Though we didn't always see eye to eye I always knew you cared

The encouragement to be myself is what you always shared.

Now you're gone and I am sad but at least I was prepared.

I hope you know I listened to all of your advice

And even though it was repeated, I didn't need to be told twice.

When you left I found myself trying to find something that i'd lost

and I knew I had to find it, no matter what the cost.

Despite your death I found the strength to find what was to be

And what I found when you were gone, surprisingly, was me.

Your words stick with me in my head like stories that you told,

Even though we'd laugh them off because you'd gotten old.

I never did forget a word that you had to say

And everything you taught me helped to shape who I am today.

I miss you every moment just like everybody else

But you left for me the greatest gift-

The will to find myself.