One of my favorite readings

 I first read this in Dear Abby or Ann Landers, and my kids were still living here.  I'm not sure why it stikes such a chord in me, but it does... every time I read it.

                          After A While

    After awhile 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 always mean security.
    And you begin to learn
    that kisses aren't contracts
    and presents aren't promises
    You begin to accept your defeats
    with your head up and your eyes ahead
    with the grace of an adult not the grief of a child.
    And you learn
    to build your roads on today
    because tomorrow's ground is
    too uncertain for plans
    and futures have ways of falling down
    in mid-flight.
    After a while you learn
    that even sunshine burns
    if you get too much
    so you plant your own garden
    and decorate your own soul
    instead of waiting for someone
    to bring you flowers.
    And you learn that you really can endure,
    you really are strong,
    and you really do have worth.

    And you learn

    And you learn

    With every goodbye, you learn.....

    1971 Veronica A. Shoffstall