Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them:

• I loved you enough... to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

• I loved you enough... to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

• I loved you enough... to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.

• I loved you enough... to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.

• I loved you enough... to make you go pay for the bubble gum you had taken and tell the clerk, "I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it."

• I loved you enough... to stand over you for two hours while you Cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

• I loved you enough... to let you see anger, disappointment and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.

• I loved you enough... to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.