He saw the birthday cards I sent, The games, the miles, the years. He saw me try to make a place Where everyone belonged here. And somewhere just beyond my sight, I've always held this hope: He saw me loving Debbie's children— And so did she. I'm sure She sees the children that she carried. She sees the man she loved. She sees her sisters and her family, All of those she left behind. She sees the children born since then, The lives she couldn't stay to see. I won't pretend to know her thoughts. But I believe She sees. He saw me. And so did she. Through all those years of trying I've lived remembering she was there A mother on the other side. A mother who still cares. I never wanted to replace her. Never wanted less of her for me. I only wanted to be one more heart To hold the children she couldn't hold— And I have always hoped She saw . . . . Eight children in one family now, And twenty-eight grandchildren too. Some came from her, some came from me, But love doesn't have to choose. I've always pictured both of us Wanting every one Surrounded here and there by people Praying, cheering, loving them. You can never have too many hearts Wanting good things for your child. So I trusted she'd love and advocate for mine. From her side of the veil The way I've tried to love hers here, And do for them what she can no longer do Maybe I got things wrong sometimes. Maybe she would have done things differently. I don't know. And I won't speak for her. But I know what I intended. I wanted her children blessed. I wanted her grandchildren loved. I wanted them to have One more person in their corner— Never one less. And somewhere deep inside, I've always hoped She'd want the same for mine. He saw me. And so did she. That's what I've remembered Through these seventeen years. Another mother still connected To the people we hold dear. No competition. No replacement. No need for love to choose. Just more people loving her children. What could possibly be lost By having more love in the room? He saw me. And I have always lived With the thought That she could see me too. And now, while everything is broken, I believe she sees this too— Every heart, every hurt, every side, What each one has lived through. I won't declare what she is thinking, Or guess what words she'd say— I only trust she sees the whole In ways none of us can today. Not knowing what she thinks. Not declaring what she'd say. Just believing she sees all of us From where she is today. Her children will always be her children— And I've tried, on this side of the veil, To love them The way I would hope Someone would love mine. He Saw Me And so did She
