Portrait of a Friend

                                     ~~~~ Portrait of a Friend ~~~~

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems,

doubts, or fears. But I can listen to you, and

together we will search for answers.

I can't change your past with all it's heartache

and pain, nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it

and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness

are not mine; Yet I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make,

nor to judge; I can only support you, encourage

you, and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from falling away from

friendship, from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait

for you.

I can't give you boundaries which I have

determined for you, But I can give you

the room to change, room to grow, room

to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and

hurting, But I can cry with you and help

you pick up the pieces and put them back

in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.

--Unknown