Growing Pains

Bitter goodbyes wrap up the past
In boxes lovingly labeled as growing pains.
No longer will I hold the comfort of others
In higher regard to my life and my children,
For they deserve a warrior for a mother
And not a coward.
I've stood too long in the fire
Thinking I deserved the way it turned me to ash.
Grace holds me tenderly,
As my heart lifts up my voice.
Stronger.
Just a little stronger.