Promise Me This

My mom and I were always close
I was an only child
See, mom had lost three others
Before it clicked with me.

She called me her miracle,
"Mira" for short.
And the love in her
Was bigger than the sea.

And she'd say "Promise me this, Mira:
Enjoy your time on earth,
Always appreciate the wonder of your birth.
Promise me this Mira, don't waste a single day.
Before you know it dear, it all can fade away."

We lived a meager life,
But me I didn't really care.
When you're used to having nothing,
You don't miss the things you lack.

And Dad was a drinker, could not hold a job.
And one day, he left, and never came back.

And mom said "Promise me this, Mira:
Never make a fuss. Your father's journey, is somewhere without us.
Promise me this, Mira. Don't ever miss his touch.
It only means I get to love you twice as much.

Mom saw no limitation of dreams for me.
But she knew a good education would be the key.

So, I studied hard when I got lost, Mom encouraged me.
Then, in time a won a scholarship to the college of my choice.
Mom was so proud of me, she burst at the seams.
When she spoke I hear the passion in her voice.

She said, "Promise me this, Mira:
Don't ever look behind.
You've got a chance right now, the future's yours to find.
Promise me this, Mira don't waste a single day
Before you know it dear, it all can fade away.

A few days later, Mama fell and dropper her groceries.
But inside we both knew that something more was going on.
I prayed for a miracle, I cried myself dry.
But six weeks later Mama was gone.

Now and then I think about the things that Mama missed
But instead of tears, my heart begins to stir.
'Cause she's the one who made me see that miracles exist.
So I just smiled, and whispered this to her.

"I promise you this, Mama:
I will make it through.
'Cause now I understand, the miracle was you.
I promise you this, Mama
I won't waste a single day.
And my miracle will never fade away.