the first time i smiled i saw you
you taught me how

you taught me how to ride a bike
how to make a perfect tuna sandwich

you taught me how to joke around
and be completely serious.

you taught me that

you taught me how to love
and what it should look like

you taught me all the amazing things

you also taught me to cry

how to feel pain and sorrow

you weren't there to teach me and hold my hand
but your spirit remained

it remains to this day

learning new things with me

you still teach me, even after you're gone

you taught me how to smile through the pain
of you leaving

and you taught me the most important thing of all.

you told me you loved me

and that's all i needed.