A Mom's thoughts when grown children leave.

"Tippin'em Off"


Another one’s leaving, It’s one of those days.

I want them to go, but NO, I want them to stay.

Wasn’t it yesterday? I know it was just yesterday.

Repeating myself, is always my way,

But I’ll smile through my tears and say less today.

I’m tippin’ ‘em off as best I can.

They’re reaching high for the world with both their hands.

I lived my life holding one arm down.

It minimized pain from coming around.

But they don’t hear that sound.

They’re out there doing more than I’ve ever done.

More than I’ve wanted, but I’m not the one.

They say it’s their turn, their time for fun.

I boast responsible, but it seems like a ghost.

It’s calls in the night, that I fear the most.

Did I give enough? Did I share all that’s right?

Did I pack the strength they’ll need, full and tight?

When life’s lessons burn, and they will;
one after another,

How do I know they’ll both recover?

Have I done all I can for one and the other?

I’m tippin’ ‘em off the best that I can.

I pray on both feet they will each land.

© linda bergman-althouse