I found this the other day amidst some favorite quotes and passages. I hope it encourages someone out there reading:

"After a while you learn
the subtle different between holding a hand
and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman
not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
that even the sunshine burns if you ask to much
so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
that you are really strong
and you really do have worth.
And you learn
and you learn.
With every good-bye
you learn."

~Anonymous