Brittany Packnett Instagram – A special thank you to powerful writers LaTonya Yvette, Allison Yarrow, Maggie Smith @maggiesmithpoet, Brea Baker, Jen Winston, Tanya Selvaratnam, Hawa Hassan, Bianca Mabute-Louie, and Brittany Packnett Cunningham for joining us and helping us pen this love poem. There is no greater love than the hard but beautiful labor of care throughout our lives. We all should be able to be there for the people we love. Today and every day, we ask Congress to pass #PaidLeaveForAll. Who do you care for this Valentine’s Day? Valentine, I remember the sound of your very first cry as you entered the world I was there The screams like clockwork in the late afternoon as I rocked you, as I held you and then a first smile in the quiet of a warm bright morning I remember falling in love with my daughter, falling in love with my son, as difficult as those early times were Because I could be there First smile, first family outing, first laugh I remember all of these special moments Because I could be there. Valentine, I was there to take your hand as I watched your breath slow A hand that once washed me, changed me, lifted my chin, held me, raised me I held your hand when the breath stopped One long beautiful exhale. And when my own hands shook, when I needed healing, recovery to steady me, to hold myself I was there I remember how important it was to let my village support me while I supported my one pound, nine ounce baby Because they could be there.