You are the only people in the world who’ve known me since the moment I took my first breath.
You gave me life.
You committed your lives to making certain that I was safe, fed, clothed and sheltered.
You taught me what you knew about this world.
You gave me pearls of wisdom, borne from a life lived in your shoes: Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I didn’t. But you loved me enough to share those pearls with me, anyway.
When I skinned my knees, you comforted me.
When I fell, you lifted me up, then taught me how to do it myself.
You took on this job of raising me, knowing that the end goal was to teach me well enough that I would be able to stand alone and let you go someday.
You always did the very best you could, with what you knew at the time: Never less. Often more.
At suppertime, you ate the chicken wings and necks: I didn’t know then that it was so I could have the meatier pieces.
You loved me so much that you were willing to risk losing my affection when you disciplined me: Being loved was secondary to you. Teaching me what I needed to know was paramount.
When I was grown, you watched me as I headed for the cliff’s edge, with love and hope and fear and a giant prayer in your heart: Some things, you knew, I had to learn for myself. The days of kissing boo-boos away were past. That must have been harder than hard.
When I succeeded, you cheered me on. When I failed, you cheered me on: You never stopped believing in me.
I’m so lucky to still have you both in my life.
Now, it’s my chance to give back to you just a tiny fraction of what you’ve given to me: Some people never have that chance. I’m glad I do.
© Janet Mitchell, August 2012
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hi Janet….just popping into to see if things are okay…I hope you’re well and happy… my best to you. : ) Kathy
Trying to get back, temporary setback…. thanks for checking in, Kathy!!
So much love and gratitude in your post. You are blessed to have wonderful parents who raised you up surrounded by generous love that now inspired you to share and take care of them. thanks.
Thanks for reading and commenting! I am very fortunate to have my parents still living into their nineties! My turn to give back — lots!
Yes. Where would we be without our parents? Thanks!
Janet, you’ve inspired me. I’m going to go tell dad I love him
(he’ll probably just think I’m drunk)
Oh, that’s great! Drunk or not, he’ll feel warmed to hear you say it — hehe! Parenting–the only job we ever take, with success meaning that someday, our “employer” doesn’t need us anymore!
Have a good one!
You are indeed blessed to have both parents, Janet. I think they are blessed to have you, too! ((Hugs))
Thanks, Peg. I enjoyed your comment, and I agree that I’m fortunate!
I loved it all, too, dear Janet!
Just thinking earlier today, if my Momma would have lived past her 69th year in 1983 that she would have made it to 100 this next year.
Wishing for both my parents to be alive, and loving your tribute to yours….so cool as it represents mine to a tee, too!
I wish yours were, too, because I know they’d be so proud of what you’ve done, Mary! They would be beaming with pride and delight! Your parents raised a truly amazing person.
Thanks for reading and for the comment, too! ♥ Janet
Thanks, Mary! Glad you stopped by to read! Hope all’s going well with you and Jim!!
This is beautiful. The love and gratitude in your words are every parent’s dream, I think.
Becoming a parent of children who are now adults has enlightened me a great deal! I can appreciate more what they gave to my brothers and I, all of these years. Thanks for reading and I always enjoy your comments. ♥
So beautiful!
Thank you, Jules. I can’t begin to give back to them what they’ve given me… but I can sure give it a go!!
I think you already have!
Beautiful share, Janet. enjoy your time together.
I will! Thanks, Nancy.
This warmed my heart, filled me with a little sadness, as well as love. It’s a beautiful poem that speaks clearly of a parents love and the child’s gratitude as an adult. I hope your parents get a chance to read this! Hugs,
Thanks, Marie. My parents are both in their nineties, and I’m very fortunate to still have them around. They are beginning to require assistance, so this is my chance to give back what they so much deserve. ♥