For My Babies

by Nicolya’ Jones

From the day I knew you were on the way, I was afraid for you
Would I be able to care for you? Could I possibly love you enough?
Would I be a good friend to you? Could I show you unconditional love?
I’ve never thought of myself capable of loving you as much as I do.
You are a part of me, a memory and my future all wrapped up into one.
You are a chance at something great and I look forward to your success.

I signed on to leave you when I thought I never could
With the dream of giving you better, of making your life good.
I struggled to become someone I’ve never thought I could be
I learned discipline, warrior skills, and even broke my body
I learned to be strong for you, myself and others
All to be able to give you what I know you deserve.

Today, my sons, my daughter, I am thankful for you being such an amazing part of my life
I pray I gave you memories to love and taught you how to dream big
With honor I say I’m proud to be your mother, your friend, your soldier
For you and my country, my life I will surely give.
Remember me when I’m gone and know that what I did was all for you.
When it’s all said and done, my greatest honor will be to have laid down my life for you.

Love,
Mommy
(#FlyHighKenyon)

Nicolya’ Jones is an active duty paralegal specialist who has been in the Army for 6 years. She is the mother of three children. On September 11, 2015, her teenage son Kenyon Givens Jr. was killed on Fort Riley by a friend in what appears to have been an accidental shooting. Nicolya’ has been writing for over 20 years; it is her outlet.