The things we hold inside

  I once believed her pain. She came to me weak, whispering, “I’m afraid,” and I answered with my heart. She used her power to curse, not to heal. She wore sorrow like silk and made it seductive, told a tale of crimes committed against her soul until I took on the sentence. I continued to reach out— my hand like a child, watching it get slapped away through the years. I was called delusional, while the truth stayed hidden behind my back. It caused me to doubt my mind, to question what I knew deep inside. The cornerstone on which she stands was built by these two hands. While telling others how worthless I was, I gave her that foundation freely, truly, and in love. The message was clear: I was the problem. I was the one to fear. So I took out the bat to punish myself, trying to fix all my flaws. I was trying to earn love— but it really wasn’t love at all. Pride fell, that’s for sure. Shame ruled. The lies conquered. And buried beneath what felt ...

I will love you beyond tomorrow because I never thought I would have today. I will love you beyond your expectations because I am always open to exploring on your behalf. I will love you in the dark places and hold your hand until the light returns—because no one held mine. I will understand you when the world does not, because I will never find time to judge you. The exploration of who you are is a gift, not a curse. The discovery of your borders is a glorious crusade, journeying between light and dark. Your authenticity does not scare me; it magnifies me. I will accept what you offer, help heal what is wounded, embrace your thoughts and ideas, and support your gifts as we embark on strange new destinations. I will… because I love you. And because no one knew how to love me. So as I sit here embracing today, preparing for tomorrow, I will be your guard. I will be your faith. I will be what you need. Because I am you.