From email — August 30, 2000
I’ve learned—
that we don’t have to change friends if we understand
that friends change.
I’ve learned—
that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt
you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I’ve learned—
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest
distance.
Same goes for true love.
I’ve learned—
that you can do something in an instant that will give you
heartache for life.
I’ve learned—
that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I
want to be.
I’ve learned—
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.
I’ve learned—
that you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
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 regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at
first, the passion fades and there had better be something else
to take its place.
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 money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I’ve learned—
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and
have the best time.
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.
I’ve learned—
that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be
angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I’ve learned—
that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you
want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.
I’ve learned—
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences
you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with
how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.
I’ve learned—
that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I’ve learned—
that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world
doesn’t stop for your grief.
I’ve learned—
that our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I’ve learned—
that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they
don’t love each other.
And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.
I’ve learned—
that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.
I’ve learned—
that two people can look at the exact same thing and see
something totally different.
I’ve learned—
that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by
people who don’t even know you.
I’ve learned—
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a
friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I’ve learned—
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent
human being.
I’ve learned—
that the people you care about most in life are taken
from you too soon.