After Awhile You Learn

Going thru piles of old papers, shredding/recycling most of it, I came across this poem that my daughter emailed to me back in 1998, when she was a freshman in college.  Her note attached said it made her think of two people, me and her English IV teacher.  I wanted to share this with you.  I found it comforting:

After awhile you learn 

that what you really are

 is all the experiences

 and all the thoughts

 you've ever had

 and all the people

 who have touched your life,

 no matter how briefly.

And after awhile you learn

 that troubles are temporary

 and relationships

 aren't always permanent. 

You learn that many people

come into your life

and fade into forgetfulness,

while others remain

as warm places in your heart. 

You learn to forgive the bad times

and overcome the resentments.

And you learn to live

with love in your heart

for the good times

and for good friends

who may not be present,

but who never go away,

because the warmth of their friendship

and their essence lives within you

and becomes a part of what you are."

I've searched and can't find the author, so if anyone knows, please let me know. I'd be happy to add the credit!