Mother, You Planted the Seed.

Like a garden you nurtured me'

As a child, when I scraped my knee
You taught me how to dress my wounds

You planted the seed of Independence

When other children called me names
You taught me 'sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words will never hurt me'

You planted the seed of Self-worth

As a frustrated teenager 'with nothing to wear'
You taught me to look through fashion magazines, and mix and match the clothes already in my closet.

You planted the seed of Creativity

I remember sitting in the stadium with you at Dad's football games
Listening to the fair weather fans
Sometimes supportive and many times not
You taught to always stand proud with dignity and respect.

You planted the seed of Forgiveness.

When I attended Spelman College, you gave me my freedom
But when I needed you, you were just a road trip away

You planted the seed of Self- Confidence

When I wept, saying, ' medical school was too hard'
You told me it was okay to cry, but to never stop studying
The textbook pages are still wrinkle from the tears, but the sign outside my office reads 'M.D.'

You planted the seed of Perseverance

When I married and had children
You taught me how to manage career and family
And to know that there will never be a perfect balance
Family always comes first

You planted the seed of Unselfishness



During your illness, you would moan 'Oh Lord, Oh Lord'
Teaching me to call on the Almighty God

Now even in your Death, you have planted the foundational seed of Life


You taught me to become the woman I am today, and have planted the seed for who I will be tomorrow.
My only hope is that the flower you have nurtured will bloom to be as beautiful as you.

Mother, You Planted the Seed.