I dedicate this song to my step (friend) daughters,
Kalmi Rose, Reszi, Piper, and Suni Mae. When
their parents were divorced, we created the title
"friend mother" to help define my new relationship
with them. As their friend and stepmother, it is
truly an honor to tell part of their story in this song,
acknowledging the deep pain and loss children
experience in divorce and other life losses. It takes
courage and self-respect to tell our stories, allow-
ing our feelings to show and be expressed. Through
compassion and the willingness to share and be
truthful we become the entrusted, true friends we
are capable of being. Here we find hope and the
possibility of healing, knowing that our pain and our
wounds are a source of strength and wisdom, a
window to wholeness and joy.

CHORUS:
Everybody has a story
whether you're young or old
Everybody has a story
that's waiting to be told
Everyone needs a true friend
to listen and to care
So tell your own story,
a memory to share

Once there was a little girl
who really missed her dad
And when her parents got divorced,
she was angry, she was sad
Her mom and dad told her
that she was not to blame
And even though they live apart,
they will love her just the same
She was strong and she sang a song
about life and how it changes
Life changes, life changes

Once I knew a family
whose little brother died
And when you saw their faces,
you could tell how much they cried
They were strong and they sang a song about
love that lives forever
Forever and ever

Just like the rain
that falls from the sky
Just like your tears
that fall from your eyes
To help you feel
so your heart can heal
We are strong when we sing our song
Weaving our stories together, together, together

Everybody has a story
whether you're young or old
Everybody has a story
that's more precious than gold
Everyone needs a true friend
to listen and to care
So tell your own story,
a memory to share
So tell your true story,
a memory to share