding of each line. Absolutely wonderful. It hit at the mother wound for me. Being a parent is not easy, and raising a child feels Sisyphean, but being reminded of the unconditional aspect of love--the willingness to admit that the labor of love is difficult but that you will do it regardless--is very healing, especially coming at this as someone who is never sure if their mother really loves them more than she regrets the circumstances that resulted in her motherhood. Loved this story. It will probably be one that I revisit often. Big hugs, Nell<3