What You Didn't Have To Be
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:25 am
For my Grandfather.
You never had to do it, yet it never crossed your mind
Your words of wisdom said strategically, your smiles sweet and kind.
You never saw the difference between Glen, myself, and Laura-Lee
We were all equal in your eyes; we were all your family
You never chastised the way I dressed or the sad songs I would sing
And I still wear on my hand our Japanese friendship ring
You taught me a lot of what you knew and yet still let me fly
You put band-aids on my cuts and scrapes and wiped the tears that I would cry
You never yelled or dished out trouble even when you were upset with me
I'll never be able thank you enough for being what you didn't have to be
You told me I danced like an angel, even when I fell
And that things always worked themselves out, "only time will tell"
You said for me to do my best and be the best person I could be
Because even when I wasn't watching, Laura looked up to me.
And now I sit beside myself, I close my eyes and I reflect
On all the times you didn't think of what to do or what came next
You did for us without second thought like what you've done for others
Actions and beliefs instilled by you will make me a better mother
Its sad you'll never see the outcome of what you've done for me
But it all began by you being what you didn't have to be
Even though it was your time and you couldn't stay and chat
Know what I've been taught will stick with me and I'll frequently look back
I'll think about the time you spent and the laughter that we shared
Knowing in my heart of hearts it was true you always cared
The only regret I have is you'll never know what it means to me
To have so many memories of you being what you didn't have to be
You never had to do it, yet it never crossed your mind
Your words of wisdom said strategically, your smiles sweet and kind.
You never saw the difference between Glen, myself, and Laura-Lee
We were all equal in your eyes; we were all your family
You never chastised the way I dressed or the sad songs I would sing
And I still wear on my hand our Japanese friendship ring
You taught me a lot of what you knew and yet still let me fly
You put band-aids on my cuts and scrapes and wiped the tears that I would cry
You never yelled or dished out trouble even when you were upset with me
I'll never be able thank you enough for being what you didn't have to be
You told me I danced like an angel, even when I fell
And that things always worked themselves out, "only time will tell"
You said for me to do my best and be the best person I could be
Because even when I wasn't watching, Laura looked up to me.
And now I sit beside myself, I close my eyes and I reflect
On all the times you didn't think of what to do or what came next
You did for us without second thought like what you've done for others
Actions and beliefs instilled by you will make me a better mother
Its sad you'll never see the outcome of what you've done for me
But it all began by you being what you didn't have to be
Even though it was your time and you couldn't stay and chat
Know what I've been taught will stick with me and I'll frequently look back
I'll think about the time you spent and the laughter that we shared
Knowing in my heart of hearts it was true you always cared
The only regret I have is you'll never know what it means to me
To have so many memories of you being what you didn't have to be