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 presents aren't promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.

And you begin to build all your roads on today for tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.

You learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to give you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure...

That you really are strong...

And you really do have worth...





AFTER "AFTER A WHILE"…



You want to hold a hand, not to chain a soul but to enjoy its company, and you want someone's lips to kiss, not because you are lonely but because you are happy, and you want to give presents and you want to make promises.

You begin to accept your defeats like an adult, but like a child, will want someone to listen and care, and you want someone who will build roads with you today so maybe you can pave the way for your future together.

You want someone's sunshine and warmth, but also accept the rain and the cold,

and you want to give flowers picked from your own garden.

And when your garden is picture perfect, you want it to be more than a picture even if it means having to be imperfect because you want someone in it to stay and to live.

Then you'll see that there is such a thing as love...

And that you were made to live in someone else's garden...

And you'll know that there is more to life than yourself.



AND NOW...



You realize that no matter how tightly you hold, if you're meant to let go, you can

And then you will understand that love gives you reasons to understand even the most complicated situations

And you will grow older believing that just because you have convictions doesn't mean you're always right

You will remember lips because of the smiles that made your day, the words that touched your soul, not only because of the sweet kisses

And as you graciously accept defeat and absorb the meaning of lessons learned, you feel that you are finally being the person you never thought you'd be

So, armed with courage, strength and confidence, you will face the world head on with or without an army behind you

Because you know your worth and that alone is an armor

With more heartbreaks you will cry

But after every heartache, you will rise

Life is a garden ... it takes long to make it beautiful.

But it's always worth the wait.