Just as a post to all, We thought we would share a poem which we feel says alot about how we can help our loved one find their way. First step is to listen

‘LISTEN’

When I ask you to listen to me

And you start giving me advice,

You have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me

And you begin to tell me ‘why’ I shouldn’t feel that way,

You are trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me

And you feel you have to do something to

solve my problems,

You have failed me, strange as that may seem.

Listen! All I ask is that you listen;

Not talk, nor do – just hear me.

And I can do for myself – I’m not helpless

Maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless.

When you do something for me, that I can

and need to do for myself,

You contribute to my fear and weakness.

But when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel,

No matter how irrational

Then I quit trying to convince you

And can get about the business of understanding

What’s behind this irrational feeling.

When that’s clear,

The answers are obvious and I don’t need advice.

So please listen, and just hear me, and if you

want to talk,

Wait a minute for your turn,

And I’ll listen to you