I have the greatest parents

Great parents

Four kids no resources

Nowhere to turn for help

Mistakes made with no intentions

Always saying no, maybe

Parental fear comes forth

Never discussed, always talked about

Father knows best

Motherly interventions

Save a child from paternal inquisition

Motherly responses request strength

Such a young family

No instruction booklet

Problem child needing guidance

Guidance freely given

Family vacations to the cottage

The long drive in crowded van

Sibling conversations rambunctious

Parental control limited

Children well behaved nonetheless

Perfect summers by the lake

Perfect summers with parental supervision

Lessons learned through laughter and pain

Four adults well adjusted

Each one independent

Each one lives a sane life

Thanks to parental intervention

Thanks to parental experimentation

Good memories are strong

Memories clear as lake water

The smiling clams approve

Thirty years later

Thank you