When you came into the world, she held you in her arms. You thanked her by wailing like a banshee. When you were 1 year old, she fed you and bathed you. You thanked her by crying all night long. When you were 2 years old, he taught you to walk. You thanked him by running away when he called. When you were 3 years old, she made all your meals with love. You thanked her by tossing your plate on the floor. When you were 4 years old, he gave you some crayons. You thanked him by coloring the walls of the home. When you were 5 years old, she dressed you for the holidays. You thanked her by plopping into the nearest pile of mud When you were 6 years old, he walked you to school. You thanked him by screaming, "I'M NOT GOING!" When you were 7 years old, he bought you a cricket set. You thanked him by breaking the neighbour's window. When you were 8 years old, she handed you an ice cream. You thanked her by dripping it on your new dress When you were 9 years old, she paid for music lessons. You thanked her by never even bothering to practice. When you were 10 years old, he took you around from one place to another. You thanked him by jumping out of the vehicle and never looking back. When you were 11 years old, he took you and your friends to the movies. You thanked him by asking him to sit in a different row. When you were 12 years old, she warned you to watch less TV. You thanked her by wearing glasses. 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, he paid for a month away at summer camp. You thanked him by forgetting to write a single letter. When you were 15, she came home looking for a hug. You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked. When you were 17, he was expecting an important call. You thanked him by being on the phone all day. When you were 18, she cried at your high school graduation. You thanked her by staying out with friends. When you were 19, he paid for your college tuition and drove you to campus. You thanked him by not allowing him inside the hostel. 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, he suggested certain careers for your future. You thanked him by saying, "I don't want to be like you." When you were 22, they hugged you at your college graduation. You thanked them by asking whether they could pay for further education abroad. When you were 23, he gave you furniture for your apartment. You thanked her by telling your friends your parents had no taste. When you were 24, she asked about your future plans. You thanked her by glaring and growling. At your wedding when you were 27, they told you how deeply they loved you. You thanked them by flying away from 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 wediing. 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 that rocks the cradle...may rock the world". Let us take a moment of the time just to pay tribute/show appreciation to the persons called MOM and DAD though some may not say it openly to their parents. There's no substitute for them. Cherish every single moment with them. Though at times he/she may not be the best of friends, may not agree to your thoughts, they are still your parents!!! They will always be there ...to listen to your woes, your bragging, your frustrations, etc. Ask yourself.....have you put aside enough time for them, to listen to their problems? Be tactful, loving and still show them due respect though you may have a different view from theirs. Once they are gone, only memories of the past and regrets will be left. DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE THINGS CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART. LOVE THEM MORE THAN YOU LOVE YOURSELF. "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, Loving someone deeply gives you courage." Author Unknown BACK to the Miscellaneous Archives BACK to the Newsletter