This morning I abruptly awoke
To the sound of a sputtering engine 
Confused I lay there for a while 
Trying to decipher if I was really awake
I didn’t know where the sound came from 
Was it our own yard or the neighbors 
I reached behind me to feel for my husband 
His warm body still lay heavy in slumber 
The sputtering engine indeed was in our yard
I eased out of bed and crept down the stairs 
There, looking out the kitchen window 
I peered to see our oldest daughter bent over the mower
She was frustrated and confused by the look on her face 
I went to discuss the situation with her 
My husband had been having a rough week
Already tired and worn from the work of multiple jobs
She had hoped to surprise him with a fresh cut lawn 
She had somehow flooded the engine
And compacted the grass around the blades 
Even though I explained none of the mowing was necessary 
She was adamant that it was getting done, and only by her
For Dad
So I opted to help with things and get out of her way 

All of her life, I have taught her independence 
To rely on no partner for anything 
Not necessarily with words, but in action 
Until, 
I met my husband 
She had never witnessed me lean on anyone 
I had been both roles at all times 
Mom and dad, the woman and the man 
In her eyes there was nothing 
Her mom couldn’t and wouldn’t do 
If I didn’t know how, I would figure it out 
Until, 
I met my husband 
Life never asked me or us if we were tired
Or if we wanted to be soft and dainty 
There was no time for feminity 
Until, 
I met my husband 
Although I offered for myself or one of her brothers 
Who could and would most definitely help 
We could all at the very least take turns 
She simply refused and said she wanted to do it 
For Dad
So I stayed outside with her and watched
Bringing her water and making her take breaks 
As she mowed each section of the yard 
My once baby girl had now become my likeness 
A strong-willed young woman amongst men
Until, 
I met my husband 
Now, we weren’t acting out of survival 
This was mere love and gratitude 
For her Dad
My Husband