When I was small and fevered,
Eyes heavy, body weak,
She stayed up late beside me,
With cool hands and whispered words,
Read me stories into the night,
Until the monsters lost their grip.
She made me better.

When I said, “I can’t,”
When fear clutched my lungs like a fist,
She saw more in me than I could,
Spoke belief into my soul,
Tied my shoes, nudged me forward—
Refused to let me quit.
She made me better.

When I crossed the line,
When my words were sharp or selfish,
She didn’t look away.
With firm love and tear-brimmed eyes,
She corrected, shaped, forgave,
Taught me that love sets boundaries.
She made me better.

She’s gone—but not gone.
I see her in the mirror,
Hear her in my words,
Carry her in my compass
When I’m not sure what’s right.
Wherever I go—
She is with me.

And now I see her legacy
Through the eyes of other mothers:

My wife,
Loving our kids with a fierce, unshakable joy,
A honey badger wrapped in grace,
Fighting for their hearts,
Holding them when they break.
She makes them better.

My daughter,
With Mom’s wisdom tucked in her pocket,
Now raises little ones of her own,
Sharing wonder and warmth,
Passing on the quiet strength
Of those who came before.
She makes them better.

Even Jesus had a mom.
She wasn’t perfect—how could she be?
But she loved Him,
Cradled the Savior of the world,
Taught Him how to walk and speak.
And maybe—just maybe—
Mary made Him better.

When I thank God for my blessings,
I’m grateful for the mothers,
Who bind wounds and shape souls,
Who pray over cribs and never give up on us,
Who show us, more than anyone else,
What God’s love looks like
Wrapped in human skin.

David K. Carpenter
Copyright © May 10, 2025

Happy Mother’s Day

To every mom, stepmom, grandmother, mother-figure, or spiritual mom—thank you for the way you love, serve, and shape the world one soul at a time.

And to those remembering a mother who is no longer here, may today be filled not only with tears, but with warm memories, quiet joy, and the enduring presence of her love.

If this poem touched you or reminded you of a mother in your life, I’d love to hear your story in the comments below. Let’s celebrate them together.