perhaps you forgot

There are those

who lift you out of brokenness,

who stand beside you in your hardest days,

who listen to your struggles,

who quietly offer help—

spiritually,

mentally,

or by giving up what they themselves possess.

They never tell anyone.

Sometimes,

you never even know

they were the reason

you made it through.

And when you find your footing again,

some become lifelong friends.

Some continue walking the journey with you.

Yet others slowly drift away.

Not because they care less.

Not because of something you did.

Life simply carries them elsewhere.

They grow silent.

You seldom think of them anymore,

and perhaps

you never truly thanked them.

That's life.

But maybe—

just maybe—

we should remember them more often.

For some of the greatest kindnesses

are the ones that leave

without asking to be remembered.