Loved You Enough

Some day when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them:

I loved you enough to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could

afford to buy one for you.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough to make you take a Milky Way back to the drugstore (with a bite out of it) and tell the clerk,

"I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it."

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room,

a job that would have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment and tears in my eyes.

Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties

were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

Those were the most difficult battles of all.

I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.

By Erma Bombeck

You are the joys of my life!  Through all times , you've been the constant making made my world complete.  I look at your faces, hear your voices and regardless of how old or mature you become you are still the little darlings who used to race around the house and the yard with your endless energy and wonderful expressions of surprise over some new thing you've discovered.  I cherish those times and miss the fun we had--as today I cherish the things we share--love, family, and all your hopes and dreams.  I wish you all love and a life full of all your hopes and dreams fulfilled!  Never forget how much you were and are loved and how special and important you are!