Someday you will be on your own, In a world you mightn't understand. It's not long now till your grown, And I can no longer hold your hand.Already, you've been tested, And each challenge you have met. Every problem you have bested. But, dear you're not through yet.
All around the paths diverge, Like forks, splitting the stream. To choose you must have courage, And never forsake your dreams.
It's your life that lays before you. You alone must choose the way. I cannot tell you what to do, But- I have one thing left to say.
"If you are grateful for what's received, And can reject self-pity at all cost, You'll find success is easier acheived. And longing, your only loss.
That part is easy enough, my dear, But it's only half the tale. The rest is often not as clear, You, also, must learn to fail.
You haven't learned a thing from success, When it's too quickly earned, Except, for how to accomplished less. (Something too many have learned.)
Although, it might seem odd, my friend, Failure can teach so much, indeed, I think you'll discover in the end, `Twas failure that taught you to succeed.
Isn't it worth that little fall, If we get the chance to fly? Isn't it worth a sting, so small, If we can touch the sky?
Still,In this day of the fast track, In in a world of make the sale. It's easy to forget what we get back. When we sometimes fail.
In future dear, when things get rough, Though, I know you'll find it hard, For I have raised you to be so tough, And you'll have to let down your guard.
Let life knock you around, But, never, never, give in. For it's only when your down, That you gain the will to win.
Just stand there and take it. Don't let your anger erupt. You can't expect to make it, Until, you've had to get up."
--T.F. Ragsdale Dedicated to Brittany Anne Ragsdale the bravest person I know.
Email: gnome@thewatercooler.com
