From my father,
I learned a man could be just as happy
with a daughter, as with a son.

From my mother,
I learned a woman could have a career and family,
with a husband’s help at home.

From my brother,
I learned to share the love of Mom and Dad—
that love received from one does not take it from the other.

From my husband,
I’m learning to share my life,
even as we build one together.

From my daughter,
I’ve learned that one can teach themselves patience,
because of the love they have for the one who tests it.

From my friends,
I am learning to open up,
like the Lavender “Provence Blue.”

From my Lord,
I’m learning still, everything I need
to help these other relationships succeed.