When you were 3 months old, she fed, bathed and changed you.
You thanked her by crying all night long.
When you were 1 year old, she taught you how to walk.
You thanked her by running away when she called you.
When you were 5, she bought you a new outfit for the holidays.
You thanked her by falling into a mud pudding.
When you were 10, she drove you to and from your friend’s places.
You thanked her by jumping out of the car, and never looking back.
When you were 13, she took you and your friends to the fair.
You thanked her by asking her to stay away from you and your friends.
When you were 15, she came home from work, looking for a hug.
You thanked her by ignoring her while you texted 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 25, she helped pay for your wedding, cried and told you how much 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 you to remind you about the family reunion.
You thanked her by saying you were “Really busy, and wouldn’t make it.”
When you were 50, she fell ill, and needed you to help take care of her.
You thanked her by reading about how parents can become a burden.
And then, one day, she quietly passed away.
Then, everything you never did came crashing down on you like thunder.
If there’s still time, don’t you have someone that you really should call?
