Growing up is hard

I think the hardest things Are about letting him hurt When I know the suffering is real. Letting him choose to do what he can And can't And knowing I can't help.. I can't ask for more of him Because there's nothing left And he needs encouraging Especially when I'm worried it's not enough. It's impossible to balance wants and needs When I want him to live But need him to feel loved. When I worry about his health And struggle with my own.. Our children always come first, Shouldn't they? My abilities fall short of the requirement And in this, he's just like me. I'm failing him, Myself, My family. And there's nothing more to do That's not already being done. Nothing I can do, anyways. I've nothing left, either. My actions lack kindness, gentleness, And my inner strength is insufficient. I feel like no man at all. I’m not even strong enough to love Properly love The man I've raised. Growing up is hard-- Thought I'd do it better by now, And yet, I've far to go.