My daughter, on this day of your wedding,

I pray it will be one of your happiest.

I have been saving my gift to you for your special day

for many years, and kept it inside this hope chest.

Now, before you open it and peer inside,

there is something I must explain.

This hope chest is a gift of your mother’s heart,

material things it does not contain.

You will not find inside pots and pans

to fill the cabinets of your new kitchen.

You will, however, find prayers

that your love for one another remains genuine.

Doilies and coasters to adorn the coffee table

in your living area are pretty, it’s true.

Yet, trust and devotion create a cozy atmosphere in a home,

and these are my wishes for you.

Mixers, blenders, coffee pots, and dishes

all most certainly do have their place.

Still, my dream for you is an undying desire for your husband,

which will maintain that glow on your face.

I know that you will need a variety of linens,

sheets and towels among them.

Nevertheless, my hopes are that he will prove to be

a divine life mate for you and you for him.

Go now, and take this hope chest with you,

for I have been saving the items inside many years.

And don’t miss the one last detail, all of your mama’s love

wrapped in a hankie to dry those happy tears.