If the river cried ain't that long

Today I heard from a dear friend, whose boyfriend trampled on her heart - he didn't today specifically, it just hurts more today, Valentine's. 

I won't ramble the details, because we all know stories just like it-- two people enter but only one of the two puts their heart forward, goes 100%. And then, like a knife in the heart, the weaker one walks away from promises once said, for no good reason, in fact for bad reasons. In this case, the boyfriend spiraled downwards, derailed, crashed and burned, by choice. Like he voluntarily dove head first into an empty swimming pool, as if believing it had water. I don't get it, but he did. I can vouch for the fact he'll never get anyone as gorgeous as she is, as generous with her affection, and as dedicated to him as she was. Valentine's for her was not a big hearted day. Her heart got trampled on. And it hurts like crazy.

For those like my friend, who have been burned by deceit-- belt it out, as did this young woman who knows the same pain, and in doing so, hit the heart of millions of viewers.  She took the pain and launched it. In this case, that American Idol's Randy got it right, "she blew it out of the box," and even Simon kissed her for this performance. Not to mention, hundreds and hundreds of thousands have seen this video of this every-day-someone, a single mom, bank teller, not only because LaKisha Jone's voice is a powerful and talented one, but I'm guessing they know exactly the pain that generates the power of this performance.

I should have seen it coming when the roses died
Should have seen the end of summer in your eyes
I should have listened when you said good night
You really meant good bye
Baby, ain't it funny, how you never ever learn to fall
You're really on your knees, when you think you're standing tall
But only fools are "know-it-alls" and I played that fool for you

I cried and I cried
There were nights that died for you baby
I tried and I tried to deny that your love drove me crazy, baby

If the love that I got for you is gone
If the river I cried ain't that long
Then I'm wrong, yeah I'm wrong, this ain't a love song

If the pain that I'm feeling so strong
Is the reason that I'm holding on
Then I'm wrong, yeah I'm wrong - this ain't a love song

(lyrics "This Ain't a Love Song" BON JOVI)

Only fools are "know it alls" - especially in love. But when it comes to life and love, even with all its sorrow, you gotta claim your heart, own it, fight for it. And even on a Valentine's Day that you'd prefer to boycott, instead of jumping into the empty swimming pool too, leave 'em there, walk away and claim life's worth -- all of it. Life's worth is worth it. Don't let the fools play a fool for you.