*as she prepares to recieve her bachelors degree in psychology, i have to reflect and share. she's been a wonderful friend....aml..k

We've sat over coffee
For so many years
We've laughed and we've cried
And shared all our fears

I remember the time
Now long since past
Of the shy backwoods girl
Who grew up too fast

Married and pregnant
Just out of school
To a man who was too much
A player and fool

So much left to heartache
And a road, rough with strife
But I am so proud of the way
You took control of your life

Six years of struggle
You arranged to affect
The doors of the College
Spurred your intellect

With two wonderful kids
And Zack on the way
I remember too well
Your commencement day

Trials befell you
When all hell broke loose
I remember the moments
You felt in a noose

Alone with 3 children
You ventured outside
Got a job to support them
And worked off your hide

It hasn't been easy
This past 15 years
With uncountable trials
Un-numberable tears

But you have always been stalwart
Let God lead your way
Been an anchor to many
And shown them the way

Christ led by example
Your witness stands strong
Though we stumble and fall
HE forgives all the wrong

Now, you are embarking
On so many things
Graduation, again
Close..hangs in the wings

A new life ahead
With all of its hope
Good works to be done
With some, who can't cope

But I know with assurance
That the life you have led
Will serve as example
That all is possible, instead

Yes, there've been down times
But HOPE never ends
Nor the pride that I feel
That we are best friends