A Special Thank You
Janet Ackerman (my mom)
Mom, you have been there, forever.
Thru all of my thick and my thin.
You’ve helped me over and over and over,
And over and over again.
So often I’d made you discouraged.
I’d angered you! Saddened you too.
I’m sure that I lacked in my thank you’s.
For all you continue to do.
I appreciate all of your helpings.
My struggle has not been alone.
I hope in the process you’re learning,
‘Bout this boy who you’ve really not known.
I pray that the worst is behind us.
That favor is what lies ahead.
That happiness lies in our pathways.
Wherever it is we are led.
Today I am bursting with pleasure.
The future seems brighter than ever.
Like I used to get ‘round Christmas time.
To feel this good, I don’t think ever.
I finally will have me an outlet.
A break from my life, being me.
A feeling of brand new adventure.
A feeling of being set free.
Thank you so much for your helping.
In my eyes you have never looked greater.
I hope that this thing brings us closer.
And hope that it’s sooner, not later.
I’ll never forget what you did here.
I’ll do my best making you proud.
This is my thanks, for your generous heart.
For standing out bright in my crowd.
Who knows, someday, I just might make it.
And maybe come into some money.
Me buying you a new car or a home.
Now wouldn’t that truly be funny.
Believe in me just a bit longer.
I think I am close to a hit.
The proof, as they say’s in the pudding.
The glove is beginning to fit.
The high you have gave me is thrilling.
I can’t tell you what you have gave.
The life that it felt was so empty.
Is a life I’m now anxious to save.
I will share this with Robbie and Gary.
With Lyle and Linda and Jon.
I believe it will bring us all closer.
This bike that I, soon will be on.
I am anxious to go back to work, now.
To get me an income again.
To see that my promise is granted.
That things aren’t the same as they’ve been.
Me and Lori are going to go riding.
Me and Jeff, soon and likewise with Aaron.
A whole new adventure has opened for me,
Where before I was sad and despairin’.
I know that I often seem selfish.
I am, but I try not to be.
All my life I been so desperately trying,
To change from the old screwed up me.
My heart is moving toward Jesus.
At a faster and steadier rate.
I’m writing the poems that I’m feeling.
It’s something I feel, cannot wait.
Don’t know, really, just how to do it.
I’m trying the best I know how.
To thank you for helping me do this.
Sincerely, completely, and now!
I love you, despite where we differ.
I thank God and pray for your being.
I pray that your vision include mine.
That you see things like I have been seeing.
It’s important that you give me your blessing.
Please don’t let me feel, you’ve regret.
I know you have reason to doubt me.
Like our dad, I’ve succeeded, not yet.
My future has something exciting.
I know it and feel it, be true.
I’m going to start making it somewhere,
With this poetry thing that I do.
If I ever accomplish successful,
If I reach that illustrious day,
You’ll be the first one, on the top of my list,
Of the people I want to repay.
Mom, I could go on here, forever.
There’s enough to digest for this time.
Time that I give me a break here.
To end this appreciative rhyme.
You’re deep in my heart and my feelings.
You’re there when I bow down and pray.
Thanks for the light that you lit in my life.
Thank you for helping this way.