I love you mom [poem]

When you were 12 she told
you not

to watch certain TV shows. You thanked

her by

waiting until she left the house.



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.



When you were 19, she paid for 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 25, she helped to pay for

your

wedding, and she cried and told you how

deeply

she loved you. You thanked her by moving

half way across the country.



When you were 50, she asked for help.

You thanked her by writing a book about

how annoying parents are.





Then, she died.

Then you realized that you took her for

granted.