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
bedro