The gifts we are given

When he was four he asked, “Why are those dogs fighting with each other?”
And his mother replied, “Because they made the choice to.”

When he was a teenager he asked, “Will his humiliation ever end?”
And his older brother replied, “If you want it to, you have to make some changes.”

When he was in his late twenties he asked, “Will you marry me?”
And his girlfriend smiled and kissed him.

When he and his wife had their first child he asked, “Will I do this better than my parents?”
And his wife said, “Remember to keep asking that question and you will.”

When he was raising his child he asked, “Can I do this forever?”
And his father replied, “One day your role will change. The time when that happens will be the choice of your daughter.”

When he was at the end of his career he asked, “Is this the right time to retire?”
And something outside of him gave him an answer.

When he was an old man he asked, “Am I able to keep living alone?”
And his children replied, “Dad, you know what we think. The decision is left to you.”

When he was dying he asked, “Did I ask enough questions; were they at the right time?”
And there was no answer.