It's the way you take care of your mama, even when you think you're not.

It's a tight morning hug even when you wake me up early as heck.

It's you begging for early snuggles before the coffee has finished brewing.

It's the noise -- oh my goodness, the noise -- that pierces the quiet and reminds me of just how alive my home is.

It's your constant questions, and endearing curiosity about the things and people you see and what you hear said.

It's your desire for constant attention and willingness to give me the same.

It's your eyes that, whether I like it or not, are fixated on me and my every move.

It's the way I am your everything and also the person that must give you everything -- not everything you want, but everything you need -- to grow into a great adult.

It's all pretty exhausting, but more than that, it's living-giving and fulfilling.

It's the way you take care of your mama, even when you think you're not.

It's

the looks,

the smiles,

the laughter,

the appropriately-timed tears,

the hugs,

the scares,

the tickles,

the jokes,

the lap-sitting,

and

the hand holding.

It's the affection -- so much warmth.

It's the way you take care of your mama, even when you think you're not.

It's the way you take care of your mama, even when I think you're not.

It's the way you unknowingly take care of me, in so many ways, that gives me the strength to care of you.