I don’t promise you a heartache free life

I do promise or hold your hand when adversity visits

I don’t promise you that you will always be happy

I do promise you that happiness returns

I don’t expect you not to make mistakes

I expect you to learn from your experiences

I don’t expect you to be perfect

I expect you to try your hardest and be kind above all else

Life is not a bed of roses

And even if it were, the thorns are plentiful

To partake of the beauty of the rose

You have to endure the pain of picking it

I have taught you to swim

But it’s you who has to and who can swim

The long distance to the shore of contentment

December 29th, 2018