Every Time I Think of You

Every time I wake, I praise God!
For the dreaded phone call did not come during the night.

Every time I have placed a delicious morsel in my mouth...
I could not help but wonder if you had eaten.

Every time I felt the cold air dance upon my skin...
I prayed that you found shelter.

Every time I have spent money carelessly...
I later thought about your empty paper cup.

Every time I wanted to save you, like the many times before...
A small still voice said it is NOT your battle.

Every time I began to ask why...
God reminded me of our own free will. 

Every time I thought rock bottom had come...
I found your bottom to be much lower than I had imagined.

Every time I saw someone like you...
I had to look closer...as it might have been you.

Every time tears have fallen hard for missing you...
I wondered...do you miss me too?

Every time I realized that my prayers have STILL gone unanswered...
I began to pray once more.

Every time I have said, "It is not my battle nor a thorn in my side."
I know deep within... 
I have lied to myself once more.

Some of us are bonded in this life by one common factor. 
We love someone who is fighting addictions and have come to know the streets as their home.
No matter what anyone says, it is hard and there is no easy answer. 
I do believe these random thoughts have crossed the minds of many who continue to pray for their lost loved one. 
We sometimes have trouble knowing our boundaries and how to help someone who is in crisis.
Sadly... we have had to learn to let go the hard way!

There is no perfect answer!
Tough love is tough!
Letting go sucks!
Holding on sucks!
We are not in control!