Parenting

Since we're kind of right in between
Mother's Day and Father's Day,

thought I'd throw this one out there.

Lemme know whatcha think!

Parenting

by Lyn Marinello

 

As you age you understand just a smidge of your parents' woes

The worries that they battled as each precious child grows

Work hard for what you want and play when you are able

Say your prayers before bed each night and keep your elbows off the table

Always say, "Please" and "Thank you"; treat strangers as though new friends

Apologize when you've made mistakes; always try to make amends

Eat up all your meat and veggies. Don't be too shy to enjoy dessert

Don't be afraid to speak your mind, but be mindful that words can hurt

These are simple tasks of parenting, though none of them are easy

Parenting's not for the faint of heart or for those who are quickly queasy

As children grow you navigate on terribly thin ice

You hope the foundation that you've laid is solid enough to suffice

You must build up a little ego, but not to boisterous extreme

Raise a considerate, caring human with a bullet-proof self-esteem

You have to teach respect but debating tools as well

Obey the laws before you, but when wronged you fight like hell

You tilled the earth they walk on. Set down roots to keep them grounded

Redirected when they veered off course; offered guidance when confounded

You padded the nest they laid in; provided a haven of safety and rest

Imparted the passion to chase their dreams and the stamina to face said quest

You urged them in jumping from that nest, assured you'd catch them or they'd fly

You gave them strong and mighty wings with which to soar on high

When they're little you protect them, but a broken heart is hard to mend

So you sit and cry and listen, so they know you comprehend

You hug them back together; absorb all the pain and tears

Stand beside them undeterred as they battle down their fears

You celebrate the victories and coach them through defeat

You let them fall; the lesson learned, though the education's bittersweet

You've got to let them go and make errors all on their own

You pray they will take solace in the most basic seeds you've sown

You can't hold their hands forever, but hearts are eternally connected

The only true rule in parenting is that absolutely anything's expected

Without manuals or directions we all take on this blessed task

With nothing but each other to answer all the questions that we ask

Those apron strings must be untied, though the bond is never ending

Parenting; that thankless, unpaid job is worth all the effort you're expending.