I've learned

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I've learned - that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

I've learned - that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned - that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned - that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.

After that, you'd better know something. I've learned –

that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.

I've learned - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned - that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned - that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

Let us pray:

Lord, you test us often in the crucible of sorrow and confirm us in fidelity.

You kindle in us the fire of your zeal. You send us to witness to your love. When it is dark, you come as our light.

When it is cold and desolate, you come our warmth.

Giver of life, we ask not to be rescued from the frustration and anguish and the dying we surely must endure,

but for the strength and courage we need to endure it with you in patience and joy. Grant this..