Another from Jonathan Carroll's Blog

AFTER AWHILE
By Veronica Shoffstall

After a while, you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and
chaining a soul. 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 and not the grief of a child.

You 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 in mid-flight.

After awhile, 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, that you really are strong.
And you really do have worth. And you learn .....
And you learn. With every goodbye, you learn.