Unfinished 001

You gave me such sound advice through all my troubles.

The logical, sensible, level-headed approach.

You taught me to 'take the higher ground'

When all I wanted was to fight fire with fire.

Over time, I realised you were right.

You taught me that the solution to a problem was within myself

And that if I wanted people to behave better; I must first.

You were afraid of heights and so I learned to fear them too.

You reminded me to appreciate the dear people in my life.

The ones that loved me, though they didn't have to.

True friends were a matter of quality over quantity.

I'm sure you taught me to walk, talk, dance, sing, laugh and cry. I don't remember.

I'm sure you saw my very first failure; and took more note of my very first success.

You taught me to turn to the mother of my friend when I left a party and say:

"Thank you for having me!" or "Thank you very much."

But you couldn't ever teach me how I should best express my gratitude to you.

I pause at the door of our home.

Bags all packed.

All set.

Car engine running.

Life is ahead.

It's waiting.

I turn to my mother and thank her for the lessons she has given me.

But I do not tell her that my fondest memory is the time I cried alone in my room

Over my aching heart and she said nothing; but held me to her breast like I was just

a young girl again, and kissed my forehead, and let me cry.