Zebra Seeking Spoons

There are not enough words
to thank you for all the ways
you have carried me through this life.

When chronic illness changed my path,
you didn’t turn away.
You stepped closer.

You sat beside me in doctor’s offices,
held my hand through uncertainty,
and listened when I was too exhausted
to explain my pain one more time.

You became my advocate
when I didn’t have the strength to speak,
my courage when fear took over,
and my steady ground
when everything felt like it was falling apart.

You have seen the tears
behind the brave face,
the grief behind the smile,
and the exhaustion hidden beneath the words
“I’m okay.”

And still, you stayed.

Thank you for every ride to an appointment,
every meal prepared on a difficult day,
every text asking how I’m feeling,
and every sacrifice made so quietly
that I sometimes forget how much they cost you.

Thank you for believing me.

For believing my pain,
my symptoms,
my struggles,
and my dreams—even when my body made them harder to reach.

You have celebrated the smallest victories with me
because you understand how hard they were won.

You have mourned the losses with me
without ever letting me lose hope.

When I could only see what chronic illness had taken,
you gently reminded me
of what still remained.

Your love has been a refuge.

Your strength has been a shelter.

Your faith in me has been a light
through some of my darkest days.

I wish you could see yourself
through my eyes.

You would see a woman whose compassion knows no limits,
whose heart is fierce and unwavering,
and whose love has carried me farther
than I could have gone alone.

Living with chronic illness is not a journey
I would have chosen.

But if I had to walk this road,
I am endlessly grateful
that I get to walk it with you beside me.

Thank you, Mom,
for being my caregiver,
my advocate,
my safe place,
and my greatest supporter.

More than anything,

thank you for being my mother.