My eternal thanks to Nan Quick for sending this. She's been a marvel the past few weeks, and her prayers and support have helped me immensely. I also want to thank Nan's daughter, Karen, and my friends Marilyn, Lyn, Cheryl and Terry for their support. And most of all, thanks to my beloved for the happiest year of my life. I pray that you find happiness and fulfillment in your new path, even if that path no longer runs in tandem with mine.

I've learned...
that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned...
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I've learned...
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned...
that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned...
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned...
that you can keep going long after you can't.

I've learned...
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned...
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned...
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I've learned...
that heroes are the people who, when it needs to be done, do it regardless of the consequences.

I've learned...
that money is a lousy way of keeping score. That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned...
that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned...
that sometimes when I'm angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned...
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned...
that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned...
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned...
that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned...
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you you will find the strength to help.

I've learned...
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned...
that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I've learned...
that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other, and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned...
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I've learned...
that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned...
that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned...
that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.