Thinning the Flock

Why do people say I love you 

when they really mean I like you alot...

so long as you don't want anything from me

so long as you don't whine or need a shoulder 

or complain or expect me to listen to you

or you're not going to focus on me all the time

~ ~ ~

I've noticed something for a while now

Life has a way of cleansing relationships

During illness, divorce, abuse, or any other difficult time

You will find those who stick around 

and those who scatter like cockroaches when the light goes on

 Those are the funny ones because they can't seem to run fast enough

Then there are those who say let me know if you need me

in that tone that begs 'but please don't need me'

I've been in close friendships when a serious illness hits

and watch how fast friends and even family disappear

My heart breaks for the person who is ill 

because not only do they face the illness 

but also the abandonment of someone close

I wondered if this 'run-n-flee-itis' syndrome is common

So I started asking around...I started observing

When people face a crisis...friends, even family. disappear

Then I wondered about those afflicted with said 'flee' syndrome

So I asked and I was told

'it's too depressing'

'I don't know what to do for ____ so I'd rather hide'

'I don't want to be reminded of death'

'I'm too busy'

'Well I haven't called this long so I may as well not'

(bunch of chickens - I've been part of this flock once or twice)

But that's ok - well assuming the person in crisis atleast has somebody

Life has a way of shedding those who no longer have a place in our lives

It's like cleaning house...making room for something new

fertile ground

I thought of this as I heard about my cousin's 16 yr old son

After his first chemo treatment the first thing he asked was

'did anyone come to visit me'

Because we all hope to matter to someone

Someone who says I love you from their heart

and not mere words that spill from the lips

there is a difference