I know I’m responsible for my life and decisions,
And I’ve learned that the best way to avoid “head-on collisions”,
Is not to be irresponsible and blame others with your harsh verbal assault,
But to say to yourself, “Everything that’s wrong with me is my parents’ fault.

They molded me to fit their notion of the ideal child,
So why did I turn out to be so mischievous and wild?
Perhaps they preached too much about wrong and right
When I came home late, long after curfew, at night.
Maybe more spankings would have helped my character grow,
Even though I felt that my parents were from another time and just didn’t know.

So, the best advice I have for those who want to be in your child’s memories tomorrow,
Is to become a part of his memories today and experience both the joy and sorrow.

Life is made up, not of great sacrifices, but of little things and small obligations,
This, if known long ago, would have helped to bridge the widening gaps between successive generations.

It’s funny that I have realized too late
That all those things in my parents I used to hate,
Will, one day, be realized by my own children and become their fate.

It’s common knowledge that children are such a great comfort in our old age…we know this is true,
And, yes, they helped us get there faster.. this, all of us already knew.

By Ann Leyh