The hopes and the dreams, the highs and the lows.

This passage of time, he holds in his hand,

The days that unfold are all in a plan.

This place that you are, though hard at this time,

With rock underfoot and steep hills to climb,

Is a place where you grow and learn of your strength,

The depth and the height, the width and the length.

Stop, look around, look and see where you are-

From the place that you were, you’ve come really far.

You forged straight ahead, through the pain and strife-

You battled the demons who stole from your life.

And I’m proud of your journey and who I see,

A courageous soul looking back at me…

I feel such strength when I grasp your hand,