The Parent

You cared for me when I was young with tender love and care.
You gave me food and shelter, and some clothes for me to wear.
When I was tiny, you would read me stories every night.
And then when I was fast asleep, you'd tuck me in so tight.

And every day, right after school, you'd be there just to say,
"How was school?" and then I'd tell you all about my day.
And when I had some problems in my life, as children do,
You always seemed to understand. It wasn't new to you.

And at my graduation, you were standing in the crowd,
And when they called my name you smiled and cheered for me so loud.
And now that I have grown, I've seen you ripening with age,
And soon within the book of life, you'll reach your final page.

I know that you need care, but I have children of my own.
So I'll just say goodbye, and then I'll send you to a home.

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new."

My Mom

"The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny."

"I remember my mother"s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."

My Daddy

"How pleasant it is for a father to sit at his child"s board. It is like an aged man reclining under the shadow of an oak which he has planted."