Page 110 of The Secret to Belonging

no

no

no no no no no

no

no

Dad, you say

HE is ruining his future

his CHOICES are ruining his future

he’s doing all these things to himself

he’s a criminal and an addict, but you are so blind

no matter what he does, you still see him as a victim

your father closes his eyes

God grant me the serenity to accept the things

i cannot change and the courage to change

the things i can

he looks at you

i cannot change your brother

exactly!

exactly!

none of us can

if we could, we wouldn’t be sitting here

but what’s the rest of the prayer, Dad?

what about the wisdom to know the difference?

truth inspires courage

courage builds momentum

his life isn’t the only one he’s ruined

he almost killed you both

you unlock the cupboard in your chest

crack it open a tiny bit

and i’m still here