Teenage Years
Age: 13
Oh how I wish my mom would stay out of my business
I crave independence; I crave adulthood
“Do not use that tone of voice with me, you’re grounded” my mom screamed and I stormed away
All she wanted was to protect me
I should’ve listened
Age: 14
I think I know it all,
On my first day of high school as I reach into my lunch and grab a note
“Have a great first day at school baby and make good decisions! P.S. I love you”
Embarrassed, I crumple the note and toss it aside
I should’ve listened
Age: 16
Freshly licensed, I pull out of the driveway
“Don’t forget your jacket,” my mom yells and I ignore
Just a few hours later, I stand at my high school football game, shivering
I should’ve listened
Age: 17
Lying on my bed and tears roll down my face as I experience my first heartbreak
“I promise you won’t hurt like this forever” my mom comforts and I disregard
Little did I know, I would regret the time I wasted crying over you,
Just like she told me
I should’ve listened
Age 18:
I spent the last 18 years waiting for this day to come
But now that it's here, I wish time hadn’t gone by so fast
“call me if you need anything but you are strong and ready, I believe in you” my mom whispers in my ear and holds on to me a little longer
I was ready because she raised me to be
And finally, 18 years later, I listened
Growing up, I took for granted
The love, the support, the strength my mom showed me
Now I realize
The one thing I will never have to live without
My mom