Keepers

People come while others go

Some come to stay

But others just for a while

You never know who to trust

Who to turn to

Who will be there, who won't be

Once I thought I found such a person

A great friend

Someone to turn to

To have late night calls

But as the years go by

We become distant

Less of friends

And more like acquaintances

I thought you were here to stay

But you only stayed a while

Moved on to different people

People unlike you

These days a few come to stay

But those who do

Are worth holding onto

[2010]

As I go through old writings and new a like, I've realized things have a way of teaching you lessons even if you didn't know it in the moment. Sometimes the lesson comes from those you meet and enter your life at different times. One day you are sharing secrets, giving each other advice, making memories and making plans to a moment when things you did together are a distant memory. I've learned that some people come into your life when needed the most, and tend to leave when a lesson has been taught or when a lesson you need to figure out has come to the forefront. It's not always about the bad falling out, but a mutual growing of two people ment to cross paths for a moment in life. Some people have taught me what happiness looks like, what peace looks like, that blood isn't always thicker than water; but they have also taught me pain, heartbreak, boundaries and so much more. We have people who stay because they want to, and for those relationships, I'm forever greatful and blessed. They are the relationships that in times of heaviness, dark moments, giving hard lessons and advice give the moments of love, joy, adventures and memories worth it more than tenfold. It's the people who you can admit the wrongs and celebrate the rights and no matter what, always show up. I used to fear losing those close to me, but I've realized that those ment to stay, will be in the sunshine and the shadows with you, never really leaving your side. Being strong by yourself is great, but you are always stronger with those by your side.

-AJ