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.
growing old and gray
when you were 19, she paid 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 20, she asked whether you were seeing anyone.
you thanked her by saying, “it’s none of your business.”
when you were 21, she suggested certain careers for your future.
you thanked her by saying, “i don’t want to be like you.”
when you were 22, she hugged you at your college graduation.
you thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to europe.
when you were 23, she gave you furniture for your first apartment.
you thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.
when you were 24, she met your fiance10 and asked about your plans for the future.
you thanked her by glaring and growling, “muuhh-ther, please!”
when you were 25, she helped to pay for your wedding, and she cried and told you how deeply she loved you.