I.O.U.
A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and he handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on. After his mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said:
For cutting the grass: $5.00
For cleaning up my room this week: $1.00
For going to the store for you: 50¢
Baby-sitting my brother while you went shopping: 25¢
Taking out the garbage: $1.00
For getting a good report card: $5.00
For cleaning up and raking the yard: $2.00
Total owed: $14.75
Well, his mother looked at him standing there, and the boy could see the memories flashing through her mind. She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote:
For the nine months I nurtured you here while you were growing inside me there: No Charge
For all the nights that I've sat up with you, doctored and nursed and prayed for you: No Charge
For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years: No Charge
For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead: No Charge
For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your runny nose: No Charge, Son
When you add it up, the cost of my love is: No Charge
When the boy finished reading what his mother had written, there were big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight at his mother and said, "Mom, I sure do love you."
And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote: "PAID IN FULL"
.... I could do that to my mom what the boy did to his mom, just for an experience, and be the kid that I could be.
But, my mother died when I was just turning 5 years of age.
When we were kids, we used to take advantage of the goodness our parents showed in us. Even to a point that we hate and hurt them for our wrongdoings/hardheadedness.
But, kids will be kids, so to speak.
Through time, as we travel along the path that we are taking, we, in some way or another, become mature and trying to be appreciative of the small things come our way.
The LOVE of our PARENTS, especially the mother, is not to be PAID IN FULL.
IT'S SIMPLY PRICELESS......
This story makes me re-trace my tracks and re-focus...thank you for your comments
that picture and found it again.Now i will give it to you.
What I wouldn't give to have 2 minutes with my mom again. She passed away very unexpectedly 22 years ago. I was pregnant with my first child. She never got to see him.
When I was young and stupid I always said I never wanted to be like her. Now, with much humility, I pray everyday for her guidance and hope that I do half as good a job as she did. I don't know where she got her patience from - I am number 7 of 8 children, the youngest girl. I realized some years ago what a strong and awesome woman she really was. I don't know if I could ever go through some of the things she did. To top it off she had the best sense of humor too.
Ok, gotta stop now 'cus the tears are starting. Thanks Azzy for your post. Take care.
P.S. I read your blog and I hope September comes quickly for you. July is almost finished - it will be here before you know it.
I've seen my mother toil, suffer in silence and persevere for the sake of us, her children. It was not an easy life for her but she NEVER complained. Until now she takes care of my kids while I'm toiling in a far away place called QATAR...
I know I could never be like my mother...I don't think I have the patience and resilience that she have....