I imagine you recognize that line from My Way, by Paul Anka and popularized by Frank Sinatra and Elvis.
I’ve had a few regrets in my life. But my biggest regrets are the pain I caused my mother while going through adolescence and young adulthood because I wanted it My Way. Times that I tried to solve a problem the way I thought was best while ignoring her wisdom.
To my Dear mother …
I want to apologize to you from the depths of my soul for how my actions and behavior as I went through my formative years. I want you to know that it was never my intention to hurt you. There is no explanation or excuse for my behavior. I want you to know that I have had a lifetime of regret but am eternally grateful for your love and forgiveness.
There is not a day goes by that I don’t miss you.
Until we meet again on the other side,
Your loving son.
My Way
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I’ve traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my, my way
Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed, and cried
I’ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes it was my way
Lyrics by Paul Anka