Author's Note: My mom passed away this past year, and this is my first Mother's Day without her around. I know it's hard, but I also know I'm not alone. So this is dedicated to all like me, especially the daughters, that will be facing this coming weekend without anyone to give that Mother's Day hug too.

Mother's Day Hugs

Age 1

The baby laughs and smiles

she doesn’t know what’s happening

but she gives her mother a grin.

Age 8

The little girl looks admiring at the cheap necklace

“Guess what, Mommy?” She asked, “I bought this myself, just for you!”

And gives her mom a hug and kiss.

Age 12

The girl, no longer so little, is bright with a smile

showing her mom all she had done

and reaches up for a hug.

Age 14

The teenager smiles, it doesn’t reach her eyes

She must help her mother stand up

but through the tears she proclaims, “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.”

Age 16

Through the tears there’s a glimpse of a smile there

“I love you,” the teenager says,

A Mother’s Day hug- neither one of them know it will be the last one.

Age 17

I was that girl, I try to smile

my fingers trace over portraits and memories

it’s Mother’s Day, and I’m left without anyone to hug.