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 it's 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

Author Unknown

July 6,1999
Revised April 7, 2009