The Many Names for Mother / Father / Parent

A small child's bare feet in sand, straddled by an adult's bare feet.

Blessed is the person who feeds and warms, washes, and comforts a child and soothes them in illness.
For they shall be called caregiver.
Blessed is the person who gives shelter and food, clothing, toys, books and tools.
For they shall be called provider.
Blessed is the person who opens doors in the child's experience, who explains the puzzling and wonders at the mysterious
For they shall be called teacher.
Blessed is the person who shields a child from that which will wither or warp, who protects a child from abuse and exploitation, who guards against bullying and scorn
For they shall be called defender.
Blessed is the person who takes the time to listen, who is there for a child in the darkness, who is aware of the fears, who speaks the words of encouragement in moments of despair.
For they shall be called sustainer.
Blessed is the person who guides a child in the search for beauty, who encourages them at what is daunting who steadies them as they explore new experiences, who fires their aspirations and their dreams
For they shall be called inspirer.
Blessed are all these persons who help bring an infant along the many paths to maturity
For in them is the future well-being of humanity.