[Verse 1] The week we moved, the rent came due, Your coat still hung beside my empty shoes. I reached to call and ask what I should do, Then held the phone and faced the silent room. I miss you, Mom; I’m learning how to grieve, While morning pulls the darkness from the sky. There’s paperwork beside an unpaid bill; The world moves on; I’m finding ways to heal. The thoughts all cross and tangle in my mind, All day, all night, with no clear path to find. I try to read the letter in my hand, Then start again until I understand. [Pre-Chorus] My sister knocks; I let her come inside. She asks me how I am. This time, I try: “I need some help. I’m scared I’ll fall right through.” She takes a chair: “We’ll find the next step, too.” [Chorus] One breath, one bill, one shift at a time, Learning how to build a life that’s mine. Some days, all I manage is the start; Some days, I work with grief inside my heart. The doubts still rise; I’m here as well, Finding words for what I couldn’t tell. I miss you, Mom, through every little climb— I’m getting through, one shift at a time. [Verse 2] We call the clinic; I forget my name, Then say it twice, my face alive with shame. The person listening gives me time to speak; We make a plan to meet again next week. I write appointments on the kitchen wall, And save a number in case I call. We try new tools, talk through what feels wrong; Some changes help; some changes take long. I start with shorter shifts down at the store, My stomach turning as I cross the floor. I ask for written steps beside the till, And practise making change until I will. [Chorus] One breath, one bill, one shift at a time, Learning how to build a life that’s mine. Some days, all I manage is the start; Some days, I work with grief inside my heart. The doubts still rise; I’m here as well, Finding words for what I couldn’t tell. I miss you, Mom, through every little climb— I’m getting through, one shift at a time. [Bridge] One Thursday, someone wears your old perfume; I leave my lunch untouched inside the room. I tell my boss, “I need a little space,” Then wash my hands and cool my burning face. I finish late; a friend waits by the gate. We talk and leave the dishes till it’s late. I’m learning I can grow through every change; Some nights, I still need help to find my way. [Final Chorus] One breath, one bill, one shift at a time, There’s food at home; the rent is paid on time. The doubts still rise when I clock in; I use my plan and ask for help again. I’ve kept this job; I’m proud that I have stayed, And bought fresh flowers with the pay I made. I miss you, Mom. Your picture catches light. I set my work clothes out and say goodnight.
