Because I knew you (Part 2)

During my last day of therapy, I was filled with positive emotions, most of all pride. I smiled a lot, especially when reading my 'speech' to my therapist. I smiled when I gave my gift to her future clients (a handmade window decoration of ribbon and glass and a crystal prism). I smiled when I gave her the card (made using this photo):

She said that when I do express my authentic self, I express myself beautifully. I thanked her and smiled. I smiled when I gave her my book. I smiled when she gave me this poem (and a short hand-written letter on the back):

After a while you learn the subtle difference
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 learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open

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 sunshine burns if you get too 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 really are strong,

And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn...

With every goodbye you learn.

I smiled because I was filled with gratitude.

"And what will you do when you are sad?"

I glanced at the prism, at my hands, at her, and shrugged. "Be sad?" It was a silly question now. I'd do the same thing I'd do with any emotion: be present.

"Let myself experience the day."

My therapist paused. Her eyelids fluttered. She looked at her hands, at the desk, at the flowers, at me. She said quietly: "Great answer."

Fin.