I LOVED YOU ENOUGH....

Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logicthat motivates a parent, I will tell them:

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

I loved you enough to insist that you save your money and buy abike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.

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

I loved you enough to make you go pay for the bubble gum you hadtaken and tell the clerk, "I stole this yesterday and want to payfor it".

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while youcleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment and tearsin my eyes. Children must learn that their parents are notperfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for youractions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost brokemy heart.

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

Those were the most difficult battles of all. I am glad I wonthem, because in the end you won, too.