Thank you, body.

Thank you, body, for...

walking me gently through the first 34 years of my life

for bouncing back even when I mistreated you

for nimble hands that wrote plays, stitched quilts, made free throws

Thank you, body, for...

safely delivering two babies into this world without medical interventions

long strong arms to hold my babies and show them the power of a mother's love

for breasts that nursed two children and nourished their delicate bodies and brains

Thank you, body, for...

filtering all the poisons from the air, water and food I've ingested over the years

for staying awake at the wheel when my brain shut down that night

legs that walked out despite the fear that seized my mind

Thank you, body, for...

walking me down the aisle a second time

for surrendering to love and embracing the joys of marriage

and for keen senses that appreciate beauty in all its forms

Thank you, body, for...

another chance to express my essence 

for releasing the weight that served as armor

and for showing me that it's never to late to be who I might have been