From my book, Walk A Little Slower.
Grab it on Amazon or a signed copy from my store.

You didn’t say anything.
You just sat there.
Next to me.
With me.
For me.

You didn’t try to make it better.
You didn’t begin to rationalize or minimize or socialize.
You just sat there.
Next to me.
With me.
For me.

And when I spoke, you listened.
You didn’t offer advice or attempt to say something nice.
You didn’t tell me how I was feeling or what I was needing.
You didn’t interrupt or disrupt.
You just sat there.
Next to me.
With me.
For me.

And when I got quiet, you didn’t try to fill the silence.
You didn’t.
It’s like you knew I didn’t need you to say anything.
You just sat there.
Next to me.
With me.
For me.

And I let you know when I was ready to get up and go.
And you came with.
Next to me.
With me.
For me.

With hope,

Tanner Olson

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.