For every hill I've had to climb
For every stone that bruised my feet
For all the blood and sweat and grime
For blinding storms and burning heat

My heart sings but a grateful song....
These were the things that made me strong.
For all the heartaches and the tears
For all the anguish and the pain

For gloomy days and fruitless years
And for the hopes that lived in vain
I do give thanks for now I know
These were the things that helped me grow!

'Tis not the softer things of life
Which stimulate man's will to strive
But bleak adversity and strife
Do most to keep man's will alive

O'er rose-strewn paths the weaklings creep
But brave hearts dare to climb the steep.

~ Author Unknown ~