Reasonable Parents

My parents gave me countless gifts as a child. Some appreciated, some not so much. Most were of the material kind, And only the most precious ones survive, Even less of those will be around for my grandchildren, Though I will do my best to make sure some of those are books, To keep words of wisdom alive. But there were other gifts, Far more precious than I ever could realise at the time. Gifts I could not hold in my hand. Their only wrapping, my parent's kisses. Yet these gifts registering only on scales in my mind. Have shape enough for me to see Whenever I looked their way. They will still look brand new for future generations. These gift of reasons for all seasons. Gifts that came at perfect times. Designed to meet the need that I didn't even know I had. As a baby I got a reason to smile. When a little older a reason to laugh came my way. A reason to to try helped me walk. A reason to communicate got me talking. A reason to listen gave me wisdom, After this came a reason to cry, So, for others misfortunes I could weep, And let tears of joy my face streak. But the best reasons I ever got were in my teenage years. A reason to get out of bed, and a reason to love myself as well as others. The key reasons, needed for unlocking the door to adulthood. With a reason to hope waiting there. I have one gift left unopened until I really need it. Or see someone who needs a reason to change their life for the better. When I hear parents today discussing what to give their children. I want to shout - Give them a reason. And should I ever blurt it out. I am sure they will only ask - where can I get one and how much will it cost.