Love you forever

 

When I was little, one of my favourite stories was "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. My mom used to read it to me, but instead of just straight reading it, she would always sing the chorus.

 

"I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as you're living,

My baby you'll be."

 

I loved that book because it was poignant and and moving, and, even as a kid, I loved a great story.

 

The story goes through the life of a mom and her son; as he grows up, his mom can't help herself, and sneaks into his room to rock him and sing to him.

 

"I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living,

My baby you'll be."

 

It's the story about a particular mom and her son, but it's also the story of many, many mothers and their children. The story of maternal bonds that can't be broken by age, distance, illness, or even death.

 

 

When my mom used to read the story to me, her beautiful voice singing the famous chorus, I knew she was speaking about our relationship. I knew she was speaking directly to me.

 

It's the ending that always brought, and still brings, tears to my eyes. The mama was old and sick, and the son that she'd cradled woke up, drove across town, went to his mom, held her, rocked her and sang:

 

"I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living,

My mommy you'll be."

 

Things didn't exactly work out for me the way they did in the book. I won't get to take care of my mom the way the son in the book took care of his when she got old and sick. Although I'll never get to repay her for those bedtime stories, those lullabies, that amazing childhood, I know one thing: as long as I'm living, my mommy she'll be.

 

Tonight, before your son or daughter goes to bed or your mom leaves from the amazing dinner you made her, read the story. But instead of just reading the chorus, sing it.

 

I promise, it'll stay with you a long time. Maybe forever.

 

Happy Mother's Day.