3 June 2013

The People who make a difference...

The People who make a difference
are the ones who show up.
 
They are the ones who come
to graduations
and funerals,
to see dances,
and solos,
and confirmations.
They are the ones who call
when they can't get there,
the ones who at least try.
 
They don't make excuses;
They make things happen.
They are there when it matters,
when you need a friend,
when you need a shoulder,
when you need an ear,
and a swift kick in the pants.
They will tell you when you are wrong,
so when they tell you you are right,
it means a lot more.
 
They don't leave you deciding
just never to ask again,
even if it is the first solo in public,
the graduation,
the confirmation,
 the first big stage role.
 
Once, long ago, those others showed up.
They made an effort.
You don't know when it changed.
You don't know why.
Maybe it is you; maybe it is not.
 
But now, you ask because you have to ask,
since they are 'family by birth'.
You know, in your head,
they have voted with their feet. 
They won't be there,
even when it is something that matters
in the eyes of a child.
 
But you ask any way. 
Because it matters;
And the broken angry heart is yours
because they used to tell you that
'family is there for each other'
and your child's,
because they aren't there for her,
even if she is family,
and there is
nothing
you can do about it.
 
It is always because
they don't feel well,
or they can't get up even to call
on the phone.
They don't send cards.
They don't connect.
And you lose a little more hope
every time some thing comes up.
 
But, there are also
the ones who make a difference.
the family who chose you
the ones who show up. 
They laugh at your jokes,
remind you to take pictures when it is an event.
You look at their faces, and realize
that these ones,
the ones who choose to be there,
have become
the people who make a difference. 

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