As I prepare to talk with single moms about developing healthy boundaries with their children, the words of this song came to mind.

Produced by Barbra Streisand and Arif Mardin
(Lyrics from “On Holy Ground” album by Barbra Streisand. 
It's a wonderful album which I recommend you purchase.)

Barbra stated: For Jason

Sung from a parent to her child, “If I Could meant a lot to me as a mother. It’s about how we have to let go of our children eventually, something we moms and dads have a hard time doing. Though we wish we could, we can’t protect them forever.”

 If I could, I’d protect you from the sadness in your eyes; give you courage in a world of compromise.

 Yes, I would, if I could.

 I would teach you all the things I never learned & I’d help you cross the bridges that I’ve burned.

 Yes, I would, if I could.

 I’d try to shield your innocence from time.  But the part of life I gave you isn’t mine.

I’ve watched you grow, so I could let you go.

 If I could, I would help you make it through the hungry years, but I know that I can never cry your tears.

 But I would if I could.

 If I live in a time or place you don’t want to be, you don’t have to walk along this road with me. My yesterday won’t have to be your way.

 If I knew, I’d have tried to change the world I brought you to. And there isn’t much I can do.

 But I would, it I could.

 If I could, I would try to shield your innocence from time, but the part of life I gave you isn’t mine. I’ve watched you grow, so I could let you go.