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.