For mowing the grass, $5.
For making my own bed this week, $1.
For going to the store $.50.
For playing with baby brother while you went shopping, $.25.
For taking out the trash, $1.
For getting a good report card, $5.
And for raking the yard, $2.

Well, I looked at him standing there expectantly, and a thousand
memories flashed through my mind.  So, I picked up the paper, and
turning it over, this is what I wrote:

For the nine months I carried you, growing inside me, No Charge.
For the nights I sat up with you, doctored you prayed for you,
No charge.
For the time and the tears, and the cost through the years, No Charge.
For the nights filled with dread, and the worries ahead,  No Charge.
For advice and the knowledge, and the cost of your college, No Charge.
For the toys, food and clothes, and for wiping your nose, No Charge.
Son, when you add it all up, the full cost of my love is No Charge.

Well, when he finished reading, he had great big tears in his eyes.  And
he looked up at me and he said,  "Mama, I sure do love you."  Then he
took the pen and in great big letters he wrote, PAID IN FULL.
 
 

"No Charge" was written by Gospel singer Shirley Ceasar.
It was also a country song produced by Howard-Sony Tree Publishing Co.,
Inc. and sung by Melba Montgomery.