The Hardest Gift to Give

John A. Wilson

Since the day you were born

We have loved you and cherished you

Made sure you had everything you need

And watched you as you grew.

I have sacrificed for you willingly

And kept you on the right track

You’ve made me laugh and made me cry

And sometimes incurred my wrath.

I have given to you everything

That I could possibly afford.

From toys and trinkets to designer clothes

And even that beat-up old Ford.

And now for your graduation

With so much life to live

You want from me one small thing

That will be hardest for me to give.

I can’t give it to you all at once

It would tear my heart from my chest

So take the little I can give you now

And please be patient for the rest.

Pull away from me a little at a time

Don’t break away too fast

Don’t leave me with nothing to hold onto

But the memories of the past.

I’ll give you your freedom as best I can

With some help from God above

You can leave here with my blessings

Just don’t forget to take my love.