christine and her mother, Sandy on mothers day

Mother’s Day: A Song for Mom

by

You Were There

Verse 1
I can see you
Running beside my bicycle
Holding me up as I try balancing by myself
I can see you
Making the meals and making ends meet
Soup on the stove, snow days at home
Love in my lunch box wrapped around a treat
   And through all my days of playing outside
   The door was open wide
Chorus
You were there
You always made a place for me
You were there
In ways I could and couldn’t see
And I only made it here ‘cause you were there
Verse 2
I can see you
Driving me everywhere I needed to go
Steady and safe, never afraid
Knew I was always gonna get back home
And I can see you
When it was time for going my own way
You let me leave and let come back
Never a question of where I would stay
    For a place to land and time to be
    I could always turn the key
Chorus
You were there
You always made a place for me
You were there
In ways I could and couldn’t see
And I only made it here ‘cause you were there
Verse 3
I can see you
Standing beside my bed at night
Saying “give it a rest, just close your eyes
Wait ’til the morning, it’ll be all right”
    When I couldn’t see beyond that door
    I always knew for sure
Chorus
You were there
In ways I could and couldn’t see
You were there
You always made a place for me
Bridge
And if ever you look back
     and wonder where the days have gone
     Oh if ever you forget all of the good that you have done
     Just remember that you haven’t missed a thing
You were there
You were there
And I only made it here ‘cause you were there

I wrote this song for my mother. She will turn 80 this year. I wanted to remember her and remind her of the ways in which she showed up for me.mother's day song

My picture of Mom from childhood is one of constancy. I had no fear of her not being home at the end of the school bus ride or a long day playing outside.

She was always there. Even when she had to go back to work after divorcing my dad. A tough choice that she made for her 3 kids. When we were young, Mom drove us everywhere we wanted and needed to go. Whether on a one-day trip to the beach or a quick visit to the mall, she drove with steadiness and safety. I never had a doubt that we would get to where we were going.

mother's day
My mom, Sandy, holding her 13th great-grandchild

Eventually, I went to college far from home. Even then, she drove me to and from many times. And HOME was always there. A place for me in the summer months and on holiday breaks. I never questioned whether or not I was welcome. Mom offered a bed to sleep in and food to eat. Coffee to drink and a place to think.

Mom, I honor and thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am today if you had not been there, where you always were.

 

14 thoughts on “Mother’s Day: A Song for Mom”

  6. My song would be more like, “thank you Mom for abandoning me and not believing in me because I would not be the strong and powerful woman I am today.” Christine, your mother loved you no matter what. And you know only that. Her sacrifice for her children and you is a gift and purpose from God. It’s taken me a long time to realize that I am a child of God……and only that matters. I cannot lament the past or be jealous of you and a loving mother….amplify it in your song. Please sing this out loud. Yes my mother tried, leaving notes on my lunch napkins in the fourth grade but her demons got the best of her. I will remember her goodness and forgive the rest. Your mother deserves this song…..please let me hear it in your voice……..thinking about those if us who desperately wanted a mother like yours…..

    Reply

    • Tress, I am sad to hear of your experience with your mother. I am glad you can remember her goodness and forgive her for the rest.

      Reply

  7. Really nice writing about your mom, Chris. I remember where you guys lived on the corner of Horseshoe Rd and Mt Sidney Rd (I think….it’s been so many years). And I remember my brother and I visiting you & Ginny & David there. I have only just started to read some of your writing and I like it very much. Always liked the music of Out of the Grey as well! And those lyrics for mom….well, yes, I agree with everyone else…. 🙂 I would love to hear it recorded…
    Much Love,
    Sue (Thomas) Winder <3

    Reply

    • Thank you, Sue, and yes, you got it-the big red house right on the corner there! I was on google maps the other day looking at the old neighborhoods and trying to find that area where you lived not far from us. Thanks for reading and for commenting (:

      Reply

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