i have.

ever wanted to help so badly

but didn't know just quite how?

ever known that their world was crashing down and

you do all you can think to do to build their foundation again,

but try as you might, it will never be enough?

that the emotion involved is too much to deal with,

but you try to deal with it because you love them so much?

that you've never experience what they're going through

but you feel their pain only because you picture them,

your best friend, going through so much heartache?

that you've grown so close together it's almost as if

it's happening to you, but at the same time you're so far apart

that you can't understand the whole picture?

that the problem is far beyond your understanding

or ability to comprehend the seriousness or reality of it?

ever wondered why good people have to be so affected

by the poor decisions of others, year after year?

why she has to live in a shadow of doubt and tears

as the careless individual tramples her conscience

time and time again?

why he won't just leave them alone.

why can't they take more action.

why do they keep letting him come back.

will he ever understand what he's done to them?

would he turn his life around if he could control it anymore?

ever been so scared that all their hope just might run out someday?

that the problem won't be fixed soon enough,

that their image of themselves has been forever damaged?

it eats you away because you can see a side of them that they can't.

you see her strength, their bond, their unity.

you feel her power, her true conviction.

but behind the facade of happiness lies a family.

torn apart by alcohol and bad decisions of one man

they used to call dad.

ever loved someone so much that you would do anything

to take their place and bear the trial for them,

not that it would be easier for you,

but that you can't bear to see them suffer anymore?

that you could change the way you lived to make their life easier?

that you could pack up and move, just to be closer to them in their need?

that you could give anything to erase what's happened

and help them see a brighter future?

i have.