Those Teenage Years
When you were 13,she suggested a haircut that was becoming.You thanked her by telling her she had no taste.When you were 14,she paid for a month away at summer camp.You thanked her by forgetting to write a single letter.When you were 15,she came home from work,looking for a hug.You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked.When you were 16,she taught you how to drive her car.You thanked her by taking it every chance you could.When you were 17,she was expecting an important call.You thanked her by being on the phone all night.When you were 18,she cried at your high school graduation.You thanked her by staying out partying until dawn.
Growing Old and Gray
When you were 19,she paid your college tuition,drove you to campus,carried your bags.You thanked her by saying good-bye outside the dorm so you wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of your friends.When you were 20,she asked whether you were seeing anyone.You thanked her by saying,“It’s none of your business.”When you were 21,she suggested certain careers for your future.You thanked her by saying,“I don’t want to be like you.”When you were 22,she hugged you at your college graduation.You thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to Europe.When you were 23,she gave you furniture for your first apartment.You thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.When you were 24,she met your fiance and asked about your plans for the future.You thanked her by glaring and growling,“Muuhh-ther,please!”When you were 25,she helped to pay for your wedding,and she cried and told you how deeply she loved you.You thanked her by moving halfway across the country.
When you were 30,she called with some advice on the baby.You thanked her by telling her,“Things are different now.”When you were 40,she called to remind you of a relative’s birthday.You thanked her by saying you were“really busy right now.”When you were 50,she fell ill and needed you to take care of her.You thanked her by reading about the burden parents become to their children.And then one day she quietly died.And everything you never did came crashing down like thunder.“Rock me baby,rock me all night long.”“The hand who rocks the cradle...may rock the world.”