"In this life, it can be difficult to distinguish friend from foe. Those that we love can cut us deeply, and sometimes our hearts reach out to those who neither want nor deserve our attention. Our lives seem at times to be filled with more tragedies than happy endings. We find ourselves struggling day to day just to hold our heads high. Then when we find true love (be it in love of family and sincere friends, or in the person with whom we share our life), we lose sight of its importance and allow trivialities to choke the life from it.

What is it that we are searching to find? It seems that when we have it all, we keeping looking about us as though something greater will materialize before us. Why can't we find satisfaction in the present? Why can't we learn to make our own happiness instead of pining for the things we can't have, and most likely don't need anyway?"

I wrote those words a couple of years ago in a time of extreme sorrow and betrayal. So many of my loved ones are nursing broken hearts and crushed spirits right now that I found myself thinking of my prose again. False friends and the unfairness of the universe have robbed my loved ones of the happiness they deserve. I wish I had the power or at least the words that could ease their pain. I hope that they know that my heart remains with them always.

With my desire to help them, I find myself reflecting on some of the life lessons I have acquired. I have learned through my own insignificant experiences, and from watching the world around me, that true love never dies even though it may sleep. Unrequited love cuts deeply, but the healing leaves a person stronger and wiser. Death cannot separate our loved ones from us. We carry them with us everywhere as they live in our hearts and minds, guiding and protecting us. Joy and happiness are found in quiet moments and unexpected places. There is no greater love than that given by a child.

I know that I still have much to learn on this journey of life, but I hope that wherever it leads me I can remember to embrace simplicity and also that 'things' are of no consequence. Only God and love, in all its forms, matters. To my family and friends, I vow my loyalty, and my shoulder to cry on. Be strong. The day is coming when our tears will be dried.