Being a parent never ends

It seemed to me, that having a family would be so simple.

After all my parents had done it, your parents had done it, how hard could it be?

It seemed to start off with nine months of, fearing the worst, and hoping for the best, until you hold them in your arms.

When a baby is learning to crawl, you hear a cry, fearing the worst and hoping for the best, you rush through the house hoping not to see black eyes and skint knees.

The first days at school, the endless time of waiting for the phone to ring, and when it does you rushed to it.
Fearing the worst and hoping for the best.

And as they grow in size and stature, straight and strong.
You drop them off at the high school gate, then after school that long wait.
In the sea of faces you cannot see, the ones that are so dear to thee.
Has something happened to him, or has he just been kept in.
See you have done it again, fearing the worst and hoping for the best.

Graduation, finals and proms. What to wear, and how to get there?
Dressed so well and a kiss good bye, looks so wonderful you almost cry.
The show is over before midnight, but he is still not home and it’s almost light.
Fearing the worst and hoping for the best, you pull the pillow to your chest.

And now your son into a man has grown, and off to university on his own.
A passing hug as you say good bye, with a lumpy throat and tears in your eyes.
We have spent years, teaching them right from wrong, to make a character fine and strong.
But, when you haven’t heard from them, for a few days.
Fearing the worst and hoping for the best, it seems here to stay.

And then far too soon are they married and gone, a long long way from home.
You call when you can but still in your mind when you hang up the phone.
You fear the worst and hope for the best, as they put their love and life to the test.

But now with grandchildren to fill your time, and the cycle begins again.
You fear the worst and hope for the best, as they stretch their little wings.

I think this ‘Fearing the worst, and hoping for the best,’ it will never end.

Do you agree with this poem? Do you have fear still for your children? Tell us below.