Body: When you were 8 years old, your mom
handed you an ice cream. You thanked her by
dripping it all over your lap.



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