After a while, you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and sharing a life.
And you learn that love doesn't mean possession,
and company doesn't mean security,
and loneliness is universal.

You learn that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises.
You begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes wide open.

And you learn to build your hope on today
as the future has a way of falling apart in mid-flight
because tomorrow's ground can be too uncertain for plans.
Yet, each step taken in a new direction creates a path
toward the promise of a brighter dawn.

And you learn that even sunshine burns
if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden
and nourish your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.

You learn that love, true love,
always has joys and sorrows.
It seems ever present,
yet is never quite the same.
Becoming more than love and
less than love. . .
it's so difficult to define.

And you learn that through it all
you really can endure.
That you really are strong,
that you do have value, with every goodbye.