I originally saw this poem as a vision of romantic love. I purchased it from the Mary Anne Radmacher store in Cannon Beach, OR several years ago ... I hung it in Pat's bedroom just before he arrived to live in Washington. I still see it as a vision of romantic love, but since then, my understanding of endless love has grown.
Since our marriage, it has occupied many different locations in our home. Most recently, I added it to the guest bathroom around the time we painted it yellow in anticipation of Graham's arrival. I look at it while I am perched on the edge of the bathtub grumbling internally as Graham asks me to read him another book while he goes potty. I look at it while I'm brushing his teeth ... washing his hands ... and after I put them both to sleep.
Think on these things and tell me if they don't [at least somewhat] adequately describe the wonderful transformation that occurs in the heart of a parent:
I didn't know I would hold you so dearly ...
I want to still the waters while you enjoy the image of your boundless curiosity ...
... your enduring promise ...
... all beginnings and all exquisite ends.
