Second chances

I have spent the better part of my life having a reservoir of hope, a complete and utter belief that it will all work out. That faith this last year was severely challenged, that lake of dreams almost drained. But as I crawl out of that quagmire of a time, I see a vision of my former experiences reflected in the eyes of a friend. A new friend, someone I hardly know, but watching their intense and seemingly never-ending pain is a lesson in, geez, what, not giving up I guess. I had to tattoo the symbol onto my body to get through it, I think they have too. I at times become frustrated with their emotions, until I remember how at those moments for me I could barely not shake uncontrollably. Another friend reminded me today of compassion being how they helped me through it. And I feel more than a little shame at my lack of empathy and my total myopia. This person has become important to me, and I hope I can show them the support I was graciously given. I hope to endeavor to earn their friendship in return.