You Must Be ’This” Tall To Ride This Ride

As a child I was encouaged,

"Reach for the stars!"

"You can do anything!’

As a teen I was admonished,

"Apply yourself!"

"Make an effort!"

In college I was rated,

"B-minus, poor syntax."

"84/100 - next time don’t round down."

As an adult, I am worried.

"Babe, the garage door is making a bad sound."

"Your son is autistic."

I only have so much time, so much money,

only so much of myself to offer, only so much to give.

Is it enough

Am I enough?

I was wasn’t the fastest kid on the swim team,

wasn’t the best bass player in the orchestra,

wasn’t the lead in the play,

I made my peace with that.

I did my best, but someone was better.

What if my best as a father, or a husband, or just as a human,

isn’t good enough?

Then what?