DR. WALLACE: I am an avid reader of your column for teens. I don't always agree with your philosophy, but I would say I'm with you 90 percent of the time so that "ain't" too bad.

Some time ago you printed a letter from a mother whose daughter had been killed when a truck plowed into the car she was driving. I have never forgotten the message of the distraught mother who pleaded with parents to love their children every day because it could be their last day on earth.

I am now a grandmother and I'd like the daughter of these grandchildren to have the opportunity to read this mother's letter to you. Will you please print it again. — Grandma, Galesburg, Ill.

GRANDMA: I'm pleased to grant your request:

DR. WALLACE: I am not a teenager; I'm a 38-year-old woman. I'm writing this letter to the many parents who read your column. I had a wonderful, intelligent daughter, but she was cruelly taken from me one wintry night when a pickup truck skidded out of control and plowed into her car. She was killed instantly.

I have come to accept the fact that it was an accident. Speed, alcohol or unsafe drivers were not an issue. Both my daughter and the driver of the truck, who also was killed, were wearing seatbelts.

What I can't accept is the fact that I could have been a better parent. When she brought home outstanding grades, I said, "That's nice, but you should have done better." When she completed her chores satisfactorily, I should have told her thanks, that her help was appreciated. But I didn't. I said, "I think your room isn't clean enough."

When she bought me an expensive gift for Christmas I should have thrown my arms around her and said, "Thank you, darling, I love you so much." Instead, I complained that she was spending her money foolishly and encouraged her to return it to the store. When she asked for a puppy for her 16th birthday, I told her no because pets are a nuisance. I should have given her the pet, a doghouse and a year's supply of dog food because she was a wonderful daughter and she deserved to be happy.

When she wanted to borrow my favorite coat I told her no, "because you might spill something on it." I should have said, "yes, you are the light of my life and everything I possess in this world is also yours."

And finally, on the last day I saw her alive, I should have told her that I loved her with all my heart and soul and that she was the love of my life. Instead, I told her that if she wasn't home by 11 p.m. sharp that she would be put on restriction for a month.

Parents, please take what I say seriously. The most precious assets you have are your children. Treat them with respect, kindness and love and guide them with wisdom and they will mature into wonderful adults. You still have that opportunity. I don't, and never will again. — Mom, Columbus, Ohio.

MOM: Thanks for your touching letter. It will cause many moms and dads to reevaluate their parenting.

You are being severely critical of yourself. As I read between the lines of your letter, I can see that you were a compassionate parent who was deeply loved by your daughter.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.