**“Epitome of Love (A Swoonsong for Mom)”**

**Verse 1:**  
April morning, Rex Hospital light  
First breath, I saw your smile, changed both our lives  
You called me your first true love, your son  
Then you grew our family, made it a home  
Will and Camp by my side,  
And all the stories you’d unfold  
From Grandma Kaye and Granddad Don—  
Christmas magic in Wake Forest, feeling I belong  
Gene, John, and Fran,  
They loved me like their own  
Every heart in this family  
Beats because of you, Mom

**Pre-Chorus:**  
You showed me how to build a life  
With grit and kindness intertwined  
Watched you shine in Raleigh, lead the way  
Taught me working hard is never enough—  
You gotta lead with love

**Chorus:**  
Merry Christmas, Mom, you’re the heart that pulls us through  
From Wake Forest to Charlotte skies,  
You’ve held the family glue  
Stacking rocks or shooting hearts—I’m always thinking of  
How you taught me, how you raised me  
You’re the epitome of love  
Momma-Dukes, you’re the epitome of love

**Verse 2:**  
Morning rides to elementary, waving as you’d go  
Cupid arrows flying back,  
Just so you’d know  
You picked me up when life got heavy, never let me fall  
Drove me to ECU,  
You were there through it all  
And now when I feel lost or small  
I hear your voice, reminding me  
The best days are still to come

**Pre-Chorus:**  
You built your dreams, you built our hope  
You’re steady through each high and low  
The reason we believe in better days  
And even though Gene’s gone,  
His laughter fills our home  
He’s here this Christmas—he’s never, ever gone

**Chorus:**  
Merry Christmas, Mom, you’re the heart that pulls us through  
From Wake Forest to Cali sun,  
You’ve held the family glue  
Stacking rocks or shooting hearts—I’m always thinking of  
How you taught me, how you raised me  
You’re the epitome of love  
Momma-Dukes, you’re the epitome of love

**Bridge:**  
So here’s to all you’ve carried,  
To all the love you give  
To every sacrifice you made  
So your family could live  
And if I ever doubt myself,  
I just look at you and see  
How strong, how bright, how boundless  
Love is meant to be

**Chorus (repeat/final):**  
Merry Christmas, Mom, you’re the heart that pulls us through  
From Wake Forest to everywhere,  
We’re grateful, me and all your crew  
Stacking rocks or shooting hearts—I’m always thinking of  
How you taught me, how you raised me  
You’re the epitome of love  
Momma-Dukes, you’re the epitome of love  
Merry Christmas, Mom—  
You’re the epitome of love