Portrait of a Friend
Author Unknown

I can't give solutions to all of your
life's problems, doubts, or fears.
But I can listen to you, and together
we will search for the answers.

I can't change your past with
all it's heartache and
pain, nor the future
with it's untold stories.

But I can be there now when you
need me to care.

I can't keep your feet
from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you
may grasp it and not fall. 

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and
happiness are not mine;

Yet I can share in
your laughter. 

Your decisions in life are not mine
to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you,
and help you when you ask. 

I can't prevent you from falling away from
friendship, from your values, from me.

I can only pray for you, talk to you
and wait for you. 

I can't give you boundaries that I
have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change,
room to grow, room to be yourself. 

I can't keep your heart from
breaking and hurting,

But I can cry with you and help you pick up
the pieces and put them back in place. 

I can't tell you
who you are.

I can only be a

faithful friend for you!