Juli Nielsen

You've had those feelings... you wish your life was done.
You're broken, defeated, and overcome.
Each day more challenging than the last.
Moments of weakness...emotions consistently masked.

There is sadness built up, stirring within,
Reflecting on where your life has been.
You feel alone... all you feel is pain.
Each moment a struggle masked by crying in the rain.

The storms of life will thunder, shoot lightning 'cross your face.
But get up, chin up, and win YOUR race.
You can take charge...refuse to feel defeat.
Just get up, walk out... first step's to move your feet.

Get out of the trench that you've dug for yourself.
Change what you are to improve your mental health.
There's no shame in admitting that life is harder than you can bear.
That's what friends are for...to show comfort and to care.

Don't take the world on all alone; the challenges are real.
Be willing to accept the help you need, friendship, and you'll heal.
Days will get easier; life will cease to be a strain...
Before you know it, you'll be DANCING in the rain.

You're the shell of the person I once knew.
When I talk, I know you can hear,
But I barely feel your spirit lingering near.

You've given up... at least part way.
I can't help but envision the words that you'd say
If you weren't the shell of a person I once knew.

You express your love for me, but that's just it.
You'd rather I come and quietly sit.
I wish you were more than the shell of a person I once knew.

I love you with all of my heart and soul.
Sometimes I feel like I'm losing control
Because it's hard to see the shell of a person I once knew.

My heart hurts because I know you're aching. 
Your body's there, but it's just the casing.
It's the shell of a person I once knew.

I don't want you to die; I'd be left here on earth,
But passing on brings peace and rebirth.
You'd be more than the shell of a person I once knew.

It's your choice in the end to fight or give up.
It's not our actions that define when or what...
Please be more than the shell of a person I once knew.

Release your spirit to Heavenly Father's grace.
Only then will you see his kind, smiling face.
No longer a shell of a person I once knew.

You'd be free from all the worldly limitations.
In heaven you'd be expressing exclamations,
Freed from the shell of a person I once knew.

You're not really the shell of a person I once knew;
You're my mother and I love you.
You're not a burden that I heavily have to bear;
You're strength, inspiration, and care.
You're kind and loving and all that I aspire to be.
It's selfish to want to keep you here close to me.

You get to choose how long you want to stay,
So I'll keep on coming every day.
I'll rub your feet and scratch your back,
Read you your line up and help you take a bath.

Mom, take your time, it's patience I'm learning.
I'm developing and my soul's constantly yearning.
Each lesson is coming... selflessness and humility.
You're who I want to be.