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