You let me be who I had to be,
Not just wild but fancy free.
We once spent summers without end,
Out in the country as special friends.
I've never been all meek and mild.
I know I was not an easy child.
But never a harsh word did I hear.
Instead you soothed my deepest fears.
In the sun we ran and played,
Until we laid down in the shade.
I always basked in your concern,
And my respect you quickly earned.
You taught me not to feel depressed,
Or mock myself or be obsessed.
Accepting things you cannot change,
This I taught you in exchange.
You never minded little things,
So our bond flourished and grew wings.
And when time came for you to go,
My love for you could only grow.