Listen, just listen…why is it so hard to do, when I know it’s what you need from me most?

I start out trying, and the next thing I know, I’m speaking, advising, wanting to take your pain away.

Listen, just listen…why is it so hard to do?

I don’t want you to feel anxious, sad, or alone, even though I know that’s part of life too.

You’ll be okay, I’ll be okay, if I just let you be, to find your way.

So I’ll try to listen, just listen…as long as you’ll try to let me know, when it’s something different you need from me.

—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story