A very wise and wonderful woman gave me this. It really hits home lately, and 6 years later I can relate to it more than ever.
After a while, you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning.
and company doesn't mean security.
and you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and present's aren't promises,
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes open,
with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
and learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans,
and futures have a way of falling down midflight.
and after a while, you learn
that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So plant your own soul,
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth
and your learn and learn...
with every goodbye, you learn.