Nothing To Be Proud Of

I wonder just what I have to be proud of...

I have never cured a disease .

I have never made a million dollars.

I have never won a gold medal.

I have never led a victorious army.

I have never invented anything that changed the world.

But...

I held a baby in my arms. 

I held a broken man, too.

I wept with both.

I gave my time, money, spirit...

I forgave.

I put myself last.

I made dinner, 

beauty,

gardens,

music,

love.

I looked the other way.

I embraced change.

I learned more than I ever thought I was capable of learning.

I accepted.

I prayed.

I let my dreams die for yours.

I never let you see me cry as hard as I can.

I kept secrets so no one would be hurt.

I honored, 

respected,

encouraged,

you, 

him, 

her,

strangers.

I told a drunk, lonely man that he was loved.

I risked.

I tore myself apart trying to be a better human being.

What is it that I have to be proud of?