When you were 9 years old, she paid for piano
lessons. You thanked her by never even
bothering to practice.

When you were 10 years old she drove
you all day, from soccer to football to one
birthday party after another. You thanked her by
jumping out of the car and never looking back.

When you were 11 years old, she took you
and your friends to the movies. You thanked
her by asking to sit in a different row.

When you were 12 years old, she warned
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 halfway across the country.

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 on YOUR HEART.